Girls Rock the Capitol offers a unique learning experience
MONPELIER, VT – Girls interested in making the world a better place can find many opportunities to do just that through Girl Scouts, and those interested in doing so through politics and the law can learn about government through Girls Rock the Capitol. This six-month-long internship program offered by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains pairs high school girls with female legislators in both Vermont and New Hampshire. Participants attend committee meetings and full House sessions, and hear the discussions and debates on bills and laws.
Hannah Cawley, 16, of Colchester is one such intern, who is taking advantage of the program to get real life experience in government, learning how people make connections and influence votes. She’s also been a page at the Vermont State House.
“I’m personally invested in Vermont dual enrollment,” she said, explaining that Vermont high schoolers can take two free college classes for credit, but that this experience is not available to those attending religious schools. “My parents pay taxes, but I’m not allowed to participate in this program.” Cawley has her sights set on being a prosecutor.
Others are newcomers to America, learning about our government first hand. Maryam Alchaderchi came from Iraq two years ago, and watched the House as they noted National Service Recognition Day on April 2. Also observing was Hafso Ali, from Somalia. Her mother is a U.S. citizen.
Harley Miller, 17, of Montpelier, has been participating in Girls Rock the Capitol for three years. She has an interest in economics, as well as government. Ginger Knight, 17, also from Montpelier, is working with a representative on climate change and making net metering possible. Also participating this year are Iris Hsiang, Alexis Schafer, and Una Fonte.
Preparing for a lifetime of leadership is what Girl Scouting is all about. Girls Rock the Capitol is part of the G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ initiative for Girl Scouts to inspire, prepare, and mobilize girls and those who care about them to lead positive change through civic action. Girl Scouts fuels the female leadership pipeline. All three female U.S. Secretaries of State were once Girl Scouts, as are 72 percent of female U.S. senators. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls, with proven results.
About Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is recognized throughout New Hampshire and Vermont as a leading expert on girls. Our Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls, with proven results. It is based on time-tested methods and research-backed programming that helps girls take the lead—in their own lives and in the world. Through our exciting and challenging programs, Girl Scouts not only participate but also take the lead in a range of activities—from kayaking, archery, and camping, to coding, robotics, financial literacy training, and beyond! Serving more than 10,000 girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org.
