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Center for Public Policy welcomes Girl Scouts for 2019 Legislative Day
Each spring, the Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia spend a day learning about policymaking in the commonwealth as part of their annual Legislative Day. They tour the Capitol building, speak with legislators, and participate in a mock vote. This year, for the first time, the Wilder School and the Center for Public Policy joined the event to help these Girl Scouts learn how they can turn an idea into a policy.
Over 60 girls and troop leaders participated in this year’s Legislative Day. In small groups led by Wilder School and Center for Public Policy faculty and staff, girls discussed community issues that were important to them. Topics included reducing the amount of homework that students must complete, revisiting SOL testing requirements, sidewalk installation, and student dress codes.
They then discussed how they could address their chosen topic through public policy. Our faculty and staff asked them to consider different solutions, the costs and benefits of each potential solution, and how they could gain support for their chosen solution.
“This was a wonderful event to be a part of,” said Brittany Keegan, Research Coordinator at the Center for Public Policy and former Girl Scout, “we loved having the girls on campus and learning about what issues are important to them. As they grow up and become the next generation of leaders and policymakers, it’ll be exciting to see how they work for change in our communities.”
Moving forward, the partnership between the Girl Scouts and the Wilder School will continue. Keegan is scheduled to speak at their upcoming “Go for Silver, Go for Gold” summer camp on identifying a Silver Award or Gold Award project to fill a need in their community and, in the fall, high school Girl Scouts will come to the Wilder School to learn about college readiness.