Alex Mathew, a Master of Public Affairs student going into his second year at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, started off the summer with his first-ever trip to Washington, D.C. with the The Patman Center for Civic and Political Engagement.
Through The Patman Center’s immersive May-Term course, also known as the “Maymester,” Mathew joined fellow LBJ students in exploring effective advocacy for influencing federal policymaking. During the five-day program students heard from elected officials, legislative staff, interest group leaders, lobbyists, communication professionals and think tank representatives to gain a firsthand understanding of how policy is shaped at the federal level.
Mathew attended several events hosted by The Patman Center at the LBJ School, where conversations moderated by Evan Smith and speakers from across the political spectrum sparked his interest in public policy and political dialogue. Those experiences led him to pursue the opportunity to see that same level of dialogue and engagement unfold in D.C. and influence the federal policymaking process. Through the Maymester, he gained a deeper understanding of how research, advocacy, and bipartisan collaboration intersect behind the scenes to shape federal policy.
“It aligned with my goals by explaining how research is presented, the bipartisan efforts of passing policy, and the tools needed to be successful in any government career.”
During the Maymester, students followed a packed schedule that immersed them in nearly every corner of the federal policymaking process. From conversations on Capitol Hill and visits to major think tanks and advocacy organizations to networking receptions and tours across Washington, D.C., each day offered a new perspective on how policy is shaped and communicated.
Among the many speakers throughout the week, the one that stood out most to Mathew was disability rights attorney and advocate Claudia Gordon. He was inspired by her story and the way she used her experiences to advocate for herself and others.
By the end of the week, Mathew said the experience had reshaped his understanding of government and advocacy. He left with a deeper appreciation for the collaboration, persistence, and sustained effort required to advance policy change at the federal level.
One of Mathew’s biggest takeaways was realizing that advocacy is not always defined by clear wins or losses, and that meaningful policy change often takes time. He said the experience taught him that even when outcomes fall short of expectations, the work still matters and contributes toward broader progress over time.
“The great part about advocacy is that you can use your voice to stand up for an issue, and if people don't agree that is their right, and that is democracy.”
During his time in D.C., Mathew became especially interested in the work being done inside inside think tanks and their research-driven approach to policymaking. After graduation, he hopes to work with think tanks at the state and local level, where he can stay closer to the communities being directly impacted by policy decisions.
Mathew’s advice to students considering the Maymester in D.C. with The Patman Center is simple: do it.
“There is no experience like it. It is fast paced, engaging, and saturated with learning opportunities. You make great connections with people in the class and with the speakers, and you will never find a better more immersive experience with policymakers, researchers, and government employees.”
Learn more about The Patman Center for Civic and Political Engagement’s upcoming events and offerings here.
