Playworks Milwaukee Executive Director Kristina Olkowski and Playworks Coach Chevy Robinson were given the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. at the end of February to raise awareness about Playworks in Wisconsin and the districts we serve. Kristina and Coach Chevy met congressional representatives and members from the offices of: Congresswoman Moore, Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin, and Representative Ron Kind to talk about the importance of school recess.
“This experience was an excellent opportunity for Playworks Milwaukee to educate our federal policymakers about how communities in the greatest areas of need are working to highlight the importance of physical activity in elementary schools and the positive influence a well-run recess can have on school climate,” said Kristina. Coach Chevy and Kristina invited members of Congress to visit a Playworks school here in Milwaukee to see firsthand the value of having a recess coach.
This opportunity was made possible by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Connect Project. The Connect Project helps grantees build relationships with members of Congress and other policymakers—relationships that will further their work and position them as resources for the most pressing health issues in America today. “I truly recognize the unique opportunity both Chevy and I have been afforded to be able to experience the legislative branch of the government. We both are grateful to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for this amazing experience,” said Kristina.
Be on the lookout for updates on when members of Congress might be visiting a Playworks Milwaukee school later this year!
