Eta Sigma Gamma’s conference Leadership: Advocacy & Organizing was well attended.  Our presenters Rep. Kathleen Chandler, Rev. Tony Minor, and Mimi Melles of Advocates For Youth left a lasting impact on the over 40 conference participants.  The President of Kent State University, Lestor Lefton, also stopped in to observe the conference.

            The following day over 20 students traveled to Columbus to advocate for HB 81, mandating the HPV vaccine, and SB 179, comprehensive sexuality education.  Rev. Minor’s message of strength through passion was visible amongst the advocates.  Participants crafted their personal stories of how the legislation personally affected them.  Rep. Chandler was correct when she said one advocate represents hundreds of voices.

            An informal exit survey revealed that students made progress on the legislation, including one Senator promising to make copies of our leave behind packet to distribute to every member of the Heath, Human Services, and Aging committee.  Students experienced success while stressing the economics of preventative care, the emotional toll of cervical cancer, and how the legislation will affect their community.  

            Participants are immediately continuing their advocacy through thank you letters.  Participants now have the skills and experience to advocate for all the issues they feel strongly about.