Students Learn to Advocate at the Texas Capitol
Amy Esmiol || March 25, 2025
Austin, TX – On January 29, 2025, 31 Texas State University students from the Recreation and Sports Management Program and Recreational Therapy Program along with faculty members, Dr. Allie Thomas and Amy Esmiol had a unique opportunity to step into the world of legislative advocacy during Walk the Halls at the Texas Capitol. Hosted by the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS), this biennial event empowers future professionals to engage directly with lawmakers and promote the vital role of parks and recreation and recreational therapy in Texas communities.
Walk the Halls provides students with an invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to meet members of the 85th Texas Legislature, discuss key legislative issues, and witness firsthand how policy decisions shape their field. Through guided training and direct conversations, participants advocated for essential initiatives, such as securing full appropriation of the Sporting Goods Sales Tax for local park grants and protecting municipal authority over Parkland Dedication Ordinances.
This event serves as a crucial professional development opportunity for students, preparing them for careers before graduation by enhancing their understanding of policy, advocacy, and the legislative process. It also fosters networking with industry professionals and university alumni, helping students build meaningful connections that can support their future careers. By participating, students strengthened their professional skills but also demonstrated their commitment to shaping the future of parks and recreation.
Recreational Therapy Student Emily Blake reflected on her experience, stating, " I knew that this event would be an important part of my education as a Recreational Therapy student. However, the event exceeded my expectations in several ways: the number of advocates in one place, the depth of knowledge and insight from the members of every committee and legislative group, and the enthusiasm and passion of all the leaders. I am not sure how many people I expected to be there, but seeing everyone gathered in that first room when we were given the explanations and plans created a feeling of excitement and a desire to learn more about my chosen field of study."