A Senatorial Visit

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited Friends on November 13, 2018 to speak to students in Grades 4-8. After an introduction by a group of eighth graders, the Senator opened by reading from her new book, Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote. Featuring profiles of figures like Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul and Mary Church Turrell, the book then highlights an important lesson from each woman’s life.

 

Gillibrand spoke about the women in her life who inspired her: her great-grandmother, grandmother and mother, who taught her to be bold and brave and pave the way for the next generation of women. She challenged students to “get off the sidelines” and get involved. She discussed how many of the women profiled in her book participated in the very first march on Washington for women’s rights, carrying signs supporting causes from women’s suffrage to temperance. She then opened the question and answer portion of the presentation by asking students, “What would be on your sign?” The crowd became a sea of raised hands, as students were eager to share their own inspiring words. A few highlights include:

 

“My future is mine.”

“Stop global warming.”

“Stop gun violence.”

“I may be small, but I still have a voice, and I’ll make it be heard.”

 

After several more ideas for signs, the questions began, starting with, “You were on MSNBC last night and said you are considering running for President. What would be your agenda?” From there the discussion ranged from the insufficient number of women in politics to climate change and criminal justice reform.

 

Friends thanks Senator Gillibrand her time and thoughtful engagement with our students.