Written by Denise Miller, Firesteel Advocacy Manager

This is my last day at Firesteel. After four years with this amazing program, it’s time for me to move on to other advocacy work, starting with a video project for a women’s empowerment organization in Jodhpur, India.

Wherever I may be, I will take action to support Firesteel’s state legislative agenda! I hope you will also join Firesteel in advocating for policies that will build stable homes and promote economic advancement; improve health and end violence against women; and increase racial equity and social justice for all people. You can read about these policies, learn how they affect women and families, and ask your lawmakers to support them all in one place on Firesteel’s Policy Priorities page.

The time is right to advocate: the state legislative session began this week, and our lawmakers are already starting to make important decisions about budgets and policies. In light of the national political climate, it’s now as important as ever that we all get vocal about issues that matter to us both locally and nationwide.

My time at Firesteel has proved to me that speaking up makes a difference. Sahro Farah and her neighbors’ courage in standing up to their slumlord led to new citywide tenant protections. My YWCA colleague Betty Jimerson’s testimony about her family’s experience with homelessness educated lawmakers who passed the Homeless Student Stability Act. And advocates like you contacting your lawmakers rescued an important source of funding for programs that help end homelessness.

Thank you, wonderful Firesteel community, for your passion, your feedback, your stories, and your advocacy. I’ve learned so much from you, and I don’t want to lose touch! How about we keep talking on Twitter? My personal account is @denisermiller.

I know that the person who takes the reins next at Firesteel (within a few weeks, I hope!) will continue amplifying voices that too often go unheard, and making policy advocacy accessible to all of us. And I know we advocates will keep lifting each other up, sharing our stories, taking action, and encouraging everyone we know to do the same. Onward!