Mission

To close the gender gap at all levels of government leadership. 1st Amendment-1st Vote, Inc. offers high school girls a non-partisan opportunity to engage in the democratic process, and to imagine themselves in elected office or professional government-related positions.

Dear Friends: 

I’m writing this message on the Autumnal Equinox 2024 (09.22) and for most, the FALL EQUINOX means equal daylight and nighttime as we usher in the next season. That is an oversimplification since there are many factors that astronomically define an equinox on the planet. But, the notion of equality comes forward on this glorious autumn day during the 7th presidential election cycle of the 21st century!

Friends, even with a woman on the presidential ballot this year, women remain woefully underrepresented at governance tables in our country. And, while many women have mounted campaigns and won elected office in the last few years, 2024 is not the high-water mark for women as candidates; unfortunately, the gender gap remains at 22% in Congress which is representative of state and local offices, as well.

This is why at 1st Amendment-1st Vote we are enthusiastically entering our 6th program year with/for teens who identify as girls to engage in the democratic process and imagine themselves as future government leaders in our representative democracy. We envision gender parity and encourage girls to prepare to represent us at all levels of government. Your financial support will help fill seats at our governance tables with an equal number of elected women as there are men. All donations are investments in the future of our democracy by helping to make it a more perfect union with equal representation.

Melina Carnicelli
Board President & Founder