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Now, I’m sure many of you want to become scientists just like these great women someday… but how about going into politics?
For this week’s NewsDepth A Plus, we’re honoring an organization called Girl Power Politics. Girl Power Politics aims to encourage young women and girls to run for office and learn how to become involved in politics.
The organization was created by Anderson High School junior Anna MacLennan. She organized an event at Nagel Middle School in Cincinnati for girls grades 6 through 8 back in December.
The 30 attendees heard speeches from female activists and politicians and had breakout sessions to learn about petitions, protests and other ways to become engaged in politics.
Then, the girls picked issues they cared about, such as mental health and changes to the bell schedule at their school. They worked with mentors at the event to develop what actions they could take to create change for those issues.
Anna says, “I was truly blown away by the sophistication of the issues they picked and how well spoken the girls were. It was really inspiring to watch all these young girls get up there and talk about their passions and plans.”
Anna also says the event taught her that many young people are interested in making a difference - they just need the tools to learn how.
Anna hopes to plan more events for Girl Power Politics in the future, such as activist training or a job shadow program. She’d love to see the organization become part of middle and elementary schools.
Way to go, Anna, and all of the girls who attended Girl Power Politics! We’re proud to award you this week’s NewsDepth A Plus.