UMaine Day at the Legislature, Thursday, March 23, is approaching. It’s a day when Cooperative Extension gets to highlight our awesome programs, and 4-H is one of the best! It’s also a time for youth to get actively involved in their democracy, to see how and who makes decisions that impact our state and to be involved in that process themselves. 4-Hers age 13 or older are encouraged to serve as Honorary Pages. The Maine 4-H program has up to 22 slots for Honorary Pages and registration is first come, first serve with a deadline of March 3.
What does a page do? Legislators are constantly communicating and making decisions while in session and pages make that communication possible. Pages hand out information packets or place the paper information on their desks. Pages will also run communication and documents directly from legislator to legislator. It’s fast-paced and pages will be moving around the chambers quite a bit, taking direction from the Clerks. We will meet at 8:30 for pictures and an orientation. Then at 9:00 am,p we will divide our group with one going to the House and the other to the Senate where each group will receive their instructions. The session will begin by 10:00 am and will likely conclude around 12:30 pm, but the timing is never certain. Lunch will be on your own.
NEW: First Amendment Museum- Supreme Court in Action! The Museum will host our group from 1:30-3:30 pm with a free interactive learning series that places each of us into different roles within the U.S. Supreme Court. You will get real-life court cases to argue for or against, to make a ruling, and to report on, to get an in-depth look at what happens when free speech, the courts, and citizens come together. Democracy can be messy, so let’s dig in!
If you are interested in serving as a page, please register via the online form. If you have questions or would like to request accommodation please do so by March 3 to Alisha Targonski at alisha.r.targonski@maine.edu. Thank you!
