Hello Ms. President!

Annelise Catanzaro, DailyRecord.com, October 12, 2008

Morris Plains, N.J. -- October 12, 2008 ñ Morris County's Chapter of the National Organization for Women (N.O.W.) held an event for local Girl Scouts to educate and empower young women in Morris County about government, leadership and the importance of women's participation in the political process.
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Over 20 girls from Parsippany-Troy Hills, Randolph, Florham Park, Mount Olive, and Boonton Township gathered at the Morris Plains Community Center to participate in a series of educational workshops including a panel of local women leaders including Margaret Nordstrom, Morris County Freeholder, Mimi Letts, former Parsippany mayor, Suzanne McCluskey, Morris Plains Councilwoman, and Toni Zimmer, former Assembly candidate and State Board Member of the League of Women Voters.

The panelists spoke about the challenges of being a woman in public office and the importance of being involved in the political process. Ms. Zimmer stressed, "It's not too early to get involved. If you have an issue that's important to you -- a new dog park or recycling -- write a letter to your Town Council Representative, or go to a meeting."

Ms. Nordstorm also encouraged the girls to consider running for office. "Come and find me when you want to run for office! And I'll do all that I can to help!"

In addition to the panel discussion, the girl scouts learned about famous women in history, created mock campaign posters, and discussed what it means to be a leader. At the end of the program, all the girls were awarded with the "Ms. President" Patch.

"What a wonderful opportunity for girls to learn about public office and learn how they can positively impact their communities," said Morris County N.O.W. President, Terri Fasano. "It was such a success! We will certainly consider making this an annual event!"

For more information about the Girl Scouts' Ms. President patch, please visit http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/online/

participation_patches/ms_president/ .

For more information about Morris County N.O.W., please visit http://www.morriscountynow.org/.