Women in Politics

Emily Tardie

In a time of domestic division, the push for radical, political, economic, and societal change is prominent. While youth continue to protest and share their voices, it is the state legislators that are responsible for the legal change. Therefore, a government that is not equally balanced with a diverse group of legislators is one that cannot effectively make decisions for the common good.

Vermont is pushing ahead in its efforts to elect women, but the federal government is lacking in female representation. In Vermont, 40% of state legislature is comprised of female representatives, but the national average is only about 25% (Associated Press). In the House of Representatives, only 83 of 435 seats are held by women (19.1%) and in the Senate, merely 22 of 100 seats are held by females (catalyst.org). Only once has the United States had a female nominated by a major party for President and no woman has ever been elected President. However, the future of women in politics is looking bright, as there are five times as many female representatives in the United States in 2018 than in 1971. With more diversity comes diverse minds and ideas, which is promising for the resolution of controversial and pressing issues in today’s society.

ALA Girls State is a program that is working to educate youth on their rights and responsibilities as a citizens. A large part of the program prepares and encourages girls to become civically engaged in politics, which in turn, will provide more female representation in the political field. Kerin Stackpole, Esq., gave a presentation on Women and Civic Engagement Monday morning that was eye-opening. As youth, we need to take initiative and become civilly responsible citizens. She provided examples on how to become engaged in politics and civil responsibility and acknowledged the difficulty of being a woman in politics. With the experiences delegates are exposed to at ALA Girls State, they are more prepared for the future of being civilly engaged women.

Memorable Moments: Staff

Colby Zaun & Kate O'Farrell

Over the past 75 years, ALA Girls State has evolved in countless ways. As a part of the newspaper team, we wanted to learn about the most memorable moments of ALA Girls State staff. Here are a few of their stories:

Sarah Butson (Director of ALA Girls State): Sarah reminisced about the second year she was the Director of the program because the elected governor had the challenging, yet exciting task of fielding a full press conference, complete with journalists from outside organizations, including VTdigger. Sarah also reflected upon the first year that ALA Girls State had a moot court program and the excitement that she and the girls felt for arguing their cases in front of a Supreme Court justice. She expressed the pride that she feels for the girls coming together and accomplishing difficult tasks by using their leadership skills.

Debi Graziano (ALA member since 1995 and a member of ALA Girls State Board of Directors, holding the position of ALAGMGS’ Legislative Chair for a year): Having not been able to attend ALA Girls State herself as a young woman, Graziano spoke about what she appreciated from this year’s group of ALA Girl Staters. Debi articulated the admiration she has for the prior knowledge that the girls possessed coming into the program and the awareness they have for the most pressing issues in today’s society. Debi says that she is energized seeing this year’s ALA Girls State delegates searching for the “why” to the problems they encounter, the “how” to how they can be taken on, and the “what can I do” attitudes.

ALA Girls State is a place where young women are able to explore their passions and step outside of their comfort zones. Along the way, staff has been fortunate enough to have encountered many memorable moments that further emphasize the greatness of the ALA and all it does to help youth become leaders.

Town Profiles: Huseman

Eleanor Reilly

The town of Huseman has a population of 17 creative, enthusiastic, and dedicated girls. At their time at ALA Girls State, they have focused primarily on unity and being as inclusive as possible of everyone in their town and in general, of all the girls attending. To ensure these core values are met, they have written ordinances declaring that they will sit in unity and never separate tables during breakfast or dinner. Instead, at every meal, they create one long table so no one is left out. The girls are proud to have been the first town to do this, with others following in their footsteps.

Five girls from Huseman won their primary elections and the Huseman town is extremely supportive of every one of their members who ran for a position. Throughout the campaign process, they have encouraged every one of their fellow Huseman residents by helping candidates’ campaigning and speeches.

One of their ongoing endeavors has been the decoration of their town. The Huseman girls have chosen to decorate their town as if it were a house because the girls think of themselves as one large family. For example, they decorated the interior of their “mud room” by hanging paintings crafted by various girls in the town, celebrating their artwork as a real family would. Next to the “mud room” is the “living room,” which is equipped with a TV and a couch. The town also has a mascot, a cat named Chester. He lives within the “house,” (above the exit sign) and has taken it upon himself to decorate the Huseman house with toilet paper streamers. This is a reminder that sometimes making a mess can be a blast and everyone makes mistakes.

            The Huseman girls have grown much closer throughout their time spent at ALA Girls State and by focusing on unity and inclusiveness, each girl in their town has had the opportunity to let her own personality shine in the best possible light.

Girls State Video Series - Volume II

     Wonder what our intrepid citizens are up to today? The ALAGMGS daily report will give you the rundown on the elections and how voting works at Girls State! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=LRKfs6vJ3r4

Forming a Lifetime of Gratitude: A Citizen’s Journey

Emma Harter and Rory Carrara

The American Legion Auxiliary’s (ALA) mission is to foster a world that supports the lives of United States’ veterans. During the first day of ALA Girls State, a panel of ALA members gave delegates the opportunity to ask questions. One of the most memorable questions asked was, “What is the most rewarding part about being an ALA member?” Debi Graziano had an immediate answer.

            According to Debi’s experience, the ability to be someone who veterans can open up to is the most rewarding part of being an ALA member. Hearing veterans stories has contributed to some of the most profoundly touching moments of her life. In response to the question, “Why do you think so many veterans carry anger with them?” Graziano somberly stated,

“They took care of us, but we didn’t take care of them.”

            Graziano’s personal experience as the daughter of a Korean and Vietnam War veteran has lead her to understand that this anger is a reaction to the disrespect and lack of acknowledgment for veterans. The sacrifices made by those in the military are often overlooked, which undermines the livelihoods of soldiers post active-duty. Next, we asked Graziano how she feels after hearing stories the veterans tell her.

“Short term: hold back tears, long-term: (she pauses to consider) happy that I was able to be there, listen, and give them some support.”

           

We could tell how Debi Graziano felt grateful that she was able to help veterans through her work with the ALA. She now visits her local nursing home to chat with the veterans once a week and has monthly visits to the Bennington Center for Outpatients. It is clear that the ALA is a valuable resource to veterans and their families.

Listening to the accounts of those in the military is surely difficult, but Debi Graziano has shone a light onto the benefits of simply letting veterans open up. The most impactful message that we took away from this interview, and hope you did too, is the benefit of respecting people involved or formerly involved in the military.

In the words of Debi Graziano, “let them tell their story.”

Election Process- Entry #1

Jacqueline Palaza & Lena Boudreau

At both the Federalist and the Nationalist conventions this morning, the Constitutional Nominees identified themselves and shared why other party members should vote for them. While analyzing the motivational aspects of these officials, the following was recorded:

In the Federalist Party, the nominees running for governor are: Angelina, Emily, and Sarah. Angelina wants to create change by including all opinions, Emily believes that the division in our society can be overcome if we come together and push for change, and Sarah’s platform includes promoting gender equality.

In the Nationalist Party, the following nominees are running for governor: Adelaide, Rory, Mary, and Annabelle. Adelaide understands that it can be scary to have a voice, especially if one is shy. Her goal is to include others and help them break out of their shell, similar to what she is trying to do. Rory stands for unity and is a team player. She is also very open to ideas and is looking forward to amalgamate the amazing women in this program. Mary is dedicated to listening to other’s voices. She values voices that have a purpose to help better society. Lastly, Annabelle has wanted to be governor of our state since she was two years old.

While the Governor nominees had distinct goals, nominees for the other positions among both parties had similar viewpoints. In general, the Auditor of Accounts nominees focused on proving their reliability and organizational skills. Lieutenant Governors primarily centered their speeches around being advocates for change and leaders for the people. Treasurers were those who liked math, have strong organizational skills, and can complete work with accuracy. Attorney Generals were very interested in law and are intent on continuing to promote justice within the legal system. They also shared the common belief of standing up for what they believe in. Secretary of State nominees centered their speeches around what it means to be a good leader. This encompasses including all opinions of others and acting upon them.

While listening and observing a multitude of nomination speeches, common approaches emerged. Some delegates started their speech by making a joke or getting the collective group to laugh, while others directly referred to their resume and accomplishments. Across the board for all positions, nominees mentioned their organizational and leadership qualities. As listeners and observers, the most successful speeches were those that addressed the nominee’s unique qualities and interests, making them stand out from the other ladies standing beside them.