Links Day at the Capitol

On May 8, 2017, Links members across the State of Louisiana visited the Capitol in Baton Rouge to present our policy agendas to elected representatives and work with them to integrate these issues into the state’s legislative priorities. Thank you to New Orleans (LA) Chapter members Ernestine Gray and Tracey Flemings-Davillier for your hard work.

Links Day at the Capitol (LDAC) is an advocacy project of the Southern Area of the Links, Incorporated.  Annually, on one day during the spring legislative session, Links members visit each of the seven state Capitols located in the Southern Area. Links Day at the Capitol presents a unique opportunity for members of our 79 chapters located in the Southern Area, working through their state LDAC committees, to bring to the attention of state legislators and other state public officials the legislative and public policy issues of critical importance to the Southern Area and to our national organization.

The legislative policy agenda of the Southern Area aligns with strategic policy goals of The Links, Incorporated of working to eliminate the structural and systemic barriers that prevent full access to educational opportunities and health care for the communities we serve. Southern Area chapters are engaged in transformational programming that address a broad range of these strategic priorities including disparities in access to health care, childhood obesity, STEM education, mentoring, anti-bullying initiatives and civic education.

It is exciting to note that Link members serve in several of our state Legislatures and they are happy to work with our LDAC teams in establishing our legislative schedules, “demystifying” the legislative process and building relationships with key members of the leadership, policy committees and in general making our visits extremely productive.

Through Links Day at the Capitol the Southern Area extends and expands influence in creating relevant, effective public policy.