Gina Raimondo Launches 2020 Governor For A Day Contest

PROVIDENCE, RI — "What would you do if you were Rhode Island's governor for the day?" That's the question Governor Gina Raimondo is asking middle school girls across the state.

From now until March 16, girls in fifth through eighth grade have the opportunity to answer that question to enter the 2020 Governor For A Day contest.

"In the past few years, I’ve been so encouraged to see more young people engaging in democracy and more women holding public office than ever before," Raimondo said in her announcement. "Despite that progress, we have a long way to go. Women still make up less than a quarter of representatives in Congress and there are only nine female governors."

The contest comes during Women's History Month, a time for recognizing female contributions to politics, science, literature, history and more. Female representation in government is so important, Raimondo said, because it sets an example for young girls.

"You can’t be what you can’t see," she continued. "Despite our progress, too many young girls grow up without seeing themselves represented in their government. I want young girls to have a chance to see themselves as part of our government. So, I have a question for 5th to 8th grade girls in Rhode Island: 'What would you do if you were Rhode Island’s Governor for a Day?'"

Anyone interested in entering the contest is asked to answer that question in a 400-words-or-less essay or a one-to-two minute video. All students must also submit the following information:

• Name
• Age
• School
• Grade
• Home Address
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Teacher’s Contact Information
• Parent or Guardian Name(s)
• Parent or Guardian Phone Number

Essays or video can be submitted as an attachment to an email sent to communications@governor.ri.gov. Google docs and other sharing services will not be accepted. Videos must be smaller than 14MB, shorter than two minutes. The email should have "2020 GFAD" in the subject line. Raimondo's office will confirm receipt of the submission within 24 hours or 72 hours if sent over the weekend.

Essays can also be mailed to:

“Governor for a Day” Essay Contest
c/o Governor’s Communications Office
82 Smith Street, Room 109
Providence, RI 02903

Teachers interested in working the essay into their curriculum can use this worksheet.

Last year's winner, Cadence Solon, focused on the gender pay gap, the importance of ESL and special education teachers and school construction. She was sworn in for the day on May 6.