Georgia State Capitol; image belongs to me

March 23, 2026 – For our trip to the capitol, we decided to take public transportation with Pete, allowing us the option to experience roughly how far the Cobb Linc and MARTA can really get someone. When approaching the capitol, our group ran in to pastor and activist, Jeff Jones, who was standing outside with a simple message: “Peace.”

Pastor Jones was happy to share his message with every visitor to the capitol, claiming that he had “come to the capitol three times a week since the start of the war.” The pastor spoke with a kind tone, claiming that God would not support the killing of people for profit, while urging us and other people passing by to urge our officials into speaking out against the war our Government is involved in.

Next, a group of us met with Gwenda Booth – at her booth. Gwenda is a psychologist and lobbyist who works with NAMI Georgia, a group that promotes rehabilitation for those who suffer with addiction. She explained how NAMI was working with AARA, the Georgia Council for Recovery (Their website is down, linked their Facebook instead), GMHPP, and other partners to support legislation passing like HB 219, SB 427, SB 428, and other bills with the goal of making mental health care more available in the state. Gwenda also shared with us the “LEAP” (Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner) technique, which can be used to help open the conversation with someone to find help. She explained how this technique can be used to help diffuse conversations, as typically people struggling with addictions are often resistant to finding help.

Near the end of our trip to the capitol, we sat in at a media event for Dekalb Day at the capitol held inside one of the main halls of the building. During this event, CEO of Dekalb dispatch Lorraine Cochran-Johnson shared her goals for future legislation that impacts the people of her county. Lorraine was vocal about the need for legislation that protects tenants from unfair “junk fees” typically passed from the landlord to tenants, as well as the establishment of a public record that lists the owners of all vacant and rental properties in the county – pushing back on the hold rental companies have in the area.