Steph Whitaker has been with NCH for the past 5 months as the Bill Emerson Hunger Fellow. Her time here has been invaluable, taking the lead to pull together our Criminalization and Hate Crimes reports.
Below she reflects on her time in Washington…
As my time wraps up here at NCH, I realize that I’ve encountered many unique experiences. I’m not entirely sure where 3 out of my 5 months went… but I imagine that means they were well spent.
Top 5 things I’ll miss about NCH:
5. Speaking engagements with the Speakers Bureau: it’s really great to witness the “ah-ha” moment of others when they finally realize that homeless people are not just a stereotype. An added bonus is that its fun to get to know the speakers and their quirks.
4. Laid back atmosphere and entertaining co-workers: it’s easy to focus on your work when you don’t have to worry about office politics and whether or not your belt is accurately coordinated with your shoes… or in my case if your earrings are too big and loud. It always helps to have friendly banter and people you know you can go to for help when things get confusing. They also make great company for #3.
3. POTLUCKS! Must I really elaborate? These are the best goodbye anyone could get, going out with a party and pasta salad is far more exciting than a handshake and a fancy dinner.
2. Civil Rights: Working on the Criminalization Report (documenting all cases that make it illegal to be homeless) and the Hate Crimes Report (violent acts committed against homeless people for no logical reason) have really given me insight into the problems faced by homeless people every day.
1. Advocacy WITH homeless people: I think many social movements have a tendency to forget who they advocate for. When you lose track of the who, its easier to forget why, and even how to help. Its so much better with the words and advice from individuals who are or have experienced a problem.
Just as a wrap up, I plan to return to my home in Kentucky and hope to use my skills and experiences to educate others and advocate for change. My current plan of action is to return to school in the spring to work towards getting a M.A. in Public Health.
