As a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, Tara Mahoozi knows firsthand how tricky learning the democratic system can be. So when she learned about The Voter Girl Project at a League of Women Voters convention last year, she knew she wanted to bring it to Belmont.
The Voter Girl Project, pioneered in Kent, Ohio, is a civic-engagement program that “offers Girl Scouts a hands-on, age-appropriate curriculum to explore democracy, elections, and the power of their voice,” according to the League of Women Voters.
“We’re just hoping for them to get a little taste of what it means to be an active citizen and what democracy means,” said Mahoozi, treasurer of the League of Women Voters.
The now nationwide program also aligns with the League’s mission to engage a younger membership, she added.
According to Mahoozi, the goal is for the program to dovetail with what the Scouts learn in school (such as the branches of government), rather than repeat it. Members of the fourth-grade troop (aged 9 or 10) will hear an introduction from League leaders, including co-president Maryann Scali, and then have the opportunity to ask questions.
Then, in groups of three, led by members of an older troop, the girls will come up with current Belmont problems and work together on how to raise awareness of that particular problem. The problems will be visualized on posters provided to the five groups of Scouts.
“The main message is the same message as the League of Women Voters – what does it mean to be an active citizen? Who brings up issues, who do you go to?” Mahoozi said.
Co-troop leader Laura Miyakawa said citizenship is a big part of Girl Scouts.
“One of the things we talk about in the Girl Scout law is respecting authority and making the world a better place,” Miyakawa said.
While she can educate them on other skills, Miyakawa felt this was an area where it would be beneficial to bring outside expertise.
“I particularly think this age group … is a really important time for them to get more exposure to this,” she said. “I’m hoping they get a better understanding of how government functions and what their role will be in it, and they also get a sense of the responsibility that comes with that.”
And hopefully it will be fun, too, she added.
Scali said when Mahoozi first pitched the idea to the League, the board was happy to support the Scouts in any way they could.
“I was a Girl Scout for many years, so wasn’t Diane Palmer, my co-president,” Scali said. “We believe in it: If you don’t like something in your community, change it. I learned that through the League.”
The fourth-graders will be mentored during the day by members of an older troop of ninth graders, led by Hannah Pong.
“I hope they can also absorb the same knowledge that the younger troop is learning about,” Pong said. “Our girls like to work with younger troops.”
The event will also help them toward achieving their Gold Award, she added. This award, which Scouts in the 9th to 12th grades are eligible for, requires girls to solve a community problem with a sustainable solution.
“The hope is through an activity like Voter Girls, they can start hearing about how they can contribute back to the community,” she said.
The event will also offer them the opportunity to expand their network, either through connection with the League of Women Voters of Belmont or members of the Women’s Club, who are hosting the event at the historic Homer House.
“My goal to be involved in this is to open their minds and also build the connection in Belmont,” Pong said.
