Member Leah Nelson writes

Leah Nelson, a MRC member at the Bamber Valley Elementary in Rochester, spends her civic duty requirement writing the local paper--how cool is that?!

Leah writes for the Post Bulleting Editorial Advisory Board, which means that along with the other members, she has some input as to what topics the editorial writers tackle and what positions they take on certain issues. "A large part of serving on the advisory board is contributing articles which can vary in length and topics," Leah told me. As of now, she has written three and all have been published.

As far as inspiration goes, Leah waits to write until a topic strikes her interest. "So far, I've written about Pawlenty's proposed bill to require ignition locks on first time DWI offenders, clean energy, and the need for bipartisanship in politics," she said. "We're free to write about anything that interests us, though we're encouraged to try and hit topics that are of interest to southeastern Minnesota."

In addition to her three longer pieces, she contributes multiple times a week to the online comments. "I only write about topics I am passionate and knowledgeable about," said Leah. She does so by paying special attention to any editorials or letters to the editor regarding the environment and renewable energy, civil rights and politics. "The tea party movement has been a particular interest of mine, but I won't tell you which side I fall on, though!" Leah said jokingly.

Leah's background with writing is impressive as she was an English major in college and taught writing in middle school for four years. She also had a few things published in the Des Moines Register when she lived in the area. "It's always been a passion of mine, but up until now, it has always been something I've done for myself." In fact, her plan is to be picked up by the AP and become a syndicated editorial columnist. "OK, not really, but what a nice fantasy," she added. "Getting paid to write and have people read my opinions seems like a dream job, especially since I have a lot of them!"

She became involved with the MRC when she was planning to move to Rochester and was looking for a job. She didn't know if she wanted to continue teaching but then found the MRC through the Rochester Public Schools Web site. "I thought it would be a chance to take a year to figure things out."

When she talks about writing columns, Leah knows not everyone will agree with her opinions, but feels good about getting them out there and creating discourse about topics that interest her. "My goal isn't to convert Rochester to my way of thinking, but rather to get people who read my words to take a good look about the way they think and why they think that way," she said.

Look for upcoming links to her columns on the MRC facebook page!