Empire Girls State   

Rachel Lipstein from New York elected president of Girls Nation 2009

There is a buzz in the air because the plans for the 2010 session of Empire Girls State are underway. We are working as busy bees to prepare our 16-17 year old young women from across this great state to be knowledgeable, active participants and future leaders in our society.

 What is Empire Girls State?  It is an educational Americanism program developed to offer a better perspective of the practical government operations and to emphasize the integral part that individuals have within a democratic government. This program, which has been accredited by the New York State Board of Regents for inclusion in the National Program on Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction (National PONSI), is a non-partisan attempt to teach the love of “God and Country” to America’s youth.

 Qualified high school juniors are selected to participate in a week-long, educational experience with hands-on workshops on government and the political process, designed to create a government from the county to the state level.  This mythical 51^st state allows students to learn the privileges and responsibilities of Citizenship in a democratic society.  Girls State is divided into 11 counties named after famous women.  Much like our American government has two political parties, as does Girls State- Nationalists and Federalists.  Political campaigns, debates, and bills are crafted as the government begins to take shape. These young women work tirelessly throughout the week as their participation allows them a greater understanding of their role within democracy.

 With the expertise of the Department Americanism chairman, 360 High School Juniors from across the state will also learn proper flag etiquette during their week at Girls State. Students will participate in the creation and execution of either a flag lowering or raising ceremony. The citizens will also receive information on some of the programs that are important components of our organization

 When is Empire Girls State - and what is the tuition?  The 2010 session of Empire Girls State is scheduled to occur from Sunday, June 27^th through Saturday July 3^rd, 2010. This year the program will be held at SUNY Brockport which is located just outside of Rochester, NY. Due to the increasing cost of the various aspects of the program this year’s tuition will increase to $260 for each citizen.  The tuition for each citizen covers their housing, food, a t-shirt, and other administrative costs associated with the successful Empire Girls State program.

             The 2010 Empire Girls State session promises to be an outstanding event!  Let’s send our Empire Girls State citizens forward, well prepared and ready for the many challenges in their future!  If we can be of any assistance please feel free to contact us.  We look forward to working with you.

National-level Objectives

1. Objective: To utilize the Internet and social networking sites to increase visibility and viability of the Girls State programs and obtain 1,500 Girls State Page Facebook fans by July 2010.

       Action Steps

1. Increase the number of Girls State Departments Web sites by 25%.

2. Encourage Departments to utilize on-line registration and online access to forms and  materials.

3. Educate Girls State Directors on using Facebook to increase social networking potential  for future and   past girls state citizens.

4. Invite 2009 participants to join the Girls State Facebook site.

            Action Steps

1. Educate Girls State citizens in each Department about the programs and Mission of the American Legion Auxiliary by including "Auxiliary Facts" or some such program into every Girls State program agenda.

2. Add one Auxiliary mission-related volunteer service project to each Department’s Girls State program by May 2010. Girls Nation 2010 will work to add a mission-related volunteer service project to its agenda.

3. Incorporate some type of Veterans program into each Girls State (example Oregon Girls State's "A Tribute to Veterans", Medal of Honor Winners, a panel of Veterans.)

4. Stress the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community.

5. Include Programs on volunteerism and scholarship opportunities through the Corporation for National and Community Service.

6. Work with membership support team to create Girls State alumni e-units.