(WASHINGTON, DC) – The National Foundation for Women Legislators and the National Rifle Association are pleased to announce the 16th Annual NFWL/NRA Bill of Rights Essay Scholarship Contest. Students from the classes of 2013 and 2014 are encouraged to apply for the scholarship by writing an essay on one of two topics:
- Recent events have shown the degree of personal information that can be, and may have been collected, by the government for purposes of national security. Where would you draw the line between the privacy afforded to individuals vs. the government's right to know? Use references to the Constitution and or specific Constitutional Amendments and what you believe the Founding Fathers intended. Also use personal anecdotes about how your point of view might affect you directly.
- The military has grappled with the issue of "sexual assaults," with a series of on-going scandals. According to one study, "a woman in the military is more likely to be a victim of a rape or sexual assault than be killed in combat." Should the resolution of such cases be taken out of the hands of the military command structure, or should the culture of the military be changed, or both? Should there be any distinction in the role women play in the military, and what would the Founding Fathers have to say about this issue? Would you serve in the military if its culture does not change?
The six young women whose essays are selected will receive an award, a $3,000 scholarship, and an all-expense-paid trip to NFWL’s 2013 Annual Conference. This year, the conference will be held at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton from November 20th-22nd.
Interested applicants should contact a local or statewide women legislator for more information regarding the application, contest guidelines and sponsorship or contact Alex Rich at alex@womenlegislators.org or 202-293-3040.
The deadline for entry is September 15th, 2013.
About the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL)
Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports elected women from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. www.womenlegislators.org