Three Young Advocates Take Their Passions to the Capitol

On March 24, while many of their peers enjoyed the first day of spring break, Brooklyn A. ‘33, Margaret P. ‘33, and Lulú Q. ‘33 embarked on a day of advocacy exploration at the Capitol in Salem. Inspired by their recent participation in the fourth-grade Advocacy Symposium, the students sought to deepen their understanding of the legislative process and witness government in action.

The Advocacy Symposium had ignited their passion for pressing issues. Margaret and Brooklyn were committed to finding a mitigation strategy in the Barred Owl and Spotted Owl controversy that would treat all animals with respect and care. Lulú focused on advancing solar power while ensuring the preservation of farmland in the state. Their advocacy projects had already led them to draft letters to policymakers, either thanking them for the work they have done around their issue, or to seek change. But rather than simply mailing them, they took the opportunity to bring their unique voices to Salem.

Upon arriving at the Capitol, the students had the opportunity to experience a Senate floor session as a guest of several Senators. Senator Lisa Reynolds hosted Lulu, Senator Daniel Bonham hosted Brooklyn, and Senator Kate Lieber (former OES parent and former OES Board of Trustees Chair) hosted Margaret. While on the floor, the Senators introduced them to the entire chamber and talked about their advocacy efforts and growing passions.

In the afternoon, the students provided testimony within a hearing of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee. Here, they presented their research on sustainability and gave an important youth perspective to ongoing legislative discussions. Their written testimony was formally recorded, ensuring that their voices contributed to the broader conversation on environmental policy.

At the conclusion of their testimony, Committee Chair Janeen Sollman exclaimed, “I am so impressed. To think about me as a fourth grader and looking at you right here, and bringing forth these issues that you care very deeply about. Do you realize how important that is? When you tell your story and you talk about something that you’re passionate about, somebody else is out there listening, and somebody else is going to say, ‘you know what, I care about that too.’ And I’m going to figure out how I can help. And so on and so on. And before you know it, you have a solution.” 

Lulú’s father, Hernán, accompanied the girls on this transformative experience. Reflecting upon the day, he remarked, “Seeing the girls courageously present their ideas and amplify the messages they built for the Advocacy Symposium was undoubtedly a highlight for the legislators.”

Lulú, age 10, captured the essence of their mission: “I know kids like us didn’t create global warming and climate change, but if we don’t do anything about it, we shouldn’t expect somebody else to do it for us. We all have a part to play!"

This visit to the Capitol reinforced what the students had learned throughout the year: advocacy is not just about speaking up, it’s about taking action, being informed, and engaging with the process. Their experience demonstrated that, even as fourth graders, they have the power to contribute to meaningful change in their community and beyond.