ALA Minnesota Girls state is a diverse group of young women who share a common desire to learn. From small towns to urban areas, the citizens’ diverse backgrounds add spirit to the program. The purposes of the ALA Minnesota Girls State program are to provide Americanism and good citizenship training and to inform our participants about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of government as practiced in a democratic society. Each June, the ALA Minnesota Girls State “Citizens” study the Minnesota city, county, and state governmental processes. Citizens gain knowledge of the operations of a two-party system. They formulate their cities and elect the Parliamentary procedures are also used in the processes. They will also interact with speakers, debate bills, and have lively discussions with fellow citizens.
Eligibility and Qualifications
- She must have completed her junior year of high school in a Minnesota public, charter, home school, parochial or private school or be a resident of Minnesota and have at least one more semester remaining prior to graduation.
- She must be a citizen of the U.S. or have legal residency
- She must have high moral character with strong leadership abilities
- She must have no marital status (National ALA Mandate)
- She must not have attended any other ALA Girls State session
- She must demonstrate an interest in American government and have an above average scholastic rank
- She must respect the American flag and be willing to pledge allegiance to it
No citizen may participate in ALA Minnesota Girls State
who has any other obligations during the American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State sessions.
Final selection of the candidates rests with the local American Legion Auxiliary Units.
The Units work with high school principals, counselors or other faculty, community leaders and clergy,
who assist in evaluating the qualities of the candidates.
For more information:
https://www.mnala.org/girls-state/