November 2, 2010 - Election Day
With every experience in life, comes an opportunity to learn. As adults, we anticipated election day and we also took the opportunity to teach our girls about the importance of this privilege. This was their opportunity to learn.
Girls Incorporated posed this question to girls across the nation: Should school vending machines sell soda? Yes or no. On October 26, girls from Tarrant County cast their vote. The results? 79% of the girls polled (54 total) voted "No".
Debates sparked on election day as the girls passionately voiced their opinions against the selling of sodas in school vending machines.
"Obesity rates are out of control!"
"There is too much sugar in sodas."
"Kids can't concentrate because they have sugar rushes and then crash."
"It is not fair that not everyone can afford to buy a soda."
Those in favor of selling sodas also had opinions.
"There is nothing wrong with having a soda in moderation."
"We have a freedom of choice. If it is not good for you, don't buy it."
Not only did the girls engage in healthy debate, but they also asked questions about the voting process. Curiously, they questioned why casting a vote at a polling place was secret. "Is it so that people do not cheat off of you?" one asked. As mentors, we took the opportunity to teach them about the importance of voting, the history of it, and why it is such a "secret".
When I turn around, I see the sun setting on election day. I also see 54 silhouettes of young girls skipping along, carrying a new bundle of election knowledge. Election day is behind us. Did you cast your vote today? The Girls Inc. girls did!
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