Girls’ Day at the State House

A nonpartisan civic engagement program for 8th grade girls and gender expansive students.

  • For Teachers and Community Leaders

    Teachers and community leaders can nominate up to two 8th grade girls or gender expansive students.

    Once you make a nomination, the students parents/guardians must complete the registration and permission form. You will get an email with registration information - please share it with the students you nominate!

    Thank you for supporting youth as civic leaders!

    Nominate a student here.

  • For Students and Young People

    Girls and gender expansive students in the 8th grade are welcome to join us!

    Once you are nominated by a teacher or community leader, you and your parent/guardian must complete the registration and permission form. After we receive all materials we will contact you directly with a schedule, zoom links, and more information about the program.

    If you were not nominated, but you still want to join, please let us know!

    Contact us here.

  • For Parents and Caregivers

    Girls’ Day at the State House is four virtual sessions from 3:30 - 4:15 on March 10, 17, 24 and 31, and one in-person day at the State House in Augusta on Monday, April 7.

    We will work with students, their teachers, and families to make sure that every student has a safe ride to the State House, and volunteer mentors will support them through the day. Mileage reimbursement will be available if needed.

    Once students are nominated a parent/guardian must complete a registration form.

    Register your student here.

Schedule of Events

  • The program opens with a special welcome from Senator Susan Collins.

    Participants then hear an introduction about gender equity and taking action. This presentation is followed by a panel of young people who talk about how they lift up the issues most important to them!

    The intro session is presented by our partners at Hardy Girls.

  • This session opens with a welcoming statement from Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

    Students then hear from a panel of elected officials who share lessons about running for and being in office.

    Thank you to Councilor April Fournier, Representative Ellie Sato, and Representative Rachel Henderson for taking the time to talk with Girls’ Day participants!

  • This session opens with a welcoming statement from the Honorable Maulian Bryant, the former Ambassador of the Penobscot Nation and current Executive Director of the Wabanaki Alliance.

    Students then hear from a panel of government staff who work in different roles in hired, unelected, positions. The panelist talk about their road to public service and working in government positions.

    Thank you to Elinor Higgins of the PCSW, Rae Sage of the PCRITP, Safiya Khalid of the MDOL - PFML, and Vanessa Diaz Gaumond of the Secretary of State’s Office.

  • This week includes a panel of youth-focused advocates and organizers from different issues areas. They share their own experiences with social change and connecting with their communities.

    Thank you to Hardy Girls, OUT Maine, and Maine Youth Power for taking the time to talk with students.

  • This is a full day of learning the legislative process. Students will meet with legislators, staffers, lobbyists, and each other to debate a bill in the State House.

    This session intends to open the doors of the State House to young people and inspire them to become Maine’s future leaders.