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Cadette Girl Scouts showed their “Girl Power on the Hill” by participating in a day-long program at the Massachusetts State House during their recent school vacation.
The group of 80 Girl Scouts and leaders from all over eastern Massachusetts included 30 participants from Westwood.
The girls were welcomed to the State House by Anne Ziaja, Executive Director of the Senate Office of Education and Civic Engagement and Lauren Scribi, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators.
Over lunch, Andrea Kramer, Chief of the Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General’s Office and Suzanne Bump, State Auditor also addressed the girls.
Speakers emphasized the importance of learning how government works on the federal, state and local levels so that the girls will be better equipped to become involved in their government.
“Show up, stand up and speak up” was the message from Auditor Bump.
Westwood’s Representative, Paul McMurtry met each of his young constituents during lunch and later addressed all of the Girl Scouts while they were assembled in the house chamber for a simulated debate and vote on Senate Bill No. 2119 regarding pay equity.
William Welch, Senate Clerk and Chief Parliamentarian guided the session where one girl was chosen to act as the Speaker of the House.
This biennial Girl Scout event is a wonderful opportunity for girls to visit the MA State House, meet their legislators and interact with a diverse group of women who serve in various capacities of our state government.
