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