Annually beginning in 2019, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey and local Leagues, including the Morristown Area, and Girl Scout troops throughout New Jersey have collaborated on the Voter Girl project - a one-day class for Girl Scouts of all levels to earn citizenship badges through learning about civic engagement, voting and advocacy on local to global issues.

 

In 2019, the pilot project began in Chatham with 150 girls attending. In 2020, the 100th Anniversary of both the League of Women Voters and the 19th Amendment allowing women the right to vote, Voter Girl was held statewide. Over 500 Girl Scouts attended led by over 150 LWV volunteers and Girl Scout leaders. Over 50 elected women officials spoke about their jobs. In 2021, a COVID safe outdoor event was held in Kinnelon in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of Northern NJ.

 

Workshops empower Girl Scouts to act on their right to vote, engage in civil debate and learn to be counted in the 2020 census. Each age level completed for a Citizenship badge including Behind the Ballot, Celebrating Community, Finding Common Ground and Inside Government.

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A variety of community service groups distribute information for general knowledge including the US Census Bureau, local historical groups and local Boards of Health.

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The events culminate with a parade of scouts waving banners and posters of their own creation celebrating the right of women to vote. This is a wonderful opportunity for girls and women of ALL ages to see women who are actively engage in making Democracy Work.

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