Meet Rosie Lanenga: Oregon’s Kid Governor from US championing climate action at ten

Rosie Lanenga, Oregon’s Kid Governor (Image: Kid Governor)

Ten-year-olds aren't like Rosie Lanenga. Rosie is already causing a stir in Oregon politics, although other kids her age are preoccupied with homework and hobbies. She is currently Oregon's Kid Governor, a position she has embraced with enthusiasm and purpose after being elected by other fifth graders from throughout the state.

As a native of Portland, Rosie has made climate change a central theme of her one-year administration. She recently talked about her current activities with KATU.com. With pride, she stated, "I actually organised this field trip to Tryon Creek so we could learn about nature." Not only that, but Rosie also hosted a town hall meeting at her school where she discussed climate change and responded to enquiries from other kids.

She has more plans than that. Rosie is hoping to visit Salem soon, joined by her seven-member youth cabinet. Together, they want to discuss environmental challenges and the reforms they expect to see with lawmakers directly. Though it's a risky step, Rosie thinks it's important to have early conversations and assume responsibility for the future.

Rosie is demonstrating that leadership is about action rather than age with her clarity and confidence. Despite her short tenure as Kid Governor, her influence is already being seen.