Supporting Animals Throughout the Summer

Hello! I am Myra Stanfield, your 2020 Connecticut’s Kid Governor, and I would like to share with you a few ideas on how you, your family, and your community can help animals in need this summer during social distancing!

Believe it or not, animals can actually help you during this virus. If you’re feeling stressed (which is totally understandable), animals can help with that by cheering you up and making you feel much better. Some animals can also help older people deal with isolation and social distancing. I think this is really cool.

Now would be a great time to adopt or foster a pet from your local shelter! You would help yourself and bring the excitement of a new pet to your family. You would help your local shelter out, too, by making their jobs much, much easier! A new pet friend would also be a great idea around this time so that you have someone to play with while social distancing.

My family adopted a new pet before the pandemic and I am grateful for that! His name is Mateo and he is a chihuahua. I have someone else to play with when I get bored, and someone to cheer me up when I miss my friends and family. I think it is a great idea to adopt or foster a pet because they might need a friend, too!

Me with Mateo that day that my family adopted him!

A few weeks ago, I was able to attend a virtual meeting hosted by Senator Blumenthal on the topic of animals and how we can help them during this time. It was such an eye opening experience! I got to meet many animal advocates from Connecticut and I was given the opportunity to speak and share information on the Kid Governor program, my platform, the process of getting elected, and so much more! It was truly amazing.

One important thing I learned during the meeting is that donations to shelters are really needed during this time! Even a small amount would be greatly appreciated. Most shelters will accept food, cleaning supplies, treats, litter, and more. Contact your local shelter or humane society to see what items they need! They will also accept money to purchase items they need if you would like to contribute.

If you have any extra time this summer, a really fun idea is to make crafts to donate to your local shelter for the animals staying there! The Connecticut Humane Society’s website has ideas and instructions HERE for pet bandanas, pet beds, and even cat scratchers! Some shelters will also accept dog toys made from old t-shirts. Watch this video HERE from 2019 New Hampshire’s Kid Governor for step-by-step instructions. These handmade crafts would be really thoughtful, and I’m sure the animals would really appreciate it.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you’ll take one of my suggestions for helping animals in need this summer, and maybe even give a new pet their forever home!!

From the CTKG Cabinet: Donations to Southington Bread for Life

Hey Everyone! Derek here.

I hope everybody is doing well and that you are all safe and healthy during this time. I just want to give you an update on what I've been doing for my platform, Brightening the Lives of Homeless Children.

During this pandemic, homeless people are desperately in need of food. I organized a food drive in my neighborhood and all of the donations went to Bread for Life in Southington. I handed out fliers to my neighbors, introducing myself and giving them a list of food items that were listed on the Bread for Life website. The collection ended on May 22nd and we received a LOT of food items including canned foods, cereals, pasta, and much more.

Credit: Southington Food for Life

When we arrived at Bread for Life, the workers were very happy to hear about my Kid Governor Cabinet platform. They were very grateful for the donation too! You can learn more about my platform and the Cabinet here.

If you would like to learn more about Southington Bread for Life or how you can support them, visit SouthingtonBreadforLife.org.

Thank you for reading my blog post! I hope that you all stay happy, health, and safe during these hard times. Thanks for supporting my platform!

-Derek Gaszek
Oshana Elementary School
Southington, CT

A message from the Connecticut's Kid Governor Team....

While the school year may be over, the 2020 CTKG Cabinet has continued their hard work on their platforms and supporting CTKG Myra's Standing Up for Animals in Need platform. You can learn more about each platform and Cabinet Member at CT.KidGovernor.org/Cabinet2020.

Take an Internet Break with Cabinet Member Kylie!

Cabinet Member Kylie Nachin ran on a platform of Kids and Technology Addiction. Now that we are being asked to spend more time on our computers and devices so that we can distance learn, Kylie has some ideas on how to take a technology detox and step away from the computer. At least for a little while!

From the CTKG Cabinet: Mental Health During COVID-19

Hello Kids of Connecticut! My name is Ariana Moreno and I am a member of the Kid Governor's Cabinet.

I ran for Connecticut's Kid Governor on the platform of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. I chose this issue because I want kids to know that their feelings and mental health are important and now, mental health is more important than ever.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, it is important for us kids to take care of our mental health. Here are three ways that you can do that:

• First: Talk about and realize how you feel during this time. Don't ignore it. Once you know how you feel, you can find ways to control it or talk about it with someone. All emotions that you feel during this stressful time are okay and talking with others is a great way to let them out. Understanding each other during this time is important. 
• Second: Catch up with friends. You can see how old or current friends are doing during this time. You can talk to them by video chat, phone call, text, email, or letter! Tell them how you're doing and what's going on at home, and see how you can help each other. 
• Third: Take some time to be outside and breathe. Give yourself a break. You're mostly inside having classes online, looking at a screen all day and it may get stressful, especially with what's going on. Go outside and take a walk while practicing social distancing. Take some breaths and have some time for yourself. While breathing, put your hands on your belly and feel it rise and fall, almost like a balloon. 

This is a very stressful day and age we are living in and that is why we need to understand how we feel and find ways to cope with it. For more suggestions from the Kid Governor's Cabinet on helping yourself and others, visit CT.KidGovernor.org.

I hope you are all feeling well and are at home during this difficult time. Stay safe!

-Ariana Moreno

Casimir Pulaski Elementary School

Meriden, CT

From the CTKG Cabinet: Meet Derek!

Howdy! My name is Derek Gaszek and I am a Kid Governor's Cabinet member. I go to Oshana Elementary School in Plantsville and I am in fifth grade. Some of my hobbies are to hang out with my friends, play video games, and going outside. I have a family of four: my brother Adam, my mom and dad, and me. I also have a Boxer dog named Captain. I am part Polish. I was a final candidate in the 2019 Statewide Election for Connecticut's Kid Governor. My platform is Brightening the Lives of Homeless People, specifically homeless children.

My three-point plan is:

1. Organize fundraisers to support the needs of homeless children. 
2. Crate flyers explaining Facts vs. Fiction about homelessness. 
3. Develop animal programs to bring small companion animals to homeless shelters. 

I am planning to do the following things to help out. I want to run an animal program at homeless shelters where they allow people to bring small companion animals such as guinea pigs and fish. I think this will cheer up people who are homeless and will give them company. I also want to hand out flyers around my neighborhood so my neighbors can donate food and non-food items to help our community Bread for Life program to feed and shelter the homeless. I will also get my family and friends to help out too. I have already spread the word to my whole family and they are planning to help out with donations!

Thank you for taking the time out of your day and reading my blog post! If you have any ideas or would like to help, let me know! Email info@KidGovernor.org to tell me how you'd like to be involved or how you are supporting those experiencing homelessness!

-Derek Gaszek

Oshana Elementary School

Southington, CT

Celebrate Earth Day with Cabinet Member Daisy!

Celebrate Earth Day with Cabinet Member Daisy Wimberly! Daisy shares some tips and ideas for how to protect our environment and to learn more about recycling!.

From the CTKG Cabinet: Meet Daisy!

Hi, my name is Daisy Wimberly and I was one of seven finalists in the 2019 Connecticut's Kid Governor Statewide Elections. I'm now in the Kid Governor's Cabinet working with 2020 CTKG Myra!

My platform is Pollution Prevention. I chose this platform because one afternoon my mom and I watched a video with a marine team pulling a plastic straw out of a turtle's nose. This video inspired me a lot as pollution was the cause of that situation. I thought it was important to take a stand so innocent sea creatures aren't harmed and we can have an Earth to live on for generations to come.

My three-point plan is:

1. Place more recycling bins in places such as classrooms, cafeterias, hallways, parks, and more places.
2. Work with my school's PTO to organize fun events for students to inform them about pollution and how to prevent it.
3. Find more eco-friendly products for schools.

Since the Statewide Election, I have been jotting down ways I can raise money for the events I have planned. I have also been thinking of ways to inform people about pollution and how to prevent pollution. I will continue to work on my platform by working with my town leaders to get more recycling bins for plastic and paper goods. I will also try to find more eco-safe school supplies.

If you would like to support my platform, you can still save the planet from home! Even though you may be home due to the recent COVID-19 virus, there are still things you can do:

1. Some days, in place of independent reading, you can read about the effects of pollution on the Earth and come up with ideas to try to decrease pollution in our environment. Check out these articles and videos for inspiration:
   - Humanity Will Find Ways to Adapt to Climate Change
   - Learn About Pollution (Video)
   - Air Pollution 101 (Video)
2. Ensure that you and your family are recycling. Make sure that your family has a designated bin or bag for recyclables. Sometimes the behavior of one person in the household can change the behavior of everyone.

Source: www.recyclect.com

I would love to hear about what you've learned about pollution and how you plan to make a difference in your community! Email info@KidGovernor.org to tell me about it!

-Daisy Wimberly

John F. Kennedy School

Windsor, CT

From the CTKG Cabinet: Meet Kylie!

Hello, my name is Kylie Nachin and I was a final candidate in the 2019 Statewide Election for Connecticut's Kid Governor. Currently, I am in the 2020 CT Kid Governor's Cabinet with CTKG Myra! I am so excited to be in the Cabinet!

I ran on a platform of preventing technology addiction among the youth of our school systems. This platform is an important reminder to give kids alternatives to what they can do besides using excessive and unnecessary technology. My three point plan was:

1. I will create a website with a blog, video, and other information for students that includes alternatives to using technology.
2. I will host a sticker design contest. Students from my school can submit a design to promote my slogan: "Ditch the Game to Build Your Brain."
3. I will provide letters and flyers to students to use in the community to increase awareness of this issue.

As a result of the Statewide Election, I have the chance to persuade people to help with this issue of technology addiction. I will continue to work on my platform, "Ditch the Game to Build Your Brain."

There are many alternatives to using technology. For example: art, music, playing outside, making slime, practice an instrument, taking a walk, exercising, meditating, reading, building something, planting something, rearranging or redecorating your room, writing a letter or postcard, doing a puzzle, riding a bike, etc.

I know we are all facing some real challenges during this virus situation. I hope that you are all staying safe. I also know you need your technology for school work. Now, more than ever, we need to be aware of how long we are all on technology.

If you want to raise awareness of this issue, you can try to limit your use at home or in your community. What do you do when you go off technology? Do you have a favorite sport or activity? How do you encourage others to take a break from technology?

I would love to hear about how you are making a difference about the issue of technology addiction in your own family and community. Email info@KidGovernor.org to tell me about it! You can also visit CT.KidGovernor.org/Cabinet2020 to read about the other cabinet members. I would like to thank Mrs. Temel, Mr. Cofrancesco, all of the cabinet members, and Connecticut's Kid Governor Myra for helping me with this issue.

Remember, "Ditch the Game to Build Your Brain!"

-Kylie Nachin
West Vine Street School
Stonington, CT

From the CTKG Cabinet: Meet Ariana!

Hello, my name is Ariana Moreno and I was a final candidate in the 2019 Statewide Election for Connecticut's Kid Governor. I'm now in the Kid Governor's Cabinet working with CTKG Myra!

I ran on the platform of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. I chose this issue because it is a topic that many people don't like to talk about. That's why I would like to change that perspective and break the stigma. I want kids to know that how they feel isn't bad and there is hope for them. It's not as easy as it seems so I want to spread awareness. To do this, I will share my three point plan:

• Bring more support groups to schools
• Making lime green loom bracelets to sell and raise money (green is the color for mental health)
• Have a charity walk on September 10th (Suicide Prevention Day) and October 10th (World Mental Health Day)

Since the Statewide Election, I have raised money in my school for mental health and I am currently working on making loom bracelets. I will continue to work on my platform by selling bracelets, planning the charity walks on September 10th and October 10th, and working on making more support groups in Connecticut schools.  

If you would like to support my platform you can make bracelets, suggest to your principal to make a support group in your school, and finally participate in the charity walks. 

I would love to hear about how you are making a difference around suicide and mental health in your own community. Email info@KidGovernor.org to tell me about it! You can visit CT.KidGovernor.org/Cabinet2020 to read about the other Kid Governor's Cabinet members.

- Ariana Moreno
Casimir Pulaski Elementary School
Meriden, CT

CAS, Cabinet Meetings, and CT Humane Society

The past few weeks have gone by very quickly, and I think you may like to know what I’ve been doing lately.

In February, I went to the Aqua Turf for two special Elementary Arts Banquets for amazing artists from all around Connecticut. It was presented by the Connecticut Association of Schools. I spoke in front of hundreds of people and told them about my platform. I was able to introduce my poster contest idea to many people who were interested in art, and we got many students to sign up. There were all kinds of different people there, teachers, principals, parents, and students! I had so much fun talking to all of the kids there, and they were all super nice!

I also worked on part of the first step in my platform, informing Connecticut about animal abuse and helping animals in need!! I interviewed Ashley Marshall from the Connecticut Humane Society (who is very nice, by the way ) and she told me all about how the Humane Society works, and all of the “behind the scenes” things they have to do everyday! Anyways, that video will be out very soon for you and your friends to watch!

Me and Ashley Marshall in my office at Connecticut's Old State House.

As part of my video recording, we stopped by the Humane Society, gave donations that students at my school collected, and visited animals! This worked out quite well for me, because while visiting with the dogs and cats I saw a puppy named Mateo who I immediately fell in love with. After much persuasion, my mom agreed to adopt him! He is doing well with our family, and I am glad to have given him a forever home. I hope you can give an animal in a shelter THEIR forever home! 

Getting ready to bring Mateo home!

I also had my first Cabinet meeting in February! We played an icebreaker to get to know each other, and did a scavenger hunt around the Old State House! We got to take selfies whenever we found a clue, and it was super fun! We also had a meeting to talk about our individual platforms and how we can support each other. I really like working with the members of my Cabinet - we are going to accomplish a lot this year! 

Me with members of my Cabinet!
LtoR: Kylie, Daisy, Myra, Derek, Ariana

As you can see, I have been busy over the last few months as your Kid Governor! I would love to hear from you about how you are Standing Up for Animals in Need in your school or community. Email me at Myra@CT.KidGovernor.org to tell me and share your ideas!

Your Kid Governor,

Myra

Relive CTKG Myra's Inauguration!

A message from your friends at The Connecticut Democracy Center...

On Friday, January 17, 2020, Myra Stanfield was sworn in as the 2020 Connecticut's Kid Governor! (CTKG) She received the Oath of Office from Secretary of the State Denise Merrill in front of 230 students, teachers, parents, elected officials, dignitaries, and members of the media in a special ceremony at Connecticut's Old State House in Hartford.

2020 CTKG Myra takes the Oath of Office from Secretary Merrill. 

You can relive the excitement of the Inauguration by watching the livestream of the Ceremony and News Conference. Advance to 1:41:06 to watch CTKG Myra's Inaugural Speech, or read the text of it below! Check out our album of photos from Inauguration Day on Facebook.


Good morning,

Thank you all for coming today!

First, I would like to thank the 5th graders all across the state of Connecticut who voted in the Kid Governor election last fall. 

A couple more people I would like to acknowledge are the other Kid Governor finalists: Ariana (ARE-ee-ah-nuh), Daisy, Derek, Dwayne, Kylie, and Lucie. You all had great platforms and I am super excited to have you in my Cabinet this year! 

Next, I would like to thank my teachers, Mrs. Heaton, and Mrs. Larson They’ve been supportive of me since the beginning of my Kid Governor experience and are great mentors. And thank you so much to my amazing friends, Ali, Alex and Kennedy. Finally, my family members, my moms Sandy, Cindy, and Laurie, my brother Simon, and my sister Carley. They are also a strong support system for me. 

Congratulations to 2019 Kid Governor Ella Briggs on her successful year in office. She has done an incredible job as Kid Governor and I know she will do amazing things in her lifetime.

Thank you to all of the dignitaries that are here today: Governor Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz (Bye-Sue-Witts), Secretary Merrill, Treasurer Wooden, Deputy Attorney General Chapple (Chap-pull), Commissioner of Education Cardona, and Judge Eveleigh (Ev-uh-lee). I am also happy that elected officials from my hometown of West Hartford were able to attend today: Senator Slap, Representative Gilchrest, Representative Verrengia (Verr-en-gee-uh), and Mayor Cantor. 

It is also an honor to have past Kid Governor Jessica Brocksom, whose platform also focused on helping animals, here today.  

My final thank you goes out to The Connecticut Democracy Center, Mr. Cofrancesco,  Ms. Whipple, Mr. Orcutt, and Ms. Gorski for running the Kid Governor program so well, and teaching fifth grade students that their votes matter and that their voices can make a difference.

I ran for Kid Governor because of my love of animals. During my 2020 term, I will work towards accomplishing the three main goals of my platform, Standing Up for Animals in Need.

First, I will inform people about animal cruelty and animals in need. To achieve this point, I will interview an expert on companion animals to learn more about animal cruelty, companion animals that are in need in our state, how humane societies and shelters help them, and what kids like us can do to help these animals. I will share what I learn with 5th graders all across Connecticut. 

Second, I will encourage schools to fundraise and collect toys, blankets and other supplies for their local animal shelters to make shelter pets feel loved. We will have a statewide poster contest for artwork about helping animals, and the winning designs will be shared with schools so they can promote their collections. I will also share tips and advice for planning a collection in your school.

Third, I will hold a statewide adoption event for Connecticut families who are interested in adopting a pet, or who want to show their support for companion animals in need. 

As your new Kid Governor, I will have important conversations with students and adults  all over Connecticut. We will talk about many things concerning animals in need and what differences you can make in a pet’s life just by being kind to them. Every animal deserves to have a safe place to live, with people that love them and treat them with kindness and respect. 

Thank you all for coming today to celebrate my Inauguration and for listening to my goals as your Kid Governor. I hope you will join me this year in STANDING UP for Animals in Need!!

CTKG Myra and her Cabinet at Inauguration Day
Left to Right: Daisy Wimberly, Derek Gaszek, Ariana Moreno, Myra Stanfield, Kylie Nachin, Lucie Martinelli, Dwayne Ceasar

Welcome to my blog!

A message from your friends at The Connecticut Democracy Center...

CTKG Myra Stanfield was sworn in as the 2020 Connecticut's Kid Governor on Friday January 17, 2020 at Connecticut's Old State House in Hartford. Watch her inauguration HERE and visit CT.KidGovernor.org to learn more about her platform and term!
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Hello! My name is Myra Stanfield and most of you reading this will know that I am the 2020 Connecticut's Kid Governor. As you can see, this is my blog and I will try to post as much as I can to let you guys know what I'm doing over the course of the year.

My platform, or the problem in our community, I will be working to solve is animal cruelty and helping animals. I have named my platform Standing Up for Animals in Need.  I got the idea from my love of animals. I didn't like the fact that pets (also called "companion animals") all over our state need help. I realized that this is a bigger problem than many of us might think. Don't you think that every animal, no matter how big or small, should be treated with kindness and respect and have a loving home?

You might be wondering: how does this kid plan to help animals in need? This is how:

1. I will inform people about the problem of animal cruelty and explain how kids can help animals in need.
2. I will encourage schools to hold fundraisers and collect blankets, toys and supplies for local shelter animals to brighten their lives. I will also hold a poster design contest for 5th graders to create artwork about helping animals.
3. I will hold a statewide adoption event for families interested in adopting a pet, or families who just love animals but can't adopt one.

There you go. That's my plan for the year! Stay tuned for more information about my platform in the coming months!

Your Kid Governor,

Myra