Girls State Gives Political Opportunities to Young Women

SHANNON HO
Staff Writer
Since many view teenagers as the heirs of the future, programs have started in the hopes of reaching out to younger generation to prepare them to become responsible, knowledgeable and politically active. One such program is the American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State. To qualify for the summer program, which teaches “young women responsible citizenship and love for God and Country,” girls must be nominated and complete their junior year.
Sixteen girls are chosen as potential candidates by the Social Studies Department, and then five are chosen from that pool by Executive as finalists. The representative who goes to Girls State is ultimately chosen by a committee from the American Legion Auxilary.
During the program, the girls will learn how to “participate in government functions in preparation for their future roles as responsible, adult citizens.”
In the week-long summer program, over 500 girls from different high schools in California meet and learn about the process of law-making and governing. Simulations of elections and voting platforms are all part of the experience that is Girls State.
“The workshops and mock conferences were a really great experience. It provided me with a lot of great information and insight about how our government works,” said last year’s Girls State representative senior Paulina Ale.
Two girls selected from each Girls State program will then attend Girls Nation, a national government training program. The selected ‘senators’ will meet for a week in Washington D.C, run for political office, campaign for the passage of legislature, and even possibly meet senators and state officials.
In early March, junior Amy He was chosen by the American Auxilary Legion to be the Girls State Representative for Alhambra High School.