This winter, I am an intern with Senator Sherrod Brown in the Cleveland office. Within my first week, I have learned that our Senator does more than I originally thought. Many people think you should only contact your elected officials when you have something to complain about. Although it is good to inform your officials of your opinions, you can also call their offices and ask any other questions you may have. There are staffers in the office who are willing to assist you in the best way they can.
1. Constituent coffee
Senator Sherrod Brown meeting with a constituent.
Constituent Coffee is a way for citizens to communicate with their Senator face-to-face. When the Senate is in session, there will be a designated day every week when constituents can come in and meet with their Senator.
2. Individualized casework
In each office, there are caseworkers for many types of cases. They are there to help constituents with any problem they may have on the federal level and will direct you in the right direction if it falls out of their jurisdiction.
3. Visiting local places and events
Senator Brown at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
The Senator has a very busy schedule, but he makes sure to attend as many events as possible. He makes trips all across the state and communicates with constituents from many different backgrounds, ensuring that he knows the different places Ohioans come from.
4. Giving out awards
An interesting thing you might not have known was that the Senator sends out awards and certificates for many different groups. These groups include Boy Scouts and students accepted into military academies such as West Point.
5. Summer manufacturing camp
Every summer, Senator Brown holds the Manufacturing Camp designated to fourth-through-eight-grade students. This camp allows students to look into the manufacturing field and gives them exposure to this field of work.
6. My Brothers Keeper
Senator Brown announcing the launch of My Brothers Keeper.
My Brothers Keeper is an initiative started by President Barack Obama which addresses the opportunity gap facing young men of color. Senator Brown launched the program into a statewide coalition.
7. Propel Ohio
Propel Ohio is a collegiate leadership summit that occurs in the fall semester every year. This event provides students the opportunity to network with other students and to learn more about how to help the state of Ohio. (BGSU sent a group of students this fall, including me).
