Grass Roots in Action

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In April 2008, 33 students from Villanova University and Cabrini College in Pennsylvania, two of Catholic Relief Services' partner schools, embarked on a trip to Capitol Hill to lobby their representatives on the topics of foreign assistance and additional funding for food aid.

The students came with tough questions for their respective members of Congress. "It's such a liberating experience to have your voice heard and to know that you can make a difference," said Jessica Storm, a junior studio arts and English major at Cabrini.

Students met with Senator Robert F. Bennett (R-UT) and staff of Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA), Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY).

All photos by Jim Stipe/CRS

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