BENNINGTON-I was attending the Governor's Institutes of Vermont Global Issues and Youth Action Institute, an amazing program that works to immerse high school students in social justice. Leading the "Making Laws, Making Change" workshop was Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun, who immediately stood out to me as a compassionate, authentic person and as a vibrant leader.
Through this workshop, I wrote my first bill. I couldn't believe it at first, but Michelle walked us through the whole process of creating a bill, sending it to legislative counsel, and testifying.
She truly cares about young people in a way that is unique and special. She treated me as an equal, as a co-pilot - not just a passenger on the plane. I am so grateful for this opportunity.
It didn't stop there, though. Michelle has spoken at countless (literally, countless) events that students have held, and she's sponsored bills led by students. This past session, she tirelessly worked on the state mushroom bill, which directly involved young people, including students as young as kindergarten.
It passed, and students Zoomed in and watched as Gov. Phil Scott signed the bill.
Michelle is an educator and a legislator, she frequently visits school classes in Windham County, and she enjoys finding ways to help engage youth in the Democratic process. She has also introduced bills on cash bail and other criminal justice measures.
When I was interested in learning more about criminal justice reform, she was right there with me to help me along in my learning journey.
When I invited her as a speaker to an event, she went above and beyond and engaged students with her speech.
We are in a crucial part of American history, and the next generation is at risk of losing our democracy. With legislators like Michelle in the lead, the next generation is also in the lead, and we are collectively making change to build a better world.
We have control over what happens, both on the presidential level, and on the local level - through our votes.
Addie Lentzner
Bennington
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