The email came late on Saturday night. I was more than a little groggy when I read, “…we invite you to join President Biden in a photoline on December 6th.”
What?
Was I dreaming? Was this fraud? What is a photoline? Why me?
As I sorted through the details, I was elated to find out that I was going to meet the President of the United States. Me! A social work trained nonprofit CEO from Arizona! What should I tell him? What would he say to me? Who else would be there? Would I mention how helpful the American Rescue Plan Act was for working families in our community?
When I arrived at the event — they were announcing the largest foreign direct investment in Arizona in history! — I made my way quickly through the security. A very helpful secret service agent routed me to the event after I backtracked a bit. It was easy to get lost between the new construction, security, and the people. I stood in awe. I was attending along with very professional-looking men and women in dark suits. They were there to hear from CEOs of large tech companies, including Tim Cook (the CEO of Apple) among many others. And, of course, everyone wanted to hear the President.
I took my seat. I was behind – no kidding – 4 Congressmen, a US Senator, the Governor of Arizona, and the Governor Elect, nestled between the President of the Navajo Nation and the President of Arizona State University. Little old me! I was beginning to feel out of place. But I quickly found my footing and had a quick discussion with Congressman O’Halleran about his staff’s recent visit to a local Friends of the Farm grower.
And then the President took the stage.
He talked about the importance of this investment in Arizona. He talked about what this would mean for America’s future in manufacturing and production of critical technology. And he talked about what this would mean for jobs for Arizonans. An individual working at this facility would be able to put food on the table for their families and would also learn critical skills.
What a WIN-WIN for both business and employees!
After President Biden concluded his comments, we were whisked away for the infamous photoline. I nervously chatted and prepared what I was going to say in my few seconds with him. As my name was announced, the President warmly greeted me with, “Angie!” He thanked me for the work of the food banks, and told me his daughter was a social worker.
He told me I was going to change the world. And I believe him. Then I reminded him a Farm Bill with strong SNAP support would be critical! Our advocacy for funding for our nation’s largest food and agriculture programs gives us all a chance to change the world and improve the lives of people in our communities.
As I scurried back to my car, still in a bit of shock, I reflected on what just happened. I thought about what more I could have said, how I could have used the time more wisely. And then I thought about what the President said, that social workers were going to change the world.
This social worker intends to.
I’m going to make the world more inclusive and kinder to those who feel like outsiders. I’m going to continue helping those that struggle financially to find firmer footing, empower their stories and voices in our advocacy work, and do more to get results for them. I’m joining with others to connect resources to communities that have been intentionally abandoned.
What a wonderful way to end the year. The world can change, and I can be a small part of that. I hope you can, too – social worker or not!
Happy New Year!
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