#3 What I Learned: Networking is Key

Before I came out to DC, networking was not my best skill. I tend to be slightly introverted, so I knew I had to push myself. As soon as we flew into the city, we were told to make business cards for networking purposes. Reluctantly, I went to the FedEx website and entered in my information. Of course, the next brutal step was picking out the design and color. What would people think if I went with a classic style card? Too boring or just classy? I guess that bright florescent green floral design is out of the question (but it is fun)!

Once the cards were made, I was ready to network. Networking ended up not being the difficult task I though it was. Most people wanted to know the basics; where I was from and how my experience was going. Being from the midwest, growing up on the reservation and a recent college graduate, I was able to discuss a number of issues. It does take a lot of effort to work a large group of people.From a leadership workshop at Minnesota State University Student Association, I discovered I was introverted and shed some light on this personality character. Yes, I was introverted, but all that means is that I thrive in close knit conversations.  I enjoyed networking when the setting was smaller and more intimate.

With John McCain at the Udall Reception, he asked about the Sturgis Rally!

Networking is a vital aspect in DC. Employment is almost dependent on it. When applying for a job, it is a boost if you know someone in the office. Every time I collected a business card, I would send a quick email to that person thanking them for their time at the reception. This helped them remember who I was and what organization I was with.

In the end, networking isn't that bad!

Pictures!

Team Udall 2011 with Udall Foundation Chairman Terry Bracy

We just completed our Udall Foundation Project Presentation. Time for a photo opt in Senate Hart Building

Photo Opt!

Team Udall 2011. The best group of Native individuals I know!

#2 What I learned: There are Upper Midwesterners here!

Another fun surprise was that I meet tons of people from my home region. It may come as a surprise, but most people working in the state offices are actually from that state! It was great being able to say hello and chat about South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. It was also great being able to say the word "bag" with a long "a" without getting some raised eyebrows! I never thought I had a Minnesota/rez accent until I got here. Apparently it was so bad that even the check-out clerks at stores would point it out! Oh well!

When I was boarding the plane from Fargo, ND, I was sad to leave my small community and join the big world of Dc. It turned out that DC is a small tight knit community of people. I thought I would be far from home, but there are so many friendly faces here. Networking is much easy because of this. You can easily walk into a room and find someone with a connection to your home state. 

Also, I little bird told me that there is a Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni floating around here somewhere! GO DRAGONS!

Heath in the Capital Building with South Dakota statue Joseph Ward

#1 What I learned: There are Natives in DC!!

Hello everyone! This set of postings is to describe the learning experience that I had as an intern in Washington DC. As I was a student at Minnesota State University Moorhead, I was involved with many Native American issues on and off campus. Going to DC, I was unsure what type of Native American organizations were on Capital Hill.I soon found that there are numerous organizations serving Indian Country!

The Udall Foundation organized many enrichment activities to meet Native American organizations and political leaders on the Hill. We were able to meet the White House Senior Policy Advisor Kimberly Teehee, White House Office of Public Engagement Associate Director Charlie Galbraith, Office of Tribal Justice in the Department of Justice, the Navajo Nation Washington Office, Native Nations Institute, National Congress of American Indians, and Department of Interior Assistant Secretary Larry Echohawk,

Standing with my tribe's flag at the Department of Justice Office of Tribal Justice

In meeting with each of these groups and individuals, we were given the opportunity to ask questions. The knowledge that each of gained was valuable insofar that we were able to apply to our current positions on Capital Hill. Each meeting also revealed current and hot button issues surrounding Indian Country.