Photo: Anchorage, AK from above, psbphotography
With the first week over and done with, so is orientation! An absolute whirlwind of information to absorb. Everyday a new area of legislative work is explained and shared, from understanding how to work with legal services all the way to food services at the capital, so many behind the scene resources provide assistance as the new staff prepare for 2021's session. From my exposure I think my two big takeaways were: firstly, how many legislative/governmental resources are available not only to staff but gernal members of the public, second, how important collaboration and teamwork in producing bills and policies.
Focusing on resources, coming as a first year to working in legislation I was vastly unaware of the many publicly accessible help and materials available to "everyday individuals". Free services such as the Office of Victims Rights (OVR) provide free legal counsel and representation, other services can be found additionally on State of Alaska official website.
Understanding how departments work together to create, edit, alter, and finalize legislation is inherently a teamwork of a process. A misconception I had going into this fellowship was that the representative I would work under is producing and bringing to the house floor was a singular office event, contrary to this idea multiple facets act to shape how legislation is truly developed; from committee meetings, research services, legal services every piece of legislation is a collaborative efforts labored over by countless dedicated departments and individuals. I'm excited to help in this process!
Lastly, Covid impacts. This years session has once again been impacted by the current Covid-19 outbreak, in efforts to protect staff I along with others are working remotely until the Covid vaccine is readily available, this means that for the time being I will be communicating with Juneau via online methods. Having never worked strictly online before this will be an additional learning curve as we learn to work together virtually. With any luck we will be able to meet in person by the end of session, until then I embrace the convenience of working from home! Until next week, stay healthy!
Quyana,
Pakak Sophie