Photo: Huffington Post

Ever wondered what life is actually like on Capitol Hill? While some of our favorite political shows are spot on, it’s no surprise that others take advantage of artistic license. To separate fact from fiction, I accompanied our US Campaigns Associate, Judith Rowland, for a day of campaigning on the hill. Here’s what I discovered:

1. 3 seasons of House of Cards led me to believe we would be taken around town by our personal chauffeurs ...

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But I quickly realized most people get around by foot or the occasional taxi when meetings are back to back.

Walking from the House Office Buildings to the Senate

Leaving a working group to head to the hill

2. I was curious where our meetings would take place and imagined beautifully decorated offices...

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Sometimes this was the case,

Judith inside of one of the House Office Buildings, about to meet with various congressional offices

But a lot of the time we met in hallways, corridors, and basement cafes.

Judith and Cricket from Results strategizing before a meeting with a representative from Senator Barbara Boxer’s (D-CA) office

Judith and Lissy from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

3. I assumed we would be meeting with the Congress Members whose offices we were visiting...

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But I was surprised to find out that all of our meetings-at least on this trip- on the hill would be held with the staffer who handled foreign affairs (typically a Legislative Assistant, or Legislative Director.) It’s their role, I learned, to take meetings and convey the information to their boss. Which means they’re super important.

Judith with an Assistant from Congressman Serrano’s office

4. I felt pretty confident we would not have anytime for rest...

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And I was right. We. did. not. stop.

Judith on the move with her trusty suitcase, heading into USAID

5. Which is why I assumed large amounts of coffee would be a necessity...

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Right again! That’s coffee # 2, by the way.

Leaving the Cannon House Office Building

6. The West Wing led me to believe that the folks in DC would be fearful of the latest technologies...

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But I was happy to learn that wasn’t the case. Throughout the trip, Judith handed over petitions via flash drive to Members of Congress to show that they had Global Citizens’ support on issues related to vaccines and water & sanitation. And, on day 2, Judith handed over an additional flash drive to Administrator Shah of USAID, along with flash drives from our partners, demonstrating collective support for increased access to vaccines.

Judith holding flash drives containing petitions from Global Citizen, ONE, Results, and the United Nations Foundation

7. Now I’ll be honest- I expected to deal with some major egos, not unlike President Bartlet from the West Wing...

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But was humbled by Administrator Shah of USAID’s kindness when we joined our partners to ask for an increased financial commitment to vaccines.

Judith and Administrator Shah

What a great guy.

Well, there you have it. I had an amazing time seeing our girl in action, and was equally stoked to let out my inner Zoe Barnes (pre-metro accident.)

A lot of what I experienced was less glamorous and scandalous than Hollywood led me to believe. But, seeing our partners and leaders come together, and work towards a common goal, was pretty cool. And, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Global Citizens.

BONUS: Help Judith and all Global Citizens out by signing the petition to tell Congress to sign the Water for the World Act under consideration this week!

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Christina Nuñez