The Future of Policy with LI Voices

Thursday marked one of the most anticipated days of the Advanced Law and Justice Reform Internship as interns took their advocacy beyond the classroom and onto Capitol Hill. Armed with the knowledge and skills they had developed throughout the week, interns met with congressional offices to advocate for meaningful criminal justice reform.

Throughout the day, interns met with 25+ congressional offices representing 14 different states. During each meeting, they presented the legislative one-pagers they had spent the week researching, writing, and refining. Interns discussed the importance of justice reform, shared policy recommendations, and engaged in thoughtful conversations with staffers and representatives about the impact proposed legislation could have on communities across the country. The experience gave participants a firsthand look at the legislative process while demonstrating how informed citizens can influence public policy through respectful and effective advocacy.

In addition to their congressional meetings, interns explored some of Washington, D.C.'s most iconic institutions. They attended educational lectures at the Supreme Court, where they learned more about the nation's highest judicial body and its role in interpreting the Constitution. They also visited the Library of Congress, gaining a deeper appreciation for the history, knowledge, and democratic traditions preserved within one of the world's largest libraries.

By the end of the day, interns had experienced every branch of the federal government in action,  from advocating before the legislative branch to learning about the judicial branch while exploring the institutions that preserve our nation's history. It was a fitting first culmination of a week dedicated to justice, leadership, and the power of informed advocacy.