Our Goal: Peace
By Lena Garrettson on 09/21/2011 @ 12:45 PM
After a few weeks on Capitol Hill, I am developing a sense of what it means to be in Washington, D.C.
It is exciting to be on "the Hill" where decisions are made that can have such a large effect.
This is where so many movers and shakers come to make a difference. Everyone is passionately busy in D.C. and constantly pushing their issue and cause. It is invigorating and inspiring - And I am a part of it!
FCNL is conveniently located across the street from the Senate office buildings and just around the corner of the Capitol. Here we are, at the heart of D.C., to lobby for a more peaceful and just world.
By now, I've grown accustomed to seeing beautifully suited women wearing big government ID tags and sneakers on their way to work. Once they reach their office they'll switch into dress shoes and stride towards their next goal. Everyone in D.C., it seems, has a goal.
Some walk alone; others in an alliance.
Our goal is peace. And FCNL is not alone in its work.
In my first few weeks on the job, I have been to briefings, discussions, receptions, lobby visits, and social events organized and attended by people that come together for peace.
Earlier this week, FCNL joined the Student Peace Alliance in co-sponsoring an ice cream social to celebrate International Day of Peace. When the doors opened, Congressional staff poured in to wait for their free scoop of ice cream. Speakers and volunteers had come to make sure that while in line, the staff learned more about critical peacebuilding tools that FCNL supports: the Complex Crisis Fund and the U.S. Institute of Peace.
All this has been a fabulous introduction to being on the Hill.
I am very excited to work with FCNL’s Peaceful Prevention of Deadly Conflict program this year, and look forward to keeping you posted on future events, stories and thoughts!
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