The Idaho Division of the AHA / ASA hosted their 7th Annual Youth Lobby Day, on Friday, February 3rd, 2017.
hero_image_alt_text===Advocate Group photo from lobby day
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thumbnail_alt_text===Advocate Group photo from lobby day
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The Idaho Division of the AHA / ASA hosted their 7th Annual Youth Lobby Day, on Friday, February 3rd, 2017. It was a great day with our Safe Routes to School partners from the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, YMCA, Blue Cross Foundation,GoNoodle (a program for teachers that makes it easy and fun to get kids active throughout the day), and several others represented by our Safe Routes Task Force and supporting organizations.
Members from our Board of Directors and many of our fantastic volunteers came to assist the students in their legislative meetings, and join in the conversations during our breakfast reception. Legislators and volunteers even joined in the GoNoodle activities with teachers and students from local first grade classes.
Walking meetings were encouraged, and our AHA advocates were seen around the Capitol advocating for greater access to physical activity opportunities.
As we move forward with draft legislation for Safe Routes to School (SRTS), we had 25 high school students who had spent time learning about the issue and how to be professional advocates to meet with Legislators on behalf of the AHA to discuss SRTS.
Despite the challenges the weather has presented during the 2017 Legislative Session, student advocates were able to meet with over 30 Legislators, sit in on committee hearings, and be recognized on the House and Senate Floors. One group was even given a private tour of the Statehouse!
We incorporated into the day a proclamation from the Governor that was issued earlier in the week, making February Idaho Heart Month, and February 3, 2017, Idaho Wear Red Day. Most Legislators were already in red, but for those who weren’t, we provided Red Dress pins and other materials to help them support awareness for heart health.
The students had a great day, and made a significant impact on Legislators, providing them information, education, and the youth perspective. It was another fun, informative day at the Capitol, building support for Safe Routes to School and AHA/ASA efforts to improve health for all Idahoans!
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