Congressman Jim McGovern address the 2018 cohort of SHECP interns

Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA) was the keynote speaker at the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty’s 2018 Opening Conference at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia on June 8.

More than 120 interns, faculty members, and staff listened to Congressman McGovern share his views on social issues such as economic inequality and food insecurity. “I’m grateful these young leaders are stepping up to build a future where everyone is valued and no one is left behind, and proud of everything they’re doing to make a positive difference in communities across our country,” said McGovern.

McGovern commented that poverty is not a political issue, but rather a matter of values. He encouraged the interns to treat everyone with dignity and respect, adding that if “we do this right, we’re all going to do better.” McGovern, by virtue of being present, demonstrated that the actions of young adults carry significant weight. He encouraged the interns to call their local representatives and be vocal on policies for which they do not agree. Before leaving, McGovern left the interns with the following charge, “You’re already leaders. I’m looking for you to step up.”