December 2024
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.
Hello Friends,
As I write this winter’s newsletter, I’m sitting in Auburn, NY’s Equal Rights Heritage Center, a fitting reminder of why we do the work we do with burgeoning civic leaders. The Equal Rights Heritage Center is all about activists from New York who gave of themselves to make a difference for these United States in order to “form a more perfect union” and that’s what 1st Amendment-1st Vote is all about, too!
Our important work with teen girls is only possible with interest and support from those who align with our mission and vision from individuals to school districts across NYS that recruit 150 motivated students each year, to the many volunteers and experts who contribute time and talent, to this year’s donors, and to our Major Funders who generously help underwrite program expenses: The ALLYN FAMILY FOUNDATION, BEN & JERRY’S FOUNDATION, CANANDAIGUA NATIONAL BANK & TRUST, CANANDAIGUA ROTARY CLUB, CENTRAL NEW YORK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, GENERATIONS BANK, HUMANITIES NEW YORK, MARILYN TEDESCHI & VICKIE FUMIA, WOMEN’S FUND of CENTRAL NEW YORK.
Now, before we settle into another long winter’s night, we WELCOME our newest regional cohort from Southwestern NY to 1st A-1st V…
Chautauqua Lake High School, Frewsburg High School and Westfield Academy
Seminar Day, Chautauqua Institution, December 2024
“I want to eventually run for an elected position.” – CLake HS, grade 11
“The stats surprised me. I knew gender parity was lacking but how much it’s lacking was very eye-opening. – CLake HS, grade 11
“There is a lot of progress being made, but there is still a lot more to do.” Frewsburg HS, grade 12
“I think gender parity will create amazing opportunities for women and men in the future.” Westfield Academy, grade 10
“It’s unbelievable that the number of men in Congress still outweighs the number of women in 2024!” Auburn HS, grade11
Friends, during this season of giving…PLEASE consider an end-of-year / mission-forward / tax-deductible gift in support of future, well-prepared civic leaders!
Thank you and good cheer for the new year and well beyond,
Melina
Melina Carnicelli
Board President & Founder
1st Amendment-1st Vote, Inc
2024 Major Funders
