(in many ways)
I guess I didn’t remember how many steps there were, it really doesn’t look like that many, from Charlotte Avenue to the Tennessee State Capitol building. But my old legs reminded me that I ain’t quite as young as I think and choosing the cheapest parking does at times come with other costs.
I would still recommend those who can find the time to make that journey. It is an impressive building filled with history and is the portal for so many changes (good and bad). The business conducted in those halls has such an impact on our daily lives, and to be honest, I really had very little idea how it worked though I was taught a lot of Tennessee history back in school…waaaayy back in school.
Anyway, I got a bit distracted (maybe still trying to catch my breath from those steps??).
I went today because I had never been inside the Capitol.
But also to participate in an education session at the Cordell Hull building led by the East Nashtivists, a Tennessee activist/advocacy group based in Nashville, along with members of PPTNM/TN Advocates for Planned Parenthood. I had found an invite to the public on Twitter…X, and decided to learn what these organizations were about, and how it all works.
It began with several minutes of conversation with some great people sitting around me in the back, who welcomed me and gave me great insight – I suck at names…sorry but thanks for teaching me on the back row – before Macy Fluharty and Julie Edwards went through a webinar that explained the basics.
They had prepared information to let us know who they are as activists/advocates and the how, where, when, and many why’s about the political processes in our state’s passing of legislature. It was about an hour session that left me with a solid base to know how to participate in the process as a Tennessean, and steps that I could take to make my voice heard on issues that concern me and my family. In addition, it was explained that if we need help, to reach out to them.
There was a question/answer session from many who have been active for years that included legislators Aftyn Behn, Heidi Campbell and Torrey Harris. A rewarding session where they shared their upcoming bills, personal interests, insights; this included help with what to do, what not to do when working with those elected. It was equally educational and illuminating, leaving this ole dude with hope that some in the state do really care about us as people.
The event was a very open and honest forum with people willing to teach you from experience how you/they can help without any pressure to become an activist or advocate. It did expose me to what work is happening in the Nashville area on issues that affect us all, and opened the door to participate when I choose to do so.
Now I am not here to repeat what they passed to me; I am not qualified. Nor am I here to tell you what your politics should be, tell you what they believe, or what you should believe – would appreciate the same – but I will suggest that if you are interested in knowing more, becoming more active in the state governing processes, or need an advocate for an issue that you are passionate about…reach out to them. Find a time when (maybe??) they do more of these events and meet them.
This group can teach you the physical steps through the Cordell Hull building, the steps a bill follows from paper to the committees to the house floor; and where it all occurs. The steps are as long as the hike to the building, and often more difficult.
And it was definitely worth a day on the hill.
Thanks to Becca Dryden for the tour and everyone who answered questions and shared information with me.
It was a good day.
Topwater Moon 