The Student Freedom Project Legislative Day is back and better than ever this year! One of the new activities we're introducing is a Networking Dinner on Sunday, February 17.

Students will learn about a variety of public service career and volunteer opportunities from some highly successful professionals. By making these connections, students will have the chance to grow their own professional networks and receive career advice from individuals who have achieved success in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. 

Networking Dinner: Special Guests 

Janelle Guthrie, APR, Communications Director for the Office of Washington State's Attorney General

Janelle manages a public affairs team that writes and researches AG Ferguson’s speeches, handles media relations, writes and designs internal and external newsletters, manages the internal and external Web sites, builds community on-line and in person and provides general information to the public and others. Read her complete biography here. 

Who should meet Janelle: Students who are interested in communications, public relations, and community engagement. 

Lew McMurran, Washington Technology Industry Association's Vice-President of Government and External Affairs 

Lew is responsible for and directs the Washington Technology Industry Association's lobbying and advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal level working with elected officials, educational institutions, business and civic associations. He has achieved successful outcomes on a wide range of issues for WTIA including K-12 and higher education, intellectual property, internet safety, e-commerce, economic development, and more. Read his complete biography here. 

Who should meet Lew: Students interested in lobbying or government relations, as well as students looking for tips on effectively communicating with their legislators. 

Joseph Backholm, Executive Director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington

Joseph has served as the director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington for three years.  Before joining FPIW, he worked as staff counsel in the Washington State Senate where he learned just why so many people want to work for the government.  His job is to train leaders to be more effective public policy advocates, promote marriage, life, religious freedom, and parental rights in the state legislature, and help the public hold elected officials accountable for decisions they make. Read his full biography here. 

Who should meet Joseph: Students interested in community organizing or public policy analysis and advocacy. 

Alex Hays, Political Consultant and Director of ABHays

Alex is a local expert on Washington politics and running successful campaigns. He also directs the Action For Washington program, which equips students and young professionals with the skills to work on campaigns, craft good public policy, and develop excellent communication skills. 

Who should meet Alex: Students interested in working on campaigns, running for office, or sharpening their public speaking and communication skills. 

We'll be adding to our guest list in the coming week. "Like" our Facebook page to get the latest updates. 

View the complete event schedule and register here.

Deadline: February 13, 2013