For 29 years, Girls’ Day at the State House has brought 100 8th-grade students to the Maine State House to learn more about their government and inspire them to shape their communities. Since 2020, Girls’ Day has offered virtual sessions. No matter the format participants get to connect with legislators, lobbyists, activists, and each other to understand why policy matters, and how to take action to make change.  Currently, Girls’ Day is hybrid with virtual sessions and an in-person day at the State House.

Our programming exists to help participants understand how laws and policies affect their lives, learn how policies and laws are made in Maine, and get inspired to make positive social change. You’ll learn real-life stories from legislators, lobbyists, activists and organizers, and get to practice reading bills and thinking about opportunities for change in your own communities.

Girls’ Day is open to 8th grade students and participants who identify as girls or as gender-expansive, gender-nonconforming, or nonbinary. We welcome and celebrate students of all abilities, backgrounds, regions, religions, and experiences.

Girls’ Day is also attended by lots of legislators, lobbyists, activists, and leaders. What we all have in common is commitment to make our communities healthier and happier through policy and legislation, and excitement to open the doors of the State House to young people!

The program is designed for students and we want to encourage participants’ independence while they strengthen their leadership skills. We have mentors and volunteers available to help make the day a success for everyone.

We will share volunteer opportunities and family activities for parents/caregivers to join while students participate in the program.

Usually, applications are due in January, and Girls’ Day takes place in March of each year. There are virtual and in-person events as part of Girls’ Day.

The detailed 2025 agenda will be released in February. The in-person day is scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025 at the State House in Augusta.

Yes! It’s great to be able to come to all of the program, but we know that isn’t always possible. Please do try to attend all or most of the sessions though!

Having access to a computer and the internet will make it much easier to connect to Girls’ Day. But we are happy to help you find a school, library, or local organization that can help you get online!

The Maine Women’s Lobby Education Fund does not provide transportation to the event. However, we can help brainstorm transportation options, and do offer financial assistance.

If transportation is a barrier to participation, please let us know.

Yes. Girls’ Day is a program of the Maine Women’s Lobby Education Fund. We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization which helps Mainers develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in feminist, anti-oppression-based public policy advocacy and civic life. We never support political candidates or political parties. We do actively support feminist, anti-racist, and trans- and LGBTQ+-inclusive values.

Yes. Girls’ Day is a chance to welcome young people into political and policy work who might not feel that it’s ‘for them’, because women, trans people, and queer- or LGBTQ+ people are still less likely to be leaders in policy than men. If you’re a girl, gender-nonconforming or gender-expansive youth, trans or non-binary, there’s a place for you in our community.