Girls State - Purpose

Each year almost 500 high school girls entering their Senior year are given the opportunity to learn the structure and responsibilities of state government by using a "learn by doing" approach. Girls State is a program of the American Legion Auxiliary developed to educate girls about our system of government and to teach them to understand and
appreciate their roles as United States citizens.
     Our goal is that the girls will learn they are an integral part of government and are responsible for the character and success of their government. We will instruct them about the privileges of the vote, how political parties are formed and how leaders are chosen and elected to fill the various offices. As the girls become citizens of the 51st Mythical State, "Magnolia Girls State", they will organize their own city, county and state governments in accordance with regular
election procedures. They will learn the duties of various city, county, and state officers.
     By using a "learn by doing" approach, the delegates will return to their community as better citizens and have a willingness to make civic contributions which will help make their community and state a better place in which to live.

Girls State Program

     At Girls State, each girl shares a dorm room with another girl in one of the residence halls at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Each floor of the dorms will constitute a city and house about thirty girls. As citizens of that city, they will set up city government and elect city officials. The City Council will enact ordinances to govern the city and city officials will enforce the ordinances. Cities will constitute counties. The county governments are organized by the election of senators, representatives, sheriffs, supervisors, etc.. The counties together become the state.
     Each citizen will be assigned to one or two parties...the Nationalists (Nats) and the Federalists (Feds)...so she can see how political parties function. They develop their own party platforms and discuss the issues.
     Elections are carried out according to the existing laws of Mississippi. Citizens will elect a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner and Commissioner of Agriculture.
     An Inaugural Ceremony is held and the Girls State Governor-elect and other state officials are given the oaths of office. The top eight elected officials travel to Jackson on Thursday to visit the respective offices to which they are elected.
     The two branches of the legislature organize, author, debate, and pass bills. The Governor decides whether to sign the bills into law or veto them.

Other Activities

     To encourage additional creativity, many activities are offered as a part of the Girls State program. Some activities which are offered include:
Journalism...Public Speaking and/or Debate...Singing...Talent Shows...Field Trips...Group Devotions...Patriotic Ceremonies, and more. The girls may sign up to participate in several other events of Girls State...the Glee Club, the Talent Show, or the "Alagista" (a written record of events that week). Each City will work on a city project and submit it to be judged.
     Professional pictures are taken early in the week. Girls will have the option to purchase a set. Representatives from state colleges and universities will set up a booth for College Day.

Staff and Guest Speakers

Many elected officials, state and local, will be our guest speakers. The support staff is comprised of American Legion Auxiliary members. They carry out the day-to-day business...working in the store, in the office, relaying messages to citizens, organizing the Talent Show and the Glee Club, etc.. Senior and Junior Counselors assist and reside with the city throughout the week.

Other Information

     The girls are expected to stay the entire week at Girls State, unless an emergency arises. Girls must attend the first session on the first day.
     Cell phones may be brought but can only be used at designated times and under no circumstances are they allowed in any of the sessions or meetings.
     Three meals are provided daily. Vending machines filled with snacks and drinks are in each dorm. Additional T-shirts and other items can be purchased at the Girls State store.

Scholarships

     Girls State attendees will qualify to apply for the prestigious Samsung Scholarship if she is a descendant of a United States Wartime Veteran. Needed is a copy of the DD-214 (or discharge papers) which identifies the Veteran giving her
eligibility. One citizen is chosen as Mississippi's winner and her application is forwarded to National Headquarters of the American Legion where she competes with 98 students across the nation for one of seven $20,000 scholarships.
     Three $500 Scholarships and one $2,500 Scholarship will be given to deserving citizens. The University of Southern Mississippi will give two scholarships...an academic and a housing/meal scholarship. Over $9,000 in scholarships were given to Girls State delegates last year.

Girls Nation

   Each July, the American Legion Auxiliary sponsors Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. At the close of the Girls State session, two delegates are then selected to represent their State as "Senators" at Girls Nation. At Girls Nation, Senators learn how Government and Democracy work on a National level. The Senators also tour the Washington, D.C. area, which may include special trips to The White House and Capitol Hill. Appointed and Elected Officials are often Guest Speakers at Girls Nation. Appointments with United States Representatives and Senators also are a part of the experience.

Boys State Program

      The American Legion sponsors a similar program for young men called Boys State. For more than 50 years, the American Legion has provided Citizenship Education for America's male High School Juniors.
     Boys States and Girls States vary in content and method of procedure, but each and every Boys State and Girls State adheres to the basic concept of the program...that of teaching Government from the Township to the State level.
     An American Legion Boys & Girls State Internet Directory  provides links to both programs in all 50 States.

Eligibility

a. All girls must be attending High School and have completed their Junior year.

b. All girls must be in good health. An examination by the girl's Physician (M.D.) is required. The Physician's report must not be issued more than ten days prior to the opening of Girls State, and must be presented when she registers. No one will be accepted without it. An Auxiliary Unit, such as Auxiliary Unit 119 Gulfport Mississippi, may send a Physically Handicapped Girl. Special arrangements will need to be made. Please inquire about them from the sponsoring Unit.

c. They must have High Moral Character, Leadership Ability, Courage, Honesty, Scholastic Ability, Cooperativeness, and an Interest in Government and Current Events.

d. No girl is eligible to attend more than one session of Girls State.

e. Girls must attend the full seven-day session.

f. The Director of Girls State reserves the right to accept or reject any Application for Citizenship in Girls State.

Method of Selection

Recommendations for a girl to attend Girls State may be made by the Counselors or other High School personnel, but the local Auxiliary Unit will make the final decision. If there is no American Legion Auxiliary Unit near a School that
desires to be represented at Girls State, contact the American Legion Department of Mississippi at the address shown below

Sponsors and Patrons

     Only authorized American Legion Auxiliary Units may Sponsor girls to Girls State. They may, however, solicit financial aid from other Organizations such as: Civic, Non-Profit, Banks, etc., or a combination of these who wish to become Patrons of the Program.

Regulations

    Girls State Citizens will not be allowed to leave the Campus area assigned to Girls State. No visitors are allowed. Smoking is prohibited. Citizens driving cars to the University of Southern Mississippi must turn in their car keys to their Senior Counselor during that week.

Fees & Refunds

     The fee is $200 per delegate. Delegates must also purchase two city t-shirts ($5 each). No refund of fees will be made once the application for the selected delegate is received in the department office. The delegate must notify her sponsor and the Girls State Office at (601) 353-3681 if she cannot attend, and an alternate will be sent in her place.

     Information packets will be mailed to delegates once their application card has been received in the Girls State office. Although time for recreation is planned. Girls State is not a recreational camp.

     For further information, see your school counselor, contact your local American Legion Auxiliary or contact the Department Headquarters at the address below.

  * Applications are given out at the local High School by the Guidance Counselor or other individual who is working with the local American Legion Post.

  * Applications are also handed out by the local American Legion Post.

Heading:

Department of Mississippi
AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE
Registration 2008
Form # 1

MAIL COMPLETED FORM ALONG WITH CHECK TO:
Joe Graham Post 119
The American Legion
12010 Klein Road
Gulfport, MS 39503-2925
1-228-831-5647
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE

Body:

DELEGATE NAME   Last _______________ First _______ ____Middle Initial ____ Goes By: _________________
ADDRESS:   Street ____________________ City ___________ ________State _______________  Zip ___________
TELEPHONE: (___) __________   Age _____  High School:  ______________________________________________
CURRENT YEAR OF SCHOOL: _______  LOCATION OF SCHOOL: City & County ________________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN: ___________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS (If Different)  Street __________________ City ___________ ________State _________ Zip _______
TELEPHONE:  Day (___) __________  Night (___) __________

SPONSORING POST: ____________________________________  POST NUMBER_________
ADDRESS:  Street __________________ City ___________ ________State _______________  Zip ___________
POST CONTACT:  __________________________________  TELEPHONE: (___) __________

CO-SPONSOR: ________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: Street ____________________________ City ____________________State _________ Zip _______
SPONSOR CONTACT: ______________________________________ TELEPHONE: (___) __________

ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED!  THIS FORM SHOULD BE MAILED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Assignments made by Girls State Staff (Office Use Only)
City: ______________________ County: ______________________ Party: ______________________
Dorm: _____________________ Room: _______________________ Paid: _______________________

Heading:

AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE
WAIVER OF CLAIM
FORM #2

Body:

WE THE UNDERSIGNED PARENTS, SURVIVING PARENT, OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OF:
NAME OF PARTICIPANT ___________________________ SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER_________________

IN CONSIDERATION OF THE BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED BY MY/OUR GIRL, IN THE EVENT THAT SHE IS A DELEGATE OF THE AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE TO BE HELD IN HATTIESBURG, MS, SATURDAY JUNE 7TH, 2008 THROUGH FRIDAY JUNE 13TH, 2008, DO/DOES HEREBY RELEASE AND DISCHARGE THE AMERICAN LEGION, DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI, AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, THEIR OFFICERS, AGENTS, INSTRUCTORS, EMPLOYEES, STAFF AND DIRECTORS FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, DAMAGES, SUITS, ACTIONS, OR CAUSES OF ACTION WHICH WE/I MAY, CAN OR SHALL HAVE BY REASON OF ILLNESS, INJURY OR ACCIDENT INCURRED OR SUFFERED BY SAID GIRL WHILE TRAVELING TO OR FROM OR DURING ATTENDANCE OR PARTICIPATION IN THE AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE PROGRAM FROM THE TIME OF HER DEPARTURE FROM HOME UNTIL HER RETURN THEREOF:

Delegates Medical Insurance Information:

Policy Number: ___________________________ Insurance Company ______________________________

I understand that any injury or illness may be treated by the medical staff at the University of Southern Mississippi or by
a nearby Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Signatures of Parent(s) or Guardian(s)

X ____________________________________________ X __________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________ Date: ______________________________________

NOTE: ALL PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE PROGRAM ARE PROVIDED EXCESS INSURANCE COVERAGE.

MAIL THIS FORM BACK WITH YOUR REGISTRATION FORM

Heading:

AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE
STANDARD RULES OF CONDUCT
FORM #3

Body:

DELEGATES NAME: Last _______________ First ________________ MI ________ SSN _____________________
DELEGATES HOME TOWN: _________________________________ HIGH SCHOOL: ______________________

DELEGATE WILL CONDUCT HERSELF IN A MANNER BECOMING A GENTLE LADY.

NO PARTICIPANT SHALL APPROPRIATE FOR HER PERSONAL USE, DEFACE, OR DESTROY THE PROPERTY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE, OR THAT OF ANY OTHER DELEGATE.

NO DELEGATE SHALL BE OFFENSIVELY BOISTEROUS OR ROWDY IN HER PERSONAL CONDUCT DURING MEETINGS, IN THE DORMITORIES, ON THE GROUNDS OR DURING TRIPS CONDUCTED AWAY FROM CAMPUS. NOR SHALL LEWD OR OBSCENE LANGUAGE BE USED, OR SHALL DELEGATES POSSESS PORNOGRAPHIC LITERATURE, MUSIC OR PICTURES.

NO DELEGATE SHALL LEAVE THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORIZATION OF THE DIRECTOR.

NO DELEGATE SHALL HAVE IN HER POSSESSION FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, FIREWORKS, ILLEGAL DRUGS, NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS OF ANY FOR, OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AT ANY TIME.

NO DELEGATE WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE GIRLS STATE UNTIL THE FORMAL CLOSING OF THE SESSION ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13TH 2008.

ANY VIOLATION OF THERE RULES OF CONDUCT WILL SUBJECT THE OFFENDER TO DISMISSAL. UPON DISMISSAL, LETTERS INDICATION THE REASON FOR DISMISSAL WILL BE SENT TO PARENTS, SPONSORS, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS. IN EVENT OF DISMISSAL, DELEGATE WILL BE PROVIDED A ONE-WAY, C.O.D. BUS TICKET FROM HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI TO THE DELEGATE'S HOMETOWN. ANY MATTER PERTAINING TO BAIL AND/OR ARREST SHALL BE ADDRESSED TO THE LOCAL COUNTY SHERIFF AND/OR LOCAL COUNTY JUSTICE COURT AND NOT WITH GIRLS STATE.

I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM HONOR BOUND TO REPORT ANY VIOLATIONS OF THESE STANDARD RULES OF CONDUCT.

DIRECTOR MAY EXPEL OR TURN OVER TO LAW ENFORCEMENT ANY DELEGATE FOUND TO BE OR SUSPECTED TO BE IN VIOLATION OF THE STANDARD RULES OF CONDUCT.

I UNDERSTAND AND HEREBY AGREE TO THE TERMS SET FORTH AS THE RULES OF CONDUCT AND FURTHER AGREE THAT I WILL ABIDE BY SAID RULES DURING MY PARTICIPATION IN THE AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE.

AS WITNESSED BY MY SIGNATURE: __________________________________________________
DATE: ___________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________________

THERE SHALL BE ABSOLUTELY NO APPEAL FROM THE DECISION OF THE DIRECTOR

MAIL THIS FORM BACK WITH YOUR REGISTRATION FORM

Form #4

Heading:

AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE
SCHOOL OFFICIAL REFERENCE
FORM #4

Body:

NAME OF DELEGATE: Last _____________________ First ______________ MI _____ SSN: _________________

The above named student who attends your high school has been nominated to attend American Legion Girls State. The American Legion is dedicated to strengthening America. We believe there is no better way to this end than to work with our Nation's Youth in order to prepare them for the tasks they will face in the years to come. The American Legion through it's Youth Activities and Programs plays a leading role in the development of tomorrow's informed, responsible Citizens. The American Legion's Programs of Girls State and Girls Nation are our finest examples of Citizenship instruction for Youth.

Through the week-long program, the young Citizens learn how City, County and State Governments function by actually doing the job themselves. Eligibility for all Girls State Citizens requires them to be Juniors in High School, with one year remaining before graduation. This allows the young girls the opportunity to apply her practical experience in Government to her Senior year in High School, and at the same time endorse and promote the program among fellow Students.

Before the above named Student will be able to attend, she must have a reference from a School Official who has access to her Disciplinary File. This young girl will be given much responsibility and freedom during the week-long program, and it is imperative that she possess the Character and Integrity that will not require the attention of our Disciplinarian.

Therefore, we ask that you sign below to acknowledge that the above named Student is currently enrolled in the High School in which you are and Official, and does not to the best of your knowledge have any Disciplinary Infractions which should prevent her from attending American Legion Girls State.

Name of School Official: Please Print Name Here ___________________________________________________
Signature of School Official: X ______________________________________________________
Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________
Phone Number: (____) ________________
High School: _____________________________________________________________________

MAIL THIS FORM BACK WITH YOUR REGISTRATION FORM

Form #5

Heading:

AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
FORM #5

Body:

BRING THIS FORM WITH YOU TO REGISTRATION

DO NOT MAIL

DELEGATES NAME: Last _____________________________ First ________________________ MI ________
DOCTOR'S NAME: __________________________________________________
DOCTOR'S ADDRESS: Street __________________ City ___________ ________State _____  Zip ___________
DOCTOR'S PHONE: (____) _________________

Please not in the space below any restrictions on physical activities or exercise, and medication that the PARTICIPANT is presently receiving, or any special medical condition/drug prescriptions:

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

I CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE NAMED DELEGATE TO AMERICAN LEGION GIRLS STATE IS IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION AND HAS NO CONTAGIOUS OR INFECTIOUS DISEASE OR SYMPTOMS OF THE SAME.

Signature of Medical Doctor:  X __________________________________    Date: ______________

End of the 5 forms required to attend Mississippi Girls State.

NOTE: Above is the structure and text of the forms...not the actual forms themselves.

     Girls State began as one and two day sessions in the late 1930s. Washington, D.C, and Delaware are credited with first executing the program. In 1939, Girls State was expanded to make it a week-long Government Education Program. Since 1948, it has been a regular part of the Auxiliary's Americanism curriculum.
     For more than 50 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has succeeded in giving these girls the finest Citizenship Training Program possible. The program has grown from a few hundred participants to nearly 20,000 Girls State
Delegates annually. The Auxiliary has long been recognized by Freedom's Foundation at Valley Forge, Pa., for the Girls State and Girls Nation Programs. It has also received special recognition from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), which has placed this program on its National Advisory List of Contests and Activities.

What is Girls State?

     Following the formation of The American Legion's Boys State program, the American Legion Auxiliary developed a similar citizenship training program in order for High School girls to have the same opportunity. It became known as the Girls State Program. This program offers training in the practical processes of Self Government and Good Citizenship as practiced in a Democratic Society.
     Each summer, approximately 20,000 enthusiastic young women participate in Girls State sessions across the Nation. At Girls State, the "Citizens" study Local, County and State Government processes. They do this by setting up their own miniature City, County and State Governments and administer them according to the laws of their particular States.
     After arriving at Girls State, the citizens are divided into two political parties, often named the Nationalists and the Federalists. These parties do not reflect the two major political parties in today's system of Government. The Parties allow Citizens to gain a special knowledge of how a two-party system operates.
     Girls State Citizens participate in these mock Political Parties, and Elections are held to fill City and State positions. Activities include Legislative Sessions, Campaigning, Party Rallies, Debating and Voting. The Citizens also receive special instruction in Parliamentary Procedure, The Delegates learn Government processes by doing.
     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. This learning experience better familiarizes the participants with their duties as United States Citizens and encourages their participation in the Democratic Process as they progress into adulthood.
     Members of the American Legion Auxiliary have structured the Girls State program in order to meet the following objectives:

Objectives

  * To develop Leadership and Pride in American Citizens.
  * To educate Citizens about our System of Government.
  * To instill a greater understanding of American Traditions.
  * To stimulate a desire to maintain our Democratic Government Processes.

The Selection Process

     Delegates to the Girls State Program are selected by American Legion Auxiliary Units working with local Youth Leaders who assist in evaluating potential Leadership Qualities of the Delegates. The number of Girls State Citizens in each State varies greatly and is determined by each State's American Legion Auxiliary's available resources. The program is funded by the American Legion Auxiliary with some additional support coming from other civic and non-profit organizations.

Past Participants