SACRAMENTO LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Sacramento, February 20-23, 2018
During
my
time participating
in the Sacramento
Leadership
Experience
I,
along with 74
other seniors from
across California,
were able to
gain a unique
perspective
on
the process that is
by Adam Solis
taken to debate,
Fresno FFA Chapter
amend, and pass
a bill. During this experience as a group, we had
the privilege to be sworn in by Senator Galgiani and
Assemblymember Caballero. The trip alone was a
memorable experience, but the locations we visited
during our time in Sacramento were places that I had
never been before and by doing so for the first time
while on this trip I’m now able to hold a meaningful
and thoughtful memory to the time I spent visiting the
Capitol Building, sitting on the Senate floor and mock
lobbying with Senators to help pass proposed bills that
our constituents were in favor of. But this trip wouldn’t
be possible without the supportive and encouraging
guidance from our Legislative Counselors Vasquez, Van
Noy, Ford and Autry along with Governor Garret. This
experience allowed me to understand the complexity
supporters of agriculture must face to advocate for an
industry that supports all of us.
Sacramento Leadership Experience:
A Transformative Four Days
The Sacramento Leadership Experience
was an extraordinary opportunity for all who
attended. Spending a week acting as a California
legislature allowed participants to understand
the inner workings of our state government.
Those who attended SLE began their experience
by getting to know their fellow Senators and
Assembly members as well as getting the chance
to explore our state capitol. Going into SLE, FFA
by Amber Zarevich
seniors were assigned a bill, which the week
Manteca-Sierra FFA Chapter
would begin its focus, and by day two, these
legislators began in-depth research of their bill. With breaks devoted to lobbying for
our bills, participants had the opportunity to consult their personal Assembly member
and Senator on their cause as well as learn how we should proceed when going
into debates on our bills. On the evening of day three, SLE members were allowed to
enter the committee rooms within the Capital Building to debate on our bills prior to
the House sessions. Our final day of SLE was devoted to full debate within the actual
House chambers. Having met important people in our government and the agriculture
industry at the social meals throughout the four days, each participant proudly walked
away with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
California FFANEWS • PAGE 3 • Summer 2018