Podcast Summary: "What's it like to be a Kid Governor?"

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Host: Jane Lindholm (Vermont Public)
Date: March 20, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, But Why explores the unique experience of being a Kid Governor—a fifth grader elected by peers to champion an important issue in their state. The episode features a kid-led press conference with Vermont’s Kid Governor and her cabinet, and interviews Kid Governors from Connecticut and Nebraska. The discussion centers on civics education, leadership, and how kids can use their voices to bring change to their communities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Kid Governor Program

• Five states (Connecticut, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Vermont) have adopted the Kid Governor program for fifth graders.
• Students develop platforms, make campaign videos, and run for election. Cabinet positions go to runner-up candidates.
• The goal: teach civics in action and empower kids to address real community issues.

Quote:
"The exciting thing is, our office gets to work with this fabulous group of cabinet and governor and we get to help try to implement some of their ideas."
– Vermont Secretary of State, Sarah Copeland Hanzas [05:34]

2. The Importance of Press Conferences and the Role of the Press

• The episode included a mock press conference, emphasizing that “asking leaders tough questions” is a key part of democracy.
• Political reporter Bob Kinzel explained press conferences and gave tips for young journalists: keep questions simple, listen carefully, and don’t hesitate to follow up.

Quote:
"Sometimes the best questions are the simplest ones... Why do you think this is a good idea?"
– Bob Kinzel [08:05]

3. Meet Vermont’s Kid Governor and Cabinet

• Kid Governor Rosalind Fortin (Highgate Elementary):

  • Platform: Homelessness in Vermont—4th highest rate in the country.
  • Emphasizes teamwork and hearing others’ ideas.

  Quote:
  "I chose homelessness because everyone deserves a safe place to live."
  – Rosalind Fortin [10:51]

• Cabinet Members & their Initiatives:

  • Galen McNaughton: Improving school lunches for better taste, nutrition, and allergy accommodation.
  • Corinne Ashley: Mental health awareness, inspired by contrasts between school safety in Japan and the US.
  • Lincoln Ratta: Healthcare accessibility in rural Vermont.
  • Romano: Promoting mental health and supporting students.
  • Weston Danforth: Anti-bullying efforts.
  • Phoebe (absent due to illness): Mental health focus.

4. Kid-Led Q&A Highlights

• Audience kid reporters engaged the Kid Governor team with thoughtful questions:

  • Rosalind explains she doesn’t personally know anyone who’s homeless but has seen the effects in her community. [14:41]
  • Suggestions for helping: donations, supporting local shelters. [14:57–15:11]
  • Galen describes recent school lunch changes for allergies and inclusivity, acknowledges room for improvement. [15:38–16:50]

  Notable Moment:
  When asked about accommodating dietary needs, Galen responded with specific changes already made (like chocolate almond milk for lactose intolerance), then promised to keep thinking about further improvements. [15:48–16:50]

5. Perspectives from Other States’ Kid Governors

• Tessa (Connecticut): Inclusion for Students with Disabilities

  • Platform: Representation and belonging for students with disabilities.
  • Plans include: educational videos, a buddy system, inclusive lunch tables.
  • Notes the challenge of starting initiatives—many people don’t know her yet, and progress is slow but ongoing.

  Quote:
  "There are some kids who don't know who I am, so I have to explain myself over and over... And then there are some kids who I think [are] a little afraid to talk to me."
  – Tessa [19:51]

  Advice:
  "[If you're nervous,] just take a deep breath and make sure you have people who are proud of you no matter what."
  – Tessa [20:54]

• Charlie (Nebraska): Cancer Awareness

  • Chose her platform due to personal family experiences with cancer and serious illness.
  • Campaign includes raising funds for organizations like Camp Kesem, which supports kids affected by cancer in their families.

  Quote:
  "For people who do have friends or family members that have cancer, I want them to know that you're not alone and that we can help."
  – Charlie [23:47]

  Memorable Story:
  Charlie received her election result from her science and social studies teacher and was in disbelief. [25:13–25:51]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "One of the most important things about living in a democracy is that we get to ask our leaders questions and we get to tell them ideas that we have."
  – Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas [05:10]

• "Ask that question and then listen to the answer."
  – Bob Kinzel, on the basics of good reporting [09:59]

• "I have seen homeless people...[so] Vermont could help by donating clothes or blankets, or to local homeless shelters."
  – Rosalind Fortin [14:57]

• “We have chocolate almond milk now for those kids who can’t have the regular milk because they thought it was not fair to not have the same things.”
  – Galen, on improving lunch inclusivity [15:48]

• “My platform is cancer awareness...I want people to know that you’re not alone and that we can help.”
  – Charlie, Nebraska Kid Governor [23:32 & 23:47]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:00–05:30]: Introduction to Kid Governor Program & structure
• [06:40–10:20]: Press conference explanation and journalism advice
• [10:40–14:08]: Vermont Kid Governor and cabinet introduce their platforms
• [14:40–16:50]: Kid-led Q&A with Vermont’s Kid Governor team
• [18:01–21:21]: Interview with Connecticut Kid Governor Tessa
• [21:32–25:51]: Interview with Nebraska Kid Governor Charlie

Takeaways & Calls to Action

• Civic engagement isn’t reserved for adults—kids can participate in and shape their communities right now.
• You don’t have to wait to make a difference: If your state doesn’t have a Kid Governor program, talk to your teacher about starting one.
• Think about an issue that matters to you. Brainstorm ways to address it, and discuss your ideas with an adult.
• Advice from Kid Governors: Take a deep breath, surround yourself with support, and go for it!

This episode highlights how real leadership, empathy, and community impact can start with kids—providing inspiration not just for young listeners, but for adults, too.