Bottom line from my first Hill visit: This is a marathon, not a sprint. Our civic engagement can't be cyclical or reactive. The most effective #advocates are persistent, specific in their asks, and refuse to become discouraged. Si se puede ✊🏽

We have more power than we think. Several staffers confirmed that volume of constituent contact DOES influence positions. When phones ring constantly and inboxes flood, it creates urgency. Don't underestimate your voice - it's how #democracy functions.

The most important takeaway: Change requires sustained pressure at ALL levels. Your calls, emails, and social media #activism matter more than you realize. Don't just focus on DC - local and state officials need to hear from you too.

#Republicans seem disconnected from the long-term implications of current policies. There's a focus on short-term wins without considering downstream effects on institutions, norms, and everyday Americans' lives.

What's surprising is how fear is affecting both sides of the aisle. Standing up to Trump/Musk comes with real political and sometimes personal consequences that many aren't prepared to face. This paralysis is visible even in private conversations.

There's a palpable frustration with #Democratic
leadership. Many feel there's no cohesive strategy or clear messaging to counter the new administration's agenda. Organizers are stepping up, but they need elected officials to provide a unified front.