During my time with the Safe Routes Partnership, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in both the legislative and advocacy work that drives our mission forward. I began by familiarizing myself with key bills, such as the Langenkamp Bill and the Safe Routes to School Coordinator Bill, which are currently being considered in both the House and Senate.
Understanding these bills has been a crucial foundation, as it enables me to contribute effectively to our advocacy on Capitol Hill. Part of my role involves scheduling meetings with congressional offices based on priority and preparing materials that will make our visits more impactful. This includes printing one-pagers, copies of bill text, and other handouts that help guide conversations with staffers and members. I frequently accompany Marisa on the Hill to meet with offices and seek out cosponsors for our legislation. These experiences have been especially fulfilling, as I’ve been able to learn the inner workings of Capitol Hill and build connections with staffers.
Outside of Hill visits, I support our efforts by updating the Transportation Alternatives Program database. This database provides critical quantitative data on projects within specific states or districts, including the amount of funding allocated and the types of projects supported. Having this information readily available strengthens our advocacy, allowing us to present Hill offices with localized data that directly relates to their constituents. What I appreciate most about this work is how all these tasks connect to the broader mission of the Safe Routes Partnership: keeping children safe as they walk or roll to and from school.
Every meeting I schedule, every handout I print, and every piece of data I collect plays a crucial role. Without these office visits, we wouldn’t secure the cosponsors needed to move bills forward, nor could we raise awareness about the gaps in transportation infrastructure that affect children’s safety. The conversations we have with district and state leaders are often eye-opening, as they remind me that, regardless of political affiliation, there is a shared commitment to protecting children.
Yoselyn Owolabi (she/her)
Federal Policy Intern