Lessons Learned at Girls State- Day 2

Marin Howell and Emily Jackson

During the first full day of ALA Girls State, we were launched head on into the election process. After speeches were delivered by the candidates, each county was able to vote in the primary election. This gave us insight into how elections work by experiencing it first hand, teaching us how to be an active citizen later in life.

After elections, we listened to a panel about high school community activism. A variety of involved citizens, along with ALA Girls State staff, shared their story about how they became active in their communities. We then broke off into small groups and discussed important issues surrounding our individual communities and Vermont. This gave us the opportunity to make an action plan, describing how we can become more involved and give back to our communities. We were reminded of the true power that our own voices possess and how we need to be a catalyst for change.  

            Later that evening, Doris Fournier, an incredible poppy maker and past Department Chair, came to speak to us about the history and significance of the poppy flower. We went through the difficult process of making the flower and it was amazing to be able to craft one of our own. We were able to keep the poppies we made and it was very moving to see a splash of red on everyone’s shirts, nametags, or backpacks. Following this, we attended a memorial for those who have served Vermont and paid the ultimate sacrifice. This was a somber experience and allowed us to reflect on the fact that that we are here at ALA Girls State not only to grow as leaders, but honor those serve our country.

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.”