Evergreen Girls State
Andrea Dobson, Chairman
email address: adobson@quicktel.com

A seminar on Americanism and Government June 13 - 19, 2010

Purpose Girls State is an Americanism and government training program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.  It is a nationwide program for girls who have just completed their junior year of high school. This program allows girls the opportunity to live together as self-governing citizens and informs them about the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of American citizenship.  Through participation, delegates may better understand the functioning of their government and the responsibilities they will assume when they become adults.

Program There are fifteen cities, four counties, and two political parties at Girls State.  Each girl is assigned to a city and to either the Nationalist or Federalist party. Citizens learn through activities, the techniques, advantages and disadvantages of two-party government. Every girl has a part in the operation of her city.  The citizens of each city elect their officials and set up their government.

Election of Officials Political parties are organized at the city precinct level and continue through county and state conventions.  Platforms are endorsed, and primary and general elections are held. Two girls will be elected United States Senators representing Evergreen Girls State at Girls Nation in Washington D.C. in July 2005.  These U.S. Senators and the Girls State Governor will have additional responsibilities following the end of the session. The Girls State Legislatures organized upon the principles of the Washington State Legislature.  Bills are introduced and, by legislative process, defeated or enacted into law.  Procedures are conducted according to Reed's parliamentary rules, and the laws of the State of Washington. Throughout the session, county and state officials come to Girls State to share their knowledge about government.

General Instructions Upon arrival, delegates receive Guide Books listing the location of each activity and other information pertinent to the program. The flag is raised each morning, presented at all assemblies, and lowered each evening.  The girls will be taught how to show proper respect for the American Flag.  Grace will be given before each meal and invocation before each assembly. Each afternoon there is a structured activity period.  The day ends with a quiet time for fellowship and the sharing of ideas. Attendance at all functions is required; there may be a choice of which activities to attend, but never a choice whether or not to attend. Complete instructions will be mailed to the girls prior to leaving for for Girls State.  The material will help them to prepare for a successful week.  The information will include program rules, aids, and a list of what to bring.

Eligibility The individual units of the American Legion Auxiliary are responsible for the final selection of the girls. Girls selected should be outstanding in leadership, character, service to the school and community, and have shown evidence of an interest in government.  They must have every intention of attending their senior year of high school at the school which they represent.  They can not be obligated to any other organization or have other plans during the dates Girls State is being held.  The Girls selected must plan to stay in Ellensburg from 1:00pm Sunday, June 13 through 9:00 am Saturday, June 19, 2010.
    Girls State is a strenuous and exhausting program -- physically and emotionally.  It is no place for people recovering from a serious illness or injury.  Girls State is in Ellensburg where hay fever and asthma are prevalent in the area.
    If a special needs student is selected, who needs assistance to fully participate, the student's contributing organization must furnish a full-time female aide, over 25 years of age, to assist that student.  All expenses for the aide, including the transportation, meals, and lodging, must be assumed by the contributing organization. Proof of age of the aide is required.  This is to be furnished to the American Legion Auxiliary Department office with the registration form for the special needs student. Also the Department must be assured that the proper insurance is provided for the special needs student and her aide, and additional premiums be assumed by the contributing organization, unit, parent or guardian of the special needs student.

Scholarships The American Legion Auxiliary offers several scholarship opportunities.  The Samsung Scholarship offers descendants of veterans a change to compete for a nationwide scholarship.  The Samsung Scholarship Application will be out in May. Other Scholarship applications are already available on this website. Please click the link below to view the list of Scholarship offered by the American Legion Auxiliary.

Graduation Girls who complete the course of instruction, take part in all phases of Girls State, and adhere to the rules will be given certificates and pins at the close of the session.  Girls who do not participate fully or who, in the opinion of the staff, do not complete the training or violate the rules, will not receive certificates or pins.  Sponsoring Units, parents, and schools will be notified of girls failing to successfully complete the program.

Rules A copy of the Girls State rules will be included in the Girls State packet.  These rules are for the protection and benefit of all Delegates and are not negotiable. Infraction of these rules may result in the delegate being sent home. 

Administration This program is developed by the American Legion Auxiliary through the Evergreen Girls State Committee. The staff of Evergreen Girls State is comprised of American Legion Auxiliary members and former Girls State citizens who supervise, guide, and assist the delegates through the session.  These women volunteer their services for the purpose of educating young women in the workings of our government.
    A registered nurse is in attendance throughout the session.  Adequate first aide assistance is provided for those girls who may become ill or injured during the course of the session. American Legion Auxiliary Members, throughout the state, give of their time and talents to promote this educational program.

More information coming in January/February 2010