The word “February” (however you pronounce it!) comes to us as harbinger of new beginnings from the millennia-old festival, Februa, a time to consider and welcome new possibilities.

At 1st A-1st V we’re deep into preparing for and anticipating our yearly Spring conference, the 6th Annual Leadership Action Summit, for 167 New York State student participants and their 30 teacher mentors. We’re excitedly getting ready because this two-day conference provides leadership development experiences students do not have in the classroom. It’s a real-life/real-time practice opportunity for teen girls to meet women in government leadership and have their young voices heard, not only by peers but also by women who are currently leading in their communities, in statehouses, and at the national level.

This year’s Summit is a SPRINGboard for participants to imagine themselves as leaders, and, it’s a special send-off for 63 high school seniors about to embark on leadership roles in various chosen fields including positions in government.

Melina Carnicelli

Board President & Founder

1st Amendment-1st Vote, Inc

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