Party Rundown: Nationalists

The National & Federal parties of Cornhusker Girls State developed their party platforms this afternoon.  Preceding the party conventions, the girls were taught the parliamentary procedures, separated by party and elected their respective chairmen. Following the election of their chairmen, each party also formed their own slogan, emblem, and recognized their state candidates for the primary election Tuesday morning.

The Nationalist Party conducted their meeting and chose their motto: Started from the bottom and now we’re here.  The party designed their platform to focus on expanding veteran affairs, the revision of standardized testing, promoting equal opportunity for everyone, building regulations to help the environment and expressing gratitude to Girls State staff and  the University of Nebraska--Lincoln. The emblem for the Nationalist Party is a staircase which embodies the progression of women’s roles in American society.

Candidates for the state election are running in their respective parties for the primary election on the planks determined by the rest of the Party.  On Tuesday morning, an election will take place and will nominate one representative from each party to participate in the general election for state offices.  The offices for which these delegates are running for include governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer and state auditor, attorney general and five public service commissioners.

by Arria Lakha, Michelle Kratky, Jasmine Phander and Carly Twehous

The Nationalist party convention took place this afternoon in the Regency Suite of the University of Nebraska--Lincoln Union. After hearing a short speech from three nominees the Nationalist party citizens elected Julie Slama from the city of Eisenhower as their chairman.  Rosa Vazquez of Truman and Justine Blumenstock of Kennedy were later elected as vice chairman and secretary/treasurer, respectively.

The Nationalist party had their work cut out for them.  The first task was to decide upon a party slogan.  The phrase “started from the bottom now we’re here” was chosen to represent how women have progressed throughout history.  The group’s next task was to develop a party platform or collection of statements that would work to encompass the beliefs and goals of the party.  The proposals for the platform statements included everything from the revision of standardized testing to the legalization of marijuana.  Proposals were also made to increase services for veterans, decrease discrimination, and create storm shelters.

 After all the proposals were made it was time for discussion.  The girls who spoke up on these topics were both passionate and knowledgeable about reform.  Girls from both sides of the political spectrum came together to form a consensus.  The experience was both frustrating and encouraging.  Although, all the girls did not agree on everything it is certainly promising that  Nebraska has many young women who are passionate about political and social change.

 by Imani Wilson