This March, the Associated Students (AS) is traveling to Washington D.C. to attend the annual National Student Advocacy Conference.

The Conference is an event where student associations from community colleges across the U.S. gather to discuss issues relevant to their students. From March 14 to 17, Moorpark College’s AS members will present and discuss ideas with local legislatures such as the offices of Representative Julia Brownley, Senator Dianne Feinstein and Senator Barbara Boxer.

“This is a way to gather our students together to talk about common issues in community colleges,” said Victoria Metzel, the director of external affairs for the AS.

Over the next week, Moorpark student leaders will advocate for the rest of the college’s students on issues such as federal grants for students and new programs for the college.

Metzel thinks Obama’s recent proposal for two years of free community college will be a heavily discussed topic. She is optimistic about the effect the AS can have because of their direct interaction with lawmakers.

“Talking to legislatures is effective, they love to hear from students,” Metzel said. “It has an impact.”

Farshid Orak, president of the AS, believes the conference is effective because any legislation passed there comes into action almost immediately.

Other than discussions with lawmakers, the AS members will take part in a variety of activities in Washington. They will visit the White House, listen to speeches by key political figures such as Ralph Nader, an Arab American political activist, and hopefully perform community service, said Orak.

Orak said, he feels the trip will be a great experience for everyone involved, but ultimately, they are there for the students.

“Our job is to advocate for Moorpark College and Community College students,” Orak said.