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More than 100 Girl Scouts and their Families Attended Our Event!
More than 100 Girl Scouts and their Families Attended Our Event!
The Glitter Gala connected environmental education with civic leadership through a youth-led event by bringing students into direct dialogue with elected officials and community mentors. The event was designed, planned, and facilitated by students, with adult mentors participating only in advisory and invited roles. By centering youth voices in conversations with elected officials, the Glitter Gala modeled how young people can meaningfully participate in governance and environmental decision-making.
When initial signups for the Glitter Gala lagged, the team broadened outreach beyond direct invitations, working through the Girl Scouts of Alaska council to reach troop leaders statewide, contacting every elementary school PTA, securing a local television interview, and personally emailing all Anchorage elementary principals with a flyer and newsletter blurb for distribution. They emphasized that this event is not just about glitter: it will be about empowering students to lead, advocate, and create positive change in our communities.
In the end, more than 100 Girl Scouts and their families showed up to support the event, exceeding the troop's original attendance goal. In addition to fun activities, the workshop featured a powerful panel discussion with four community leaders, Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, State Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, State Representative Caroline Hall, and School Board Member Kelly Lessens, helping the troop connect environmental art and education with civic action and female role models.
Left to right: Althea Parrish, Sylvie Wailand, Annabelle Slinker, School Board Member Kelly Lessens, State House Representative Caroline Hall, State Senator Elvi Grey-Jackson, Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, Emily Brubaker, Mackenzie Elliott, Adalyn Waldren
Each team member was in charge of preparing different tables. Emily Brubaker planned and moderated the Governance Panel, featuring Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, State Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, State Representative Caroline Hall, and School Board Member Kelly Lessens. Emily guided the discussion through the panelists' personal paths into public service and the specific challenges they have faced as women in office. She also highlighted their current sustainability work before pivoting the conversation toward how girls can get involved in civic engagement well before they are old enough to vote.
How would you describe your experience at the Glitter Gala?
How would you describe your experience at the Glitter Gala?
"The girls loved the activities provided and I loved how well thought out and organized the
event was. A great time for a great cause!"
"What a great fun event to get the kids excited about civic engagement!"
“My experience at the Glitter Workshop was very good. I met lots of people, had a great time,
and thought the atmosphere was very fun and inviting.”
“My little one loved it and asks when the next meeting is. She is ready to join”
“All of the activities were well thought out and were of interest to a variety of age ranges.”
“Great! So amazing to see so many engaged girls and caregivers in one place.”
“It was a great experience for my 6th grade girl, she really enjoyed the activities and the energy of
the event.”
Each Girl Scout who attended the event and participated in the activities earned the BioGlitter Initiative badge! Girl Scouts who attended a school board meeting to show their support also earned a Democracy badge.
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