Since the 1930s, the American Legion Auxiliary has given a select group of female student the chance to participate in mock government through the Girls State and Girls Nation programs. The following details about the program were posted on the Legion Auxiliary website:
High school girls who have completed their junior year spend an intensive week of study, working together as self-governing citizens at Auxiliary-sponsored Girls State programs in every state (with the exception of Hawaii).According to a Girls State brochure, program alumni include journalist Jane Pauley and former Texas Gov. Ann Richards.
Participants learn how to participate in the functioning of their state's government in preparation for their future roles as responsible adult citizens. Two girls are selected from each Girls State program to attend Girls Nation, a national government training program.
Girls Nation "senators" meet for a week in Washington, D.C., where they run for political office, campaign for the passage of legislation and possibly meet with state representatives and senators. Capping off the week of Girls Nation is oftentimes a meeting with the President of the United States at the White House.
Labels: summer, government, leadership
Posted By: Aspen/CRC
