Date: Tue Jan 20, 12:50 AM HST - Tue Feb 10, 12:50 AM HST
Category:
- Community Service
Level:
- Ambassadors,
- Seniors
Girls in Policy - Program Overview
Use your voice. Shape the future. Lead change in Hawaii.
Girls in Policy is a new Hawaii-wide civic engagement program that empowers high school girls to actively participate in the 2026 Hawaii Legislative Session and understand how public policy shapes their communities. Through hands-on learning, real-world legislative tracking, and direct engagement with leaders, girls build confidence, civic knowledge, and leadership skills.
Through weekly interactive online sessions, and supportive Cohort on the Band App, the program culminates in a girl-led capstone project that turns civic learning into meaningful community impact.
Key Dates:
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Registration: January 21 - February 10
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Program Dates: February 11 - May 6
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Format: Online
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Cost: $25
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Weekly Sessions: Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM (HST)
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Time Commitment: Approximately 2-5 hours per week, including tracking legislation and engaging with fellow Delegates and program mentors.
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Breaks: No meetings during Spring Break and on April 1
This structure is designed to balance meaningful civic participation with school and family commitments, while giving girls real exposure to how the legislative process works in practice.
How the Program Works
From February through May, girls meet weekly online in engaging, interactive sessions facilitated by leaders and guest speakers. Sessions are designed to be accessible, discussion-based, and age-appropriate, while still connected to real legislative activity happening at the Capitol.
Between sessions, girls continue learning by:
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Tracking selected bills in real time
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Discussing issues and ideas with their cohort
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Practicing civic skills such as writing testimony and preparing questions
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Collaborating with peers through a dedicated Band group for connection and support
What Girls Will Learn
Participants will:
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Understand how ideas become laws in Hawaii
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Learn how the legislative session works and what happens at key milestones
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Track 2 real bills connected to issues that matter to them
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Write and deliver testimony (written and/or verbal)
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Learn how to respectfully engage with elected officials and community leaders
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Build confidence in public speaking, collaboration, and leadership
Program Components
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Weekly 1-hour online sessions (Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM HST)
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Engaging virtual workshops focused on policy, advocacy, and leadership
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Community leader and legislator conversations
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Girl-led discussions and mentoring sessions
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Girl-led capstone project that applies civic learning to real community impact
Capstone Project
Toward the end of the program, girls work individually or in small groups on a capstone project. This project allows participants to apply what they have learned by taking action on an issue they care about-such as educating others, raising awareness, or proposing solutions within their community. The capstone emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and real-world impact.
Time Commitment & Schedule
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Weekly live session: 1 hour
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Additional time: Approximately 2-5 hours per week for bill tracking, reflection, and engagement activities
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Breaks: No meetings during Spring Break and on April 1
Program Details at a Glance
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Registration: January 21 - February 10
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Program Dates: February 11 - May 6
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Format: Online, with optional in-person components
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Cost: $25
How We Use the Band App
The Band app is free to use, and will serve as the central hub for all Girls in Policy Delegates throughout the program. It is the primary space where communication, collaboration, and community connection take place from start to finish.
All official program updates, reminders, resources, and announcements will be shared through Band, making it the main source of communication for participants and families.
Within Band, Delegates will:
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Stay connected with their full cohort in one shared space
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Ask questions and receive timely support from peers, mentors, and facilitators
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Share reflections, ideas, and progress related to bill tracking and testimony
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Access links, resources, and session materials in one organized location
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Collaborate in girl-led working groups between weekly sessions
The platform is designed to encourage peer-to-peer learning, confidence-building, and respectful discussion. Delegates are supported by adult mentors who help guide conversations, answer questions, and ensure the space remains safe, constructive, and inclusive.
Band allows the Girls in Policy experience to extend beyond weekly meetings-creating a connected, supportive learning community where Delegates can learn together, support one another, and grow as civic leaders.
Why Girls in Policy Matters
Girls in Policy helps participants see themselves as capable, informed leaders-now and in the future. By connecting learning directly to the live legislative session, girls gain a deeper understanding of democracy and their role within it, building skills they can carry into school, careers, and lifelong civic engagement.
Girls in Policy empowers girls to speak up, engage thoughtfully, and lead change in Hawaii.
