Pathways to Politics:
CAWP Partners with Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey

Pathways to Politics 2008
Pathways to Politics is a two-week summer “Destination” workshop organized by Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey and the Center for American Women and Politics for teen-age Girl Scouts. In July, 2008 we will host the third Pathways to Politics program, building on the success of programs in 2004 and 2006.

While many programs tell high school girls that they can be leaders and encourage them to consider careers in business or the professions, there are few opportunities for girls to envision themselves as public leaders or to consider why it is so important for them to become active, engaged citizens.  Pathways to Politics instills in young women a sense of themselves as the leaders of tomorrow, especially in the worlds of government, politics, and advocacy.
 
Over the two weeks, the girls will:

• Meet elected and appointed officials and activists who are shaping their communities and practicing leadership through action;
• Explore the demands of leadership in a diverse society;
• Learn about the roles of women in politics, from the past to the present;
• Participate in lively discussions and leadership exercises;
• Enjoy recreational team-building.
• Several trips will be built into the program, including a day trip to New York City to visit the United Nations and the New York City Council President’s office, a tour of the Constitution Center in Philadelphia, and two days in Washington, DC, where the girls will get a White House briefing and visits on Capitol Hill with members of Congress and an aide to Speaker Pelosi. An advocacy exercise, conducted in the New Jersey Senate chambers, will feature Senator Nia Gill as senate president. After the girls complete a service activity, preparing meals for a local soup kitchen, a political woman will discuss with them the connections between service and politics. Candace Kelley of NJN and CN8 will help the girls understand how to communicate effectively, and NJ Board of Public Utilities President Jeanne Fox will wrap up the program with thoughts about taking home the message of the program. 
• Most of the cost of Pathways to Politics is borne by the girls themselves through a program fee. Financial assistance is available through local Girl Scout service units and councils, but the fee for the program is kept low in order to make it accessible to as many girls as possible. Additional support comes from the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey and from grants and contributions from interested individuals and organizations. Contributions for the program, either through CAWP or GSCSNJ, are welcome and are fully tax-deductible.

A summary of the Pathways agenda is available here.  

 

Photos from the 2006 Program