Serving Her Community and Country
Walla Walla 4-H’er Thrives Helping Constituents
By Betsy Fradd,
Washington State University Extension 4-H
Staying on top of current events is like breathing to Amanda Fleming. It’s something she does automatically, but with purpose, and it gives her a sense of meaningful involvement. Growing up in Walla Walla, Amanda, 19, was constantly surrounded by her parent’s political discussions and, in elementary school, watched television news to stay informed. “Keeping up with local issues seemed like the responsible thing to do,” said Amanda.
A trip to Washington D.C. in the spring of 2009 brought a sense of patriotism and involvement that sparked her political passion. “When I saw all the legislative buildings I was like a kid in a candy shop. I knew I had to live here and serve my country in a congressional office,” said Amanda who graduated from high school that year and also earned her A.A. from Walla Walla Community College at the same time.
She applied and received a summer internship locally in the office of 5th District Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Working with constituents and learning more about issues relevant to Walla Walla residents fueled her drive to experience the political process in D.C. A three month internship in McMorris Rodgers’ office in the nation’s capital optimized her exposure to the inner-workings of congress. “I’m extremely intrigued by the legislative process,” said Amanda. “Watching a bill go through committee to the two chambers is great. I could watch CSPAN for hours.”
In D.C. Amanda worked with legislative aides on constituent issues. Answering emails, phone calls, and meeting with others on Capitol Hill provided insight into how to accomplish tasks to benefit people in her district.
Amanda credits much of her interest in politics to 4-H. During her time in the Dry Creek 4-H Club she held several leadership positions and for two years was a County Ambassador. State 4-H Know Your Government conferences in Olympia provided more opportunities for involvement and exposure to legislative issues, lawmakers, and how to influence policy. “Know Your Government helped me learn the basics of our government and put into perspective how I could create positive change,” said Amanda.
Today, Amanda works full time in the Walla Walla office of Representative McMorris Rodgers. “I love my job,” said Amanda. “People want to be heard and I’m a conduit between them and the Congresswoman.” In addition to meeting with local residents and dealing with their concerns Amanda is now learning immigration case work.
Is a political run in her future? She’s keeping her options open but knows she wants to stay local. “I’d like to continue working in the district office for a couple years and then see what’s next,” said Amanda. “I know I want to always make a difference in my community.”
Posted August 2010
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