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