The staff of Senator Genevieve Whitaker attended the NCSL Staff Hub ATL 2022 conference from October 10-13, 2022. Along with other legislative staff members from other states, Senator Whitaker’s staff was able to overview numerous sessions that discussed intricate details that will aim to improve our craft as well as being better legislative staffers. The topics covered how to appropriately address constituent matters, formulating research for bills and improving media presence, productivity in the office, and more.
The staff was able to witness how things get done and at times it may become a difficult process. During the conference, it was learned that it’s important to know why you're doing the job that you’re doing, find out what is important to you, and figure out what legacy you want to leave and the principles you want others to follow. Once you're able to address those items, it may become easier to navigate through the business of the legislature. As for constituent matters, Senator Whitaker has obtained many constituents on a consistent basis. When dealing with a constituent, it’s important to understand the needs of the caller and provide the best suitable information to get the job done in a proper, timely manner. In order to ensure that all the constituents are helped, the staff are encouraged to generate the information in one place.
During one of their luncheons at the Historical Railroad Depot, the staff got the opportunity to hear guest speaker Olympic Bobsledder Elana Meyers. Ms. Meyer’s story of how she became a bobsledder from Florida was amazing, she discussed the trials and tribulations of getting women recognized in the field of bobsledding, which many felt was inspiring. The NCSL Staff Hub ATL 2022 conference was a momentous occasion. The staff left with a better understanding of how the legislature works and what it takes to be successful in this business. As new Legislative staffers working for Senator Genevieve Whitaker, it is a great feeling to have had the opportunity to travel and meet other staffers from around the world that share the same enthusiasm to make a difference in their community. Senator Whitaker encourages her colleagues to send their staff to indulge in what this conference has to offer next year.
Follow Senator Whitaker via Social Media:
Facebook: @VISenatorWhitaker
Twitter: @SenatorWhitaker
Instagram: @SenatorGenevieveWhitaker
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