sjsmember Archive
My experience graduating from the University of Michigan in 2010 made me realize the importance of representation. The lack of diversity at my university pushed me to go into education. I wanted to be a familiar face to other students …
Before I even started my legislative internship, the 87th legislative session was foreseen as a challenge, due to balancing the fulfillment of the democratic process while adhering to COVID-19 precautions. I spent the early weeks of my internship preparing by meeting with a myriad of groups remotely, reading prior analyses of bills, as well as watching …
We have been repeatedly told that this experience interning at the Texas Capitol will be fast paced, to say the least. We will be stressed out and overworked in ways that few people can understand. We have made individual self-care …
During my graduate studies, I’ve been confronted time and again with the perennial question, what is it you study? To dispense always, in tailored anticipation, political social work: i.e., “politics with a heart.” But what does that mean, exactly? Politics, …
As an eternal optimist, I believe people from different backgrounds and beliefs not only can work together, but this is how true progress happens and a better world is built. It became harder for me to keep this mindset during …
As an individual focused on drug policy and the justice-system in a highly conservative state, I thought rhetoric would not surprise me, but I was wrong. I have surrounded myself with social workers, harm reductionists, and like-minded advocates for almost …
Earlier this week, the Texas Legislature kicked off its 87th Regular Session, as 14 University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) students kicked off their immersive legislative internships as part of the GCSW’s Austin Legislative Internship Program. For the first time in the …
Call for Papers Financial Capability and Asset Building: Achievements, Challenges, and Next Steps (2020–2025) The 2020 Financial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB) Convening Financial matters have become increasingly complex and pervasive in daily life. Income …
As the 86th Texas Legislative Session has come to a close, I have found myself reflecting more and more on all of the hard work that is done over the course of 140 days. The fact that two years of …
It is my understanding that I am writing one of the final blog posts for the session for the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work Austin Legislative Internship Program Blog Series for the 86th Texas Legislative Session. This is unfortunate for you, …