From the CTKG Cabinet: Gwyn Romanzi

Hi, my name is Gwyn. As you may know I was a finalist in the 2017 Kid Governor election. I'm now on the Kid Governor Cabinet with the other finalists working with 2018 CTKG Megan.

I ran on a platform of ending childhood poverty. My three point plan includes holding a canned food drive, toiletry drive, and informing students about my issue.

Canned Food Drive 

In my campaign video you saw me collecting the canned food. After collecting the food at my school, everyone who donated got to take a walk to our local soup kitchen. Only the people who donated to the canned food drive got to be in my video.

Toiletry Drive 

At my school we are getting ready for a toiletry drive. We just need to sort out a few things before we get started. At my school everyone is ready to help. Everyone wants to get involved. Everyone seems really interested in my issue.

Informing Students

When I was running for Kid Governor, many people asked me what poverty was. Most people just guessed it means that you are homeless, but this is not the case. Poverty means that you don't have much of anything and the things you do have can get you very sick. Poverty can lead to mental heath issues and can stop you from getting a good education. These are reasons why I will take my research further and inform my class mates at an assembly.


If you have any questions feel free to ask them at info@kidgovernor.org. I would love to hear what you have been doing to help this cause!
  

From the CTKG Cabinet: Liliana Vera

Hi, my name is Liliana and I was a final candidate in the 2017 Connecticut's Kid Governor Statewide Election! I'm now on the Kid Governor's Cabinet working with 2018 CTKG Megan!

I ran on the platform of valuing the elderly. My dad is from Paraguay and we went to visit there last year. I had a lot of fun with my family but my great grandma (Abuelita) has Alzheimer's. She has three sons and six daughters and every day different people come to see her. She can't remember anything (she thought my dad, her grandson, was her brother) but even though she was in a room with people she didn't recognize, she felt valued. She felt good, happy, and loved. Then I thought every elderly person should feel this.

When running for Connecticut's Kid Governor, I developed a three point plan on how to make the elderly feel valued. My three point platform is:

1. Coordinating field trips to local senior centers.
2. Creating a Pen Pals program with the elderly.
3. Establishing an Adopt a Grandparent Club.

Field Trips

Since the Statewide Election, I have coordinated fourth and third grade field trips to the local senior centers. Fifth grade is going in June. At the senior centers, students have the opportunity to read to the elderly, talk with them, and spend time to get to know them.

Pen Pal Program

Kindergarten through second grade are drawing pictures of cards to give to the elderly. Their creations will be put together into a book for the elderly to read or the cards will be put on a wall display at the senior center. Students in grades three through five will write letters to the elderly. Each grade will make their own book. The books will be kept at The Summit, our local senior center, for residents to enjoy. Residents will respond back and their books will be kept in our Media Center. 

Adopt-A-Grandparent Club

I started an Adopt-A-Grandparent Club at my school. This club will meet one day every other week after school. We will walk to The Summit with a teacher advisor. Students will be paired up with a resident that shares his/her interests. There will also be opportunities to celebrate the adopted grandparents (for example, birthdays). 

If my platform interests you and you would like to start an Adopt-A-Grandparent Club or Pen Pal Program in your own school, contact me and I will share with you the steps you can take to make this a reality in your school!

I would love to hear about how you are making a difference around valuing the elderly in your own community. Email info@kidgovernor.org to tell me all about it! You can also visit CT.KidGovernor.org/governors-cabinet to read about the other members of the Kid Governor's Cabinet.

May is Cancer Research Month

Did you know that May is Cancer Research Month? During this month we recognize the people who work all day and everyday trying to find a cure for cancer. We are also supporting the people helping those with cancer-- just like you when you donate to my Stronger Than Cancer Fundraiser! Cancer was the second most common cause of death in the United States in 2017. Although, because of all of the research being done, about 15 million people are survivors of this terrible disease!

May is very important to my platform because it shows people how important cancer research and supporting cancer patients is. For my Stronger Than Cancer Fundraiser, which started earlier in May, we have already raised more than $3,000. My original goal was to raise $1,000. The money raised for my fundraiser will be used to lift the spirits of cancer patients by providing entertainers who can visit them in hospitals here in Connecticut. Extra proceeds will go towards cancer research! Thanks to the individual donors and schools who participated in our Hat Day Fundraiser, we will be able to help bring laughter and smiles to children with cancer at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford and Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven.

I believe that we will be able to help those working to find a cure for cancer! What are some ways you can show support to those finding a cure for cancer?

Make sure to go on the Kid Governor website, CT.KidGovernor.org, for new updates and information. Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns at CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org.

Remember, together we are stronger than cancer!

Stronger Than Cancer Fundraiser

A message from your friends at the Connecticut Public Affairs Network...

As a part of her three-point platform, CTKG Megan is focused on helping people who have cancer. One of her platform goals is to lift the spirits of cancer patients by providing entertainers who can visit them in hospitals here in Connecticut. Laughter is the best medicine, and magicians, comedians, clowns, puppeteers, and ventriloquists are just a few of the people who can help entertain children with cancer!

To help reach her goal, Megan is hosting the Stronger Than Cancer Fundraiser now until May 18, 2018. Schools across Connecticut are encouraged to hold a Stronger Than Cancer Hat Day on May 18th to help raise $1,000 to hire entertainers to cheer up children at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven and Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford. On Hat Day, every student or teacher who brings in $1 or more will be able to wear a hat that day and will receive an official Stronger Than Cancer wristband.

For schools that choose to participate in Hat Day this Friday, you can use the Stronger Than Cancer Hat Day Planning Worksheet to help plan and organize your event. Schools that participate will receive a "shout out" here on the blog from Megan! Make sure to email Megan at CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org with pictures and to tell her how your fundraiser went!

Adults and community members can participate in the fundraiser too! You can text "CTKGMEGAN" to 1-844-544-7171 or donate on GiveLively! Those who donate $2 or more will be eligible to receive an official Stronger Than Cancer wristband.

No matter how big or small the amount, every penny helps! Remember that everyone has a voice and together we are stronger than cancer!

You can watch Megan's Stronger Than Cancer video below. 

The First Connecticut's Kid Governor Cabinet Meeting

A message from your friends at the Connecticut Public Affairs Network...

Last week held a milestone event for Connecticut's Kid Governor® as we had our first ever Kid Governor Cabinet meeting! 2018 CTKG Megan sat down with our staff and five of the six final candidates from the 2017 Statewide Election who now make up her cabinet. A'aliyah, Gwyn, Liliana, Madison, and Nathan all shared what they have been working on since the election and offered ideas to help Megan with her platform. Dillon could not be there but will be serving in the Cabinet.

Gwyn, who ran on a campaign to raise awareness about Childhood Poverty, talked about how she is helping to organize a toiletries drive at her school, Thomaston Center School. As a part of her platform, Gwyn wanted to hold drives at her school and those around the state to collect goods and foods for children who are struggling .

A'aliyah talked about how she has been working with other students to do anti-bullying skits on the morning announcements at her school, Clover Street School. As a part of her campaign platform, she wanted to create public service announcements or perform skits to showcase the role of the bystander, victim, and bully to help educate students.

Madison talked about how she has been working with a club at her school, CREC Discovery Academy, on how to be kind. The third part of her platform was to create presentations to help students learn about different ways to spread kindness.

Liliana wanted to help the elderly feel valued and helped to bring an adopt a grandparent program to her school in Southington, Plantsville Elementary School. Students and the elderly fill out forms so that they can be matched together based on common interests. Liliana wanted to create partnerships between schools and nursing homes for programs like this as a part of her platform.

Nathan talked about how he is still working to eliminate styrofoam trays in his school. During the meeting, he asked if Megan would join him in talking to Connecticut General Assembly committees about his issue.

Megan was able to update the cabinet on her platform and Stronger Than Cancer fundraiser that kicked off on May 7th. The cabinet members were able to offers ideas to help Megan spread the word about her platform and fundraiser by using social media and apps to educate students in a fun and engaging way.

For more about the Kid Governor's Cabinet, visit CT.KidGovernor.org/governors-cabinet. You can also check back here in the next few weeks for guest blog posts from the Cabinet Members about their work on their platforms! 

An Interview with Brian Willinsky

Hello, it is the 2018 CT Kid Governor, Megan Kasperowski!

The other day I had an interview with Brian Willinsky who grew up in my town of Portland. His mother passed away from ovarian cancer about 4 years ago. Each year he and his team work to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. When they reach their goal they walk a marathon along the path of the Boston Marathon. 

During this interview, I asked him if he had any advice for children trying to raise money for cancer research. He said that the main thing he usually sees is children selling candy bars, or having some smaller fundraisers. No matter how big or small the amount, every penny helps with all of the research being done to try and cure this terrible disease. So don’t think you are ever too young to help and make a difference. Remember EVERYONE has a voice, so don’t be afraid to use it! 

Brian also said that, “There is good research going on about it, but there is a lot more that can be done. And it can help to save more women's lives and give them better treatment and better options.” I know he is appreciative of everyone who is helping. 

What have you done to help a problem in your community? I would love to hear from you on what you are doing to make a difference in this world! 

Make sure to check back here for new blog posts. Feel free to email me with any questions or comments at: CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org. 

 And remember, together we are stronger than cancer!

Connecticut Kid Governor,


Megan Kasperowski

You can watch Megan's interview with Brian below: 

Meeting Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman

I know most of my friends had a snow day on February 7th but not me! I had a meeting with Nancy Wyman, the Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut! In my last blog I told you about the fun I had at the State Capitol for the start of the new session. A little while after the State of the State address, Mr. Cofrancesco (who runs the Connecticut's Kid Governor Program), my grandmother, my mom, and I had a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Wyman.

Me with Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Wyman, my mom, and my grandmother.

I don't know why but I wasn't expecting the Lieutenant Governor to be so friendly and funny. For example, when I asked her how she got into politics she said, "I didn't." Then she went on to explain how she was very involved in her children's PTO's (Parent-Teacher Organizations) when they were in school. She told me that one day she was at a meeting and the Mayor's wife was sitting next to her. She was shocked when she realized she had been nominated for a place on the ballot. She had no idea! Then the mayor told her that she would be able to be taken off the ballot, but it turns out he was wrong! This had us all laughing!

Another thing she shared was that the biggest reason she is retiring this year is because someone in her family is graduating. She wants to be able to enjoy it but her job as Lieutenant Governor is very busy and keeps her from spending time with family and friends. She's looking forward to being able to spend more time with her family and enjoy special moments together with them in her retirement.

What questions would you ask the Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Wyman if you had the chance to sit down with her? Feel free to email me with any questions or comments at: CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org.

And remember: together we are stronger than cancer!

A message from your friends at the Connecticut Public Affairs Network...

Want to know more about the role of the Lieutenant Governor? Make sure to go to the Teacher and Class Resource page and check out Lesson 1 in the tool kit!

Opening Day the the State Capitol

On February 7, 2018, my mom, grandmother, Mr. Cofrancesco (who runs the Connecticut Kid Governor Program) and I went to Opening Day for the state legislature (known as the General Assembly) at the Capitol! I was very excited to be a part of this special day in Connecticut's Government! Once we got there we went to the Republican Breakfast. I met Art Linares (my state senator), Debra Adams (Art Linares' aide), and many other Connecticut Republicans. After that, Art Linares took us on a tour around the Capitol. We saw the senate chamber, where Governor Malloy gives the State of the State address, a few offices, and many other beautiful rooms.

Me with the Genius of Connecticut!

A little while later, we went back to the senate chamber where all of the senators sit at desks in a circle. This makes talking easier for them. There, they adopted resolutions and all the senators each had a chance to thank Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, who oversees the Senate, because this is her last year. The senators also have a chance to introduce guests they brought with them. I was Art Linares' guest. When he introduced me, he told them who I was and they all gave me a standing ovation! This was amazing! 

I got the chance to sit in the "Wishing Chair" where the Lieutenant Governor sits in the Senate with Senator Linares.

After that, we all went to the State of the State address where Governor Malloy gave his final speech on what the state government will be doing this year. This day was very special and I will never forget it! You can watch the Opening Session below and skip to 34:00 to see Senator Linares introduce me!

After the State of the State address, I got to meet Governor Malloy! It was a surprise and very nice to get to talk with the Governor of Connecticut. I hope I get to speak with him again soon!

Me meeting with Governor Dannel Malloy

Do you know who your state senator is? You can find out here! Make sure to check back in on CT.KidGovernor.org for more blog posts and other information! Feel free to email me with any questions or comments at: CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org.

I got the chance to speak with my state representative, Christie Carpino, and my state senator, Art Linares. They presented me with a special citation from the General Assembly! 

And remember: Together we are stronger than cancer!

A message from your friends at the Connecticut Public Affairs Network...

Teachers and students can visit the Teacher and Class Resource Page for more on how to find out who your legislators are. Make sure to check out Lesson 1 in the Toolkit for Classes for materials on the three branches of state government!

A Message from Connecticut's Kid Governor Megan Kasperowski

Hello, My name is Megan! I am very excited to be elected the 2018 Kid Governor! I have a campaign where I am going try to lift the spirits and save lives for the many people fighting cancer, and I need your help!

Megan on her Inauguration Day in the Senate Chamber at Connecticut's Old State House.

I have a three point plan. My first step is to create a video of both kids and adults who either have or have had cancer. I want to do this to inform you and your classmates about how hard it is to go through cancer. Throughout the year you will hear more about the other parts of my plan on the “Stronger Than Cancer: Lifting Spirits and Changing Lives” blog. So make sure to check back here to hear more about my plan!

Megan with students from CREC Discovery Academy writing letters to those with cancer. 

I am excited to get to work and to hear your thoughts and suggestions! Please feel free to share any ideas you have at:CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org. 

You can learn more about my term at  CT.KidGovernor.org/ctkg-megan!

 Please check back for new blog posts!

-Megan