Nikkel Encourages Young Women to Enter Essay Contest

Competition Fosters Understanding of Bill of Rights

DENVER—State Rep. B.J. Nikkel hopes to see more young women show off their constitutional prowess by taking advantage of the National Foundation for Women Legislators and the National Rifle Association’s 14^th annual Bill of Rights Essay Contest.

The contest is open to all college-bound female high school juniors and seniors, and this year focuses on the First Amendment’s impact on women leaders and social media.

“I believe this year’s topic really allows for some original and honest insight from young women on the interaction between our first amendment rights and how we represent ourselves on sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter,” said. Nikkel R-Loveland, an NRA and NFWL member. “This opportunity not only offers young women the chance to explore their roles in a new and evolving social dynamic, but will also provide winners with college tuition assistance and a first-hand perspective of the leading roles women play in state legislatures around the nation.”

The contest’s seven winners will each receive a $3,000 college scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to the NFWL’s Annual Conference and 73^rd Anniversary celebration in Des Moines, Iowa, where they will interact with, and learn from, hundreds of women lawmakers from across the country.

Contest participants must postmark their entries no later than June 24, 2011, after which an NFWL selection committee will judge each essay and select the winners. Judges will consider writers’ storytelling ability, understanding of the Bill of Rights, and original insight.

More information about the contest can be found on the NFWL’s website: www.womenlegislators.org; or by emailing events@womenlegislators.org. Questions may be directed to State Rep. B.J. Nikkel at 303-866-2907 or to the NFWL office at 202-293-3040.

The National Foundation for Women Legislators provides women members of Congress, state legislators, county commissioners, and city council members with strategic resources, including debates and briefings on issues, leadership skill development, and networking opportunities.

###