Previously, on “Homegrown in the Heart,” we spoke with my daughter, Maddie. Today, we’re featuring my son, Jack Pickett. We’ll be talking about his fascinating journey from Yakima, to law school, and Capitol Hill’s arena of political activism. Jack’s story is a great example of the power of ambition and an observation of the core values coming out of the Yakima community’s youth.
We’ll discuss:
- A Love of Law and the Yakima Community
- Jack’s 3 Critical Lessons in Entering Political Activism
- 1. Uphold Your Integrity | Stay True to Personal Values, Principles & Morals
- 2. You are a Public Servant | Actively Practice Humility
- 3. Have Guiding Forces | The Impact of Mentorship is Invaluable
- Working on Senator Races & Aiding Congressmen
- Remembering January 6th, 2021 | Chaos on Capitol Hill
A Love of Law and the Yakima Community
Jack has always been a man with a plan. He’s navigated the very concrete, step-by-step process of high school, college, and law school with ease. As he prepares for the bar exam in February, his future is very promising and full of opportunities. However, Jack is currently at a crossroads; he knows his ambition is to practice law, and his interests are unwaveringly in litigation. But the next steps of his career are very open-ended. He’s taking this time to thoughtfully consider his options and reflect on what will be a good fit for his future.
Jack’s Perspective on His Upbringing in Yakima
Jack attributes his resilience and sense of direction to his Yakima upbringing, embracing the values and lessons he learned here. While many people are eager to leave Yakima, Jack emphasizes that they often forget to acknowledge the life lessons and the benefits our Valley has to offer. He’s thankful for this community’s:
- Diverse experiences
- Moral compass
- Continuous support
Despite the allure of city life and going to the University of Washington, Jack sees Yakima as a haven; its vast potential, rich history, and singular traditions, is more than those of a typical small town.
What Would Bring Yakima’s Youth Back Home?
I don’t often hear people talk to the youth about what it is they would find more appealing in Yakima. What is it that would attract them to return to this Valley, and bless our community with all the skills, education, and good things that they have taken in while being away?
Jack wants to retain the unique aspects that would preserve Yakima’s character. However, he also recognizes the importance of change and progress, of having a balanced approach that upholds tradition while welcoming new ideas. Jack strongly believes this would make Yakima more appealing to its youth, drawing them back after education or careers have taken them elsewhere. He dreams of a Yakima that’s not physically larger, but one that’s richer in economic maturity and community vibrance.
The Significance of Mothers in Building a Love for the Yakima Community
Jack’s experience of growing up in Yakima also underscores the pivotal role that mothers play in shaping individuals and communities. He credits much of his love for our Valley to his mother, Laura Pickett, who consciously integrated the community into his identity.
My wife made an intentional effort involving Jack in the local community, weaving in Yakima values like:
- Family unity
- Community service
- Resilient character
Jack acknowledges the potential power that mothers, particularly in Yakima, hold in shaping their children and, by extension, the future of the community. I believe Jack’s account is a testament to the profound, and often under-appreciated, influence that mothers have on their children’s development and their understanding of a community identity.
Jack’s 3 Critical Lessons in Entering Political Activism
It’s surprising how many people in Yakima are politically engaged with our community on issues that matter. Jack’s own political journey has taken him from West Valley High School, to the University of Washington, and Washington DC. As has Jack delved into political activism, he’s gained valuable insights that shaped his understanding of social justice and advocacy. Here are three crucial lessons he’s learned along the way.
1. Uphold Your Integrity | Stay True to Personal Values, Principles & Morals
Jack firmly advocates that people be politically engaged, and he underscores its crucial role in steering society in the right direction. It’s people of character and conscience who are willing to engage in the political process that are vital to the health and longevity of our system of governance.
But Jack believes that every activist must also stay true to their values, principles, and morals. Without these, political engagement is just a charade and loses its purpose. Jack’s philosophy is that genuine commitment to one’s principles provides the necessary groundwork for meaningful and effective participation in political activism.
2. You are a Public Servant | Actively Practice Humility
Jack’s second important lesson in political activism is the practice of humility. He identifies two key manifestations of a lack of humility that disrupts political discourse.
The first is an inflated ego, where individuals seek to make discussions about themselves, thereby sidelining the greater cause. The second, a more insidious manifestation, is the belief that one can never be wrong, even in the face of contrary evidence. Jack emphasizes that activists must be open to the possibility of being wrong; learning from others can foster unity and progress.
He would encourage future political activists to adhere to their principles while exhibiting humility, admitting that he too is on a continuous journey of learning and improvement.
3. Have Guiding Forces | The Impact of Mentorship is Invaluable
Jack cannot emphasize enough the immense value he’s found in mentorship. His initial curiosity about the political process, sparked by footage of the 2012 Republican National Convention in high school, led him to seek guidance and advice. His interactions with Benine McDonnell, the local GOP chair at the time, exemplified the crucial role a mentor plays in nurturing youthful curiosity and enthusiasm.
The guidance, support, and encouragement Jack received from Benine not only enriched Jack’s early experiences, but it also set him on a path that took him to Capitol Hill, leading him to become a delegate to the National Convention.
Jack’s appreciation of the value of mentorship extends beyond politics; mentors are key in any field because they root for you, push you, sometimes drag you forward, and always guide you through the journey.
Working on Senator Races & Aiding Congressmen
Jack has had two prominent political experiences that were formative in shaping his understanding of activism. He was involved with Susan Hutchison’s campaign for U.S. Senator, and his subsequent work with Representative Dan Newhouse has been instrumental in igniting his passion for public service. These experiences also equipped him with a nuanced understanding of the strategies involved in political campaigns and the intricacies of working in a legislative office.
Susan Hutchison’s U.S. Senate Campaign
Jack met Susan Hutchison, the former Washington State Republican Party Chair, at the National Convention in 2016. When she decided to run for Senate, Jack was eager to help and was welcomed on board, despite his limited experience in election races.
Throughout the campaign, Jack found himself undertaking significant roles and traveling across the all 39 counties in our state. Despite the campaign’s loss, Jack considered this experience invaluable.
There is no regret in fighting a fight that is worthy, even when the days are long, or the work is hard, or the battle is uphill. We didn’t win, but I don’t regret a single minute of what we did on that campaign: it was a clean, issues-based race that superseded all expectations. At the end of the day, I think we did some good and it was a worthy cause.
In addition to the extensive knowledge and experience gained, Jack also formed enduring relationships during the campaign. He looks forward to seeing how this wealth of experience will shape his future in law.
Working with Rep. Dan Newhouse in Washington DC
Jack’s first encounter with Rep. Dan Newhouse was while applying for the Military Academy at West Point. Attending West Point is a process that requires a congressional nomination. This initial meeting, despite Jack’s eventual decision not to attend West Point, paved the way for future collaboration. Jack interned for Newhouse after his first year at the University of Washington. Post-graduation in 2020, he later joined Newhouse’s team as a staff assistant – an integral role in congressional offices.
Jack considers his nearly two-year tenure in Newhouse’s office as a great honor. Against the backdrop of political turmoil, Jack found it rewarding to serve the diverse constituents of Newhouse’s district, which stretches from Canada to Oregon, east of the Cascades.
Jack believes Newhouse is one of the few remaining embodiments of a true statesman. He was inspired and motivated by Newhouse’s unwavering integrity and commitment to doing what’s right, even when it wasn’t the most politically expedient thing to do. He made difficult decisions that were not necessarily popular, but were right in his moral convictions.
Remembering January 6th, 2021 | Chaos on Capitol Hill
Among the defining moments of Jack’s journey was the Capitol event on January 6, 2021. Jack gives us a powerful, firsthand account of the events of that day, including the evacuation and lockdown. Despite the tumult, Jack is overwhelmingly grateful for the support he received from Rep. Newhouse and his wife, Joan Newhouse.
Jack’s Experience on January 6th, 2021 at Capitol Hill
January 6 was a day of fear, confusion, and prolonged lockdown. The U.S. Capitol Police had sent out an alert that there would likely be a demonstration, a thing not uncommon for them to do regarding any event.
Everyone was internally relocated, but about five minutes after the first evacuation, a Capitol Police officer knocked on Jack’s door. He told Jack they needed to evacuate because the protesters had breached the Capitol. That was when Jack understood the gravity of the situation.
Amidst the chaos, the communication systems failed, forcing the staffers to rely on social media and news channels for updates. During this time, they were advised to barricade themselves in offices due to the heightened security risk. Jack and his colleagues were locked down for nearly 10-11 hours, not leaving until around midnight.
As I listened to my son sharing his firsthand account of the events at Capitol Hill on January 6, I was struck by the realization of the youthfulness of the majority of the Capitol Hill staffers. The majority of these individuals, so driven by political aspirations and their commitment to public service, are barely in their 20s and 30s. Yet, they found themselves in the middle of an unprecedented security threat. I too, felt an immense appreciation for Rep. Dan Newhouse and his wife Joan, who showed unwavering commitment to the safety of their staff members in the face of this crisis.
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I want to thank Jack for sharing his experiences with us; they serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication and service coming out the Yakima Valley. His journey underscores the importance of fostering a nurturing environment that not only allows young individuals to grow but provides them with the opportunities to lead and serve. Jack’s experiences at Capitol Hill, especially during the crisis on January 6, also highlights the immense responsibility and courage that comes with public service.
At LGP Law, we are committed to supporting and guiding the next generation of leaders who aspire to make a difference in our community and beyond. We invite you to reach out to learn more about who we are, our services, and community engagements. Thank you!