PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Members of Girls Inc. of the Berkshires visited City Hall, where they learned about local government, civic engagement, and discovered how their voices matter at any age. 

 

Girls Inc., a subsidiary of the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, has a holistic curriculum aimed at empowering and inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

 

Elected and appointed officials recently welcomed the girls, giving them a tour of the municipal building and answering questions they had from election processes, responsibilities and terms of elected officials, to how ward and at-large councilors represent residents. 

 

"I'm really pleased to see how engaged they are and interested in how government works, and their interest in hopefully understanding the impact that local government has on their everyday lives," at-Large City Councilor Alisa Costa said. 

 

The power of the people is stronger than that of an elected official and sometimes people forget that, Mayor Peter Marchetti said, emphasizing the influence residents can have by speaking during public comment periods at government meetings.

 

"It's the power of the people. So, I hope they learn to use their voices wisely," he said.  

 

It's important to encourage you to speak up and be public, rather than taking the "back seat" and being quiet, Marchetti said. 

 

"I think it's important to give folks the encouragement and invite them because they may not even know that they have that opportunity to come and sign up and sit and be part of the democratic process," he said. 

 

During the event, the girls met two women city councilors, Costa and Councilors at Large Kathleen Amuso.

 

Currently four of the 11 councilors are women and the previous term had five. This is a stark contrast to the 1930s, when there were no women filling those seats, the duo said.

 

This was further illustrated by the historical photographs displayed on the wall behind the councilors' seats.

 

"I just thought these girls were awesome. They came and spoke their truth about some of the things that's going on in Pittsfield. It's good to hear and they're motivated. I hope at some point, they will run for office," Amuso said. 

 

During the visit, the girls had the opportunity to step into the shoes of city councilors, taking their seats behind the council chambers’ desks and experiencing firsthand the power of making their voices heard.

 

"Sometimes I feel shy, but I want to share my voice today. I love that Pittsfield has places like Girls Inc. Because of Girls Inc, my friends and I get to be strong, smart, and bold," 11-year-old Evelyn said. 

 

Three Girls Inc. members delivered prepared statements reflecting on how the organization has strengthened their confidence and relationships, while also advocating for issues important to them, including protecting Title IX, keeping girls in sports, creating safer streets and gathering spaces, and ensuring young girls have the support they need.

 

"They want to feel protected and safe, and we need to make sure we do our part to make the city safe everywhere. But we want these girls, especially, to be safe to come here and express their thoughts and worries is important to me," Amuso said. 

 

The event also served as a reminder to local officials of the importance of ensuring their policies do not disproportionately affect women and girls, while also finding ways to create opportunities that empower young women through their roles in government, Costa said. 

 

"I hope that a bunch of them are involved in government in one way or another, whether they are a mayor, a councilor, a state representative, a member of Congress, I hope that they understand the power that they have and that they use it," Costa 

 

Amuso reflected on the opportunities girls had when she was younger, recalling a time when she and her friends were not allowed to play hockey with the boys. Now, she hears how girls are signing up to play hockey. 

 

"It really warmed my heart because I know we're changing, but I think we still can do more," she said. 

 

The unique experiences women have provides them a different perspective and when you gather a group of people with different worldviews into a room you become better at problem solving, Costa said. 

 

"So for me, that is the extreme value of women in government," she said.