A year ago, if you had told me I would be preparing to meet with policymakers and advocate for the Campus Lifeline Act on Capitol Hill, I would never have believed you.
As Active Minds’ first Hill Day approaches, I’ve found myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here. What started as an interest in mental health has grown into a passion and purpose through countless conversations, experiences, and connections. While I’ve been checking items off my packing list and reviewing my advocacy pitch, most of my preparation has been spent thinking about the people and stories that have made this work so meaningful.
This year, I’m especially excited for Hill Day. For many attendees (including myself), speaking with policymakers and sharing their lived experiences can feel intimidating. As I prepare, though, I’ve been reminding myself that the most powerful thing I can bring into those conversations isn’t a perfectly memorized script; it’s the experiences and stories that have shaped my passion for mental health advocacy.
One of my favorite parts of Active Minds is the opportunity to learn from others. Every year, I meet students and young adults from different backgrounds who are all working toward the same goal: creating communities where people feel comfortable talking about mental health and seeking support when they need it. I always leave inspired by their creativity, compassion, and commitment to making change.
If you’re attending this year, my biggest piece of advice is to come with an open mind. Introduce yourself to someone new! Share your experiences when you’re comfortable, and take time to listen to others. Some of the most meaningful moments won’t happen during a keynote or panel. They will happen in conversations with your peers and fellow advocates.
As the conference approaches, I’m feeling equal parts excited, grateful, and inspired. I’m looking forward to learning, connecting, and advocating alongside so many passionate young people.
And because no conference blog would be complete without a packing list, here are a few Hill Day essentials I’ll be bringing with me:
- Business casual/business professional outfit
- Comfortable shoes
- Fully charged phone
- A notebook and pen
- Reusable water bottle
- Bag/tote
- Snacks
- Personal medications
- Portable charger
- Advocacy pitch and talking points
See you in D.C.!
