Here I Grow Again: Democracy in Action

The DCA's DC contingent for EWA Hill Day. That's me in the middle

If you’ve read my earlier stories for this blog, you know about the journey I’ve made from “the mouse in the corner” to “the lion that roared.” Well, last week I was reminded of why that journey mattered when a legislative staffer in Washington, D.C., asked me to provide wording for a possible amendment to a Senate bill.

I was in D.C. on September 14 and 15 to participate in the Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA) Hill Day. This time around I felt pretty comfortable, since I knew what to expect — at least, I thought I did.

At a training on Monday evening, we were briefed on EWA’s mission and the “asks” they wanted us to make the next day on Capitol Hill. The next morning, I was paired up with Mike Malone, a geriatrician from Wisconsin. We talked about the meetings we were scheduled for that day over breakfast, practicing what we wanted to say and what order it should go in. Then we jumped in a van to catch a ride to the Capitol.

Our first visit was with a Wisconsin senator’s staffer. Mike and I introduced ourselves and explained the importance of an adequately prepared elder care workforce and how the need for workers is only going to increase as the baby boomers enter the long term care system. We explained that our elders deserve a workforce that is trained and prepared to care for them.

My mind was racing as I sat there. I knew I was there to represent direct care workers. “It’s now or never,” I thought. “Open your mouth and speak!”

The staff person asked if there was anything else. “Yes,” I said. “I have a rather easy ask.” I asked that they include direct care workers as a priority, just like doctors and nurses, in the National Health Care Workforce Commission established in the HELP version of the health care reform bill.

When the staff person asked why, I explained that doctors and nurses are considered the top of the ladder and direct care workers are considered the bottom, but we are all part of the care team and play an important part.

The staffer asked if the organization I represented had any suggestions on what that language would look like. If so, she said, we should send it to them and the Senator would consider introducing it as an amendment from the floor.

WOW!!! I think I floated out of that meeting.

In fact, I floated through the rest of the day. The other meetings were good too. All the staff members we met with were receptive to what we had to say. I made my ask to each one, but no one else offered to help.

Sitting in the airport waiting for my flight home, I couldn’t stop smiling. “TODAY I MADE A DIFFERENCE!” I thought all the way home.

After I got back, I contacted the Senator’s office and offered The Direct Care Alliance’s assistance on this important issue. This is democracy in action – what an amazing process!

When I returned to work Wednesday, I told anyone who would listen about the great meeting I’d had in D.C. Most people said “Good for you,” or thanked me for remembering the direct care worker. One person told me I was glowing and looked truly happy.

She was right. I’m glowing inside because I spoke up for the profession I love. I made a difference by being in the right place at the right time and having the courage to speak up.

As I reflect on the day, I keep thinking about how important it is to have direct care workers at the table. If I had not been part of these meetings, the direct care worker viewpoint would have been missing.

Change is going to happen, one way or another. If we want changes that benefit us, we have to get into the meetings that matter and speak up for ourselves. Because nobody can do that but us.

Tracy Dudzinski, CNA
Board member
Direct Care Alliance