Girls Nation
Encyclopedia
Girls Nation is an annual civic training event run by the American Legion Auxiliary
. It is analogous to Boys Nation
.
The first American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation was held August 9-August 14, 1947, with 82 girls and 41 states participating. It has been held each year subsequently. In order to attend the event, participating Girls State sessions select two participants to represent the state at Girls Nation. It, much like Girls State, is a "hands on" election simulation, only focusing on federal government rather than state government. These representatives, the Girls Nation "senators
," are divided into two political parties. The parties do not reflect the two major political parties in today's system, but allow citizens to gain a special knowledge of how the system works. Girls Nation is funded by the national organization of the Auxiliary, with some support from each participating state. Little or no expense is required of the representative or her family.
The Auxiliary has been recognized many times by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
and the National Association of Secondary School Principals
(NASSP) for outstanding Girls State and Girls Nation programs. It has also been recognized through the media in "Career World" magazine, WAM!, Children's Television Network (Encore Media Corporation), and many newspapers.
In 2011, 98 girls attended Girls Nation, with Hawaii not sending delegates.
The American Legion Auxiliary believes that training our youth about the basic ideals and principles of our system of government will help to ensure the survival of our republic. Through this highly effective citizenship training program, Auxiliary members and other expert volunteers teach the youth of our nation to understand, comprehend, and appreciate their roles as United States citizens.
American Legion Auxiliary
The American Legion Auxiliary is a U.S.-headquartered patriotic service organization for women interested in voluntary service. It is a non-profit organization, affiliated with The American Legion...
. It is analogous to Boys Nation
Boys Nation
Boys Nation is an annual civic training event run by the American Legion.Each year, two delegates in the summer after their junior year of high school are selected from each of the forty-nine American Legion Boys State programs in the U.S....
.
The first American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation was held August 9-August 14, 1947, with 82 girls and 41 states participating. It has been held each year subsequently. In order to attend the event, participating Girls State sessions select two participants to represent the state at Girls Nation. It, much like Girls State, is a "hands on" election simulation, only focusing on federal government rather than state government. These representatives, the Girls Nation "senators
Senate
A senate is a deliberative assembly, often the upper house or chamber of a legislature or parliament. There have been many such bodies in history, since senate means the assembly of the eldest and wiser members of the society and ruling class...
," are divided into two political parties. The parties do not reflect the two major political parties in today's system, but allow citizens to gain a special knowledge of how the system works. Girls Nation is funded by the national organization of the Auxiliary, with some support from each participating state. Little or no expense is required of the representative or her family.
The Auxiliary has been recognized many times by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
The Village of Valley Forge is an unincorporated settlement located on the west side of Valley Forge National Historical Park at the confluence of Valley Creek and the Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania, United States. The remaining village is in Schuylkill Township of Chester County, but once...
and the National Association of Secondary School Principals
National Association of Secondary School Principals
The is the preeminent organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders from across the United States and more than 45 countries around the world...
(NASSP) for outstanding Girls State and Girls Nation programs. It has also been recognized through the media in "Career World" magazine, WAM!, Children's Television Network (Encore Media Corporation), and many newspapers.
In 2011, 98 girls attended Girls Nation, with Hawaii not sending delegates.
Program Goals
The official goals of the program are to- to develop leadership and pride in American citizens;
- to educate participants about our system of government;
- to instill in participants a greater understanding of American traditions;
- to stimulate a desire to maintain our government processes.
The American Legion Auxiliary believes that training our youth about the basic ideals and principles of our system of government will help to ensure the survival of our republic. Through this highly effective citizenship training program, Auxiliary members and other expert volunteers teach the youth of our nation to understand, comprehend, and appreciate their roles as United States citizens.
Current Officers (2011-2012)
- President: Jennifer Berrian (FL)
- Vice President: Rebecca Pelletier (ME)
- President Pro Tempore: Tracy Nelson (FL)
- Nationalist Chairman: Mackenzie Austin (CA)
- Federalist Chairman: Kailey Pickitt (SC)