Welcome to the all new
Girls State Website!
What is Girls State?
The American Legion Auxiliary believes that training our youth about the basic ideals and principles of our system of government will help to ensure the survival of our republic. Through a unique citizenship training program, Auxiliary members teach the youth of our nation to understand, comprehend, and appreciate their roles as United States citizens. This program is called Girls State. Girls State began as one and two day sessions in the late 1930's and since 1948 has been a regular part of the Auxiliary's Americanism curriculum. The program has grown from a few hundred participants to nearly 25,000 Girls State delegates annually. The Auxiliary has been recognized many times by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania and the National Association of Secondary School Principles (NASSP) for outstanding Girls State and Girls Nation programs.
How are participants chosen?
American Legion Auxiliary Unit Girls State Chairmen evaluate potential leadership qualities of the delegates and alternates, assisted by high school principals and guidance counselors. A girl is eligible to attend if she meets the following criteria:
1. She has completed her Junior year in high school.
2. She is interested in government and current events.
3. She has high moral character and possess strong leadership abilities.
4. She has an above average scholastic standing and a desire to learn.
These criteria may vary slightly from state to state. The number of girls in each state is determined by the state Auxiliary's available resources.
What are the goals of the program?
Through this program, the American Legion Auxiliary hopes to develop leadership and pride in American citizens and to educate delegates about our system of government.
We also want to instill in delegates a greater understanding of American traditions and to stimulate a desire to maintain our government processes.
What does a typical session include?
The citizens are divided into two mythical political "parties." The parties do not reflect the two major political parties in today's system, but allow citizens to gain a special knowledge of how the system works. Elections are held to fill city, county, and state positions. Activities include legislative sessions, campaigning, party rallies, debating, and voting. The citizens also receive instruction in Parliamentary Procedure. This "hands on" method is unique and extremely effective. Girls State affords participants an opportunity to live together as self-governing citizens by informing them about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship and hopefully encourages their participation in the democratic process as they progress into adulthood. Other activities include journalism, singing, talent shows, field trips, group devotions, and patriotic ceremonies.
How are these programs funded?
The program is funded by each state's America Legion Auxiliary, with some additional support coming from other civic and non-profit organizations. The Girls Nation program is funded by the national organization of the Auxiliary, with some support from each participating state. Little or no expense is required of the citizen or her family.
The History of The American Legion Auxiliary In General
In this world of ours, the American Legion Auxiliary shines as an example of unselfish giving. With almost a million members from all walks of life, the Auxiliary administers hundreds of volunteer programs, gives tens of thousands of hours to its communities and to veterans, and raises millions of dollars to support its own programs as well as other worthwhile charities familiar to most Americans. It is all accomplished with volunteers.
The Auxiliary is much more than the name implies. The organization has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary's interests have broadened to encompass the entire community. Through its nearly 12,000 units located in every state and some foreign countries, the Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. It is as solidly behind America today as it was when it was founded in 1920.
In 1919, at the very first National Convention of The American Legion, it was agreed that the organization's purpose could not be properly served without the aid and dedication of each member's family. Membership in the Auxiliary is now open to Legionnaires' wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, granddaughters and grandmothers.
Today, they are recognized as the most influential patriotic women's organization in the world, but their success has not changed their purpose. They joined hands with The American Legion to serve God and Country as a family, and that bond will never be broken.
Any questions or comments about this site contact us at webmaster@illegion.org