AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA
GEORGIA GIRLS STATE
VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY, GEORGIA
DATES: June, 2024 (actual dates to be announced)
WEB: More information is available at www.georgiagirlsstate.org . Please refer to it for more information and necessary forms. Locally you may contact Unit 50, Peachtree City, Girls State Coordinator, Sue Munson at PTCMunson@gmail.com or (770) 631-4997.
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY GIRLS STATE?
It is a National program of the American Legion Auxiliary and is a course of instruction in, as well as, a practical application of, the fundamental principles and procedures of city, county and state government under the American system.
A session, usually lasting five days, is conducted by each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, with the top-ranking high school girls as citizens.
Under the guidance of skilled counselors and other staff members who are leading citizens, these girls learn and then practice through self-government, the duties, responsibilities and privileges of American citizenship.
GEORGIA GIRLS STATE is sponsored, as it has been since 1940, by the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Georgia with local Auxiliary units and interested civic, fraternal and patriotic organizations cooperating.
From the time they arrive, until they leave for home the citizens will get regular "sessions" of instruction in practical application of government and citizenship.
These instruction sessions, conducted by the Government instructor and the Girls State staff will include the principles and procedures of city, county and state government.
Using the know-how gained from these classes. the citizens will organize and operate their own city, county and state governments.
Emplasis will be placed on letting the girls govern themselves, under the constant guidance of the staff members. Upon arrival in Statesboro, the citizens will be assigned to 12 cities and 4 counties, to form the mythical 51st State of Girls State.
Early in the week, each of the cities will elect officials, who will operate the city government during the week.
Later, each county will elect county officials. There will be appointed officials at all levels of government.
Each girl will be assigned to a party (Nationalist or Federalist) and either to the Girls State House or Senate.