American Legion Auxiliary Green Mountain Girls State

What to expect

Becoming a part of Girls State is exciting and although most do  not know what to expect, you should know it is welcoming, fun, and it will give you a chance to reach out of your comfort zone. Girls State is where current high school juniors are selected from their school, to attend a five day session. American Legion Auxiliary members often interview the few juniors and from there, the girls selected get to privilege of attending the wonderful American Legion Auxiliary Green Mountain Girls State. During the short week, the girls have the chance to take a stance with their political beliefs, take part in debates, participate in town activities, and practice communication skills. The first action of formality was the establishment of towns. You are given a town the first day, throughout the week you will spend cherishable hours with them; whether it is voting for town leaders or designing worthy campaign posters at 11.00 p.m., your town are “your” girls. (#cool fact- The names of the towns come from past Presidents of the ALA.) During your time at ALAGMGS, you build lifelong friendships. A bonus of being here at Girls State is you have great counselors, and models to look up to. (The models will surprise you with room checks!) Often times the counselors are past Girls State delegates. And even some of the models attended their junior year at Girls State! They demonstrate the main activities at Girls State, as well as share their stories about their experience. FYI, you will be exhausted by the middle of the second day, because you may or may not be only getting five hours of sleep (due to new-friend bonding time, and the very uncomfortable dorm beds). It is okay if you are overwhelmed, but don’t forget to run for offices! Make a difference and have fun, it’s a one in a lifetime opportunity, don’t take it for granted! Oh and one more thing; as soon as you enter the doors “you are on girls state time”...

Sam and Marissa From the Town of Jones