Vermont Kid Governor Program Announces ‘Screen-Free Challenge’ May 18-25
Montpelier, VT – Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas is promoting a new initiative from Vermont’s first Kid Governor and her cabinet. While Kid Governor Roslyn Fortin of Highgate ran on a platform addressing homelessness, the six other finalists ran on issues including youth mental health, healthcare accessibility, school lunch improvements, and bullying prevention. Working together, the group of seven fifth graders from across Vermont has been seeking ways to elevate the full range of issues. Right now, they want to let people know about the “Vermont Kid Governor Screen-Free Challenge,” a project led by cabinet member Rumano Hassan of Burlington.
“For one week, Rumano and the Kid Governor cabinet are encouraging kids across our state to explore some fun, rewarding alternatives to screen-based entertainment,” explained Secretary Copeland Hanzas. “Honestly, I’m personally inspired by this challenge, not to mention proud of how these driven young Vermonters are changing the world around them for the better.”
The challenge invites youth to “stop and think before turning to the television or tablet and give another activity a try instead.” Rumano and the cabinet worked together to create a bingo card filled with activities, such as “take a walk outside,” “cook a new recipe,” and “write a card to someone.” Participants can enter a photo contest documenting their screen-free experiences.
Rumano’s platform, “Vermont Strong: Inside and Out,” focuses on youth mental health. “Did you know kids ages 8 to 12 spend about 5 ½ hours a day on screens for entertainment? That can take time away from things kids need to feel healthy and happy, like playing outside, moving their bodies, resting, being creative, and spending time with family and friends,” Rumano explained. “Screen-free time is one way to practice taking care of ourselves. When we put screens down, we make more space to notice how we feel, connect with the world around us, and choose activities that help us feel calm, creative, and strong. The challenge is not about giving up screens perfectly. It is about trying something different and seeing how it makes you feel. Together, we can unplug, reconnect, and help create a healthier, happier Vermont!”
Info and resources can be found at: https://vt.kidgovernor.org/rumanos-screen-free-challenge
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Kid Governor® is a free program that empowers fifth graders to change the world by using an authentic election to teach important lessons about state government, voting, and the power of civic participation. Participants develop skills in critical thinking, research, public speaking, and persuasion. The program, founded by the Connecticut Democracy Center in 2015, has spread nationwide and garnered broad support from educators and elected officials. Vermont joins Nebraska, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma this year in bringing this unique civic learning experience to fifth graders from across the state.
This year, Vermont’s first Kid Governor Roslyn Fortin has grown awareness around the issue of homelessness, leading food drive initiatives in her community and creating a training for other kids to do the same.
For more about Vermont’s Kid Governor®, visit VT.KidGovernor.org or follow @VTKidGovernor on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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https://sos.vermont.gov