Girls State
| KEYSTONE GIRLS STATE PROGRAM LINKS |
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When is Girls State this Year?
June 24 through 30 at Shippensburg University
What is Keystone Girls State?
| Department Chairman: | Melissa Hrinya |
Mission Statement:
“To provide an outstanding, unique and coveted educational opportunity for the young women of our nation that instills the basic ideals and principles of American government through the Girls State and Girls Nation citizenship training programs.” American Legion Auxiliary – National Organization
The purpose of the American Legion Auxiliary is to inculcate and educate the youth of America in the duties, rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Keystone Girls State (KGS) is government in action. KGS offers training in the practical process of self government and good citizenship as practiced in a democratic society. KGS is a mythical state. Those in attendance become citizens for the week and are assigned to a nonpartisan party. Local, county and state government are enacted.
Each June, approximately 150 enthusiastic young women participate in Keystone Girls State sessions at Shippensburg University. At KGS, the “citizens” study local, county and state government by setting up their own miniature city, county and state governments and administer then according to laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
After arriving at KGS, the citizens are divided into two political parties, named the Nationalist and Federalists. These parties do not reflect the major political parties in today’s system of government. The parties allow citizens to gain knowledge about the operation of a two-party system.
KGS citizens participate in these instructional; political parties and elections are held to fill city and state positions. Activities include legislative sessions, campaigning, party rallies, debating and voting. The citizens also receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure.
KGS affords participants an opportunity to live together as self-governing citizens by informing them about the privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.
This learning experience better familiarizes the young women with their duties as United States citizens and encourages their participation in the democratic process.
ELGIBILITY:
Girls are eligible to attend Keystone Girls State if they meet the following criteria:
• Completed Junior year in high school
• Interested in government and current events
• Have a high moral character
• Have strong leadership abilities
• Have an above average scholastic standing
• Has a patriotic character
Girls State delegates are a diverse group of women who share a common desire to learn. From small towns to urban areas, the delegates’ varying backgrounds as spirit to the program.
The program is funded by the American Legion Auxiliary, with some additional support from the Legion family, other civic and non-profit organizations. The “tuition” is cost FREE to the citizens. No expense is required of the young woman and her family other than spending money.
| 2011 KGS Daily Schedules |
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