Brave in the Attempt Government Relations in Special Olympics Nebraska

In this episode of "Brave in the Attempt," we explore the inspiring origins of Special Olympics Nebraska's Capitol Hill Day. To tell this story, we've combined two insightful interviews. The first features Carolyn Chamberlin, CEO of Special Olympics Nebraska, and Athlete Leader Haley Waggoner, who played a pivotal role in initiating our very own Hill Day to advocate for funding.Haley shares her vision and the lessons learned during the inaugural year, where they took the initiative to engage directly with senators, sharing what Special Olympics is all about. The conversation then shifts to Katie Zullkosik, a lobbyist who provides her perspective on how she and her fellow lobbyist helped spread the word about Special Olympics at the Capitol. She discusses the importance of supporting Carolyn and Haley in setting up meetings with senators.Today, Special Olympics athletes stand proudly on the floor of the state Capitol, connecting with senators and demonstrating the impact of the Special Olympics movement. Thanks to the dedication of athletes and advocates, the senators are now more informed about Special Olympics and how our proposed legislation can change lives for countless individuals.This incredible progress has all been made possible because advocates within the Special Olympics community have courageously used their voices to make a difference.