By Sydney Thompson
Grade 8
On March 5, 2015 I had the opportunity to attend the 19th annual Girls’ Day at the State House, put on by the Maine Women’s Policy Center. This experience instilled in all of the girls the passion and belief that all women must have the same rights, opportunities, and power to direct their lives as men, and that they should live with dignity, privacy, justice, and equity.
Our day started off with a mock trial in the Burton M. Cross Building, where we testified either for or against the bill dealing with the idea of a virtual charter school for all of Maine. That was followed by a mock news conference where we were given tips to have a successful and to-the-point interview. Later in the day we did a surprisingly challenging scavenger hunt throughout the State House. We went into the House Chamber next, where we had a heated floor debate on the virtual charter school idea, all the while sitting in the same seats our representatives sit in to make laws that impact our daily lives. To finish the day we got our picture taken in the Hall of Flags next to Governor Paul LePage’s office, where we were also read very inspiring letters that were directed to us from both Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, and Senator Susan Collins.
This day really expanded my horizon into politics and gave me a new appreciation for our democracy. I was shocked to learn that women are 50 percent of the U.S. population and 60 percent of U.S. voters, though they only make up 20 percent of the U.S. Congress. It really made me realize that we need more active women involved in our politics. With chances like these, we can increase the social, economic, and political opportunities for Maine girls and women using leadership development and public policy. Maine needs more educated, determined, people-friendly, and powerful women in our government.
