Welcome to Massachusetts Girls State

LEADERSHIP

Citizens at Girls State learn about the principles of leadership by running for office, writing bills, and advocating for their beliefs while attending sessions about law, government, and social sciences. Campaigns and elections showcase some of the most successful leaders in the program, while academic conversations give them the foundation and confidence to lead with integrity in their communities back home.

AMERICANISM

Each day begins with a flag ceremony. Respects are paid to both the state and American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance is recited. Being sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, the program takes to heart the ideals and values that our country was founded on.

CITIZENSHIP

Each citizen at Girls State will form a city or town with their fellow citizens. Elections will be held on the municipal and state level. These elections are mainly run by the citizens. During the week, participants are presented with real world problems to be solved with their fellow community members to come up with solutions keeping the whole in mind.

INTEGRITY

Every meeting, ceremony, presentation, and activity at MA Girls State is approached with the utmost integrity in order to emphasize the importance of honesty, sincerity, and honor. These virtues are instilled in citizens when participating in the campaign process, respectful debates in classrooms, and challenging conversations between activities.

About Girls State

The goal of ALA Girls State/ALA Girls Nation is to provide students, either completing or having just completed their junior year in high school, with an intensive week studying responsible citizenship, government, and leadership. The citizens will spend a week self-governing within their assigned municipality by electing officials, debating bills, and solving community problems. They should leave the week with a better understanding of local and state government, and how to be an active citizen within their communities. 

 

The participants are sponsored by an American Legion Post, American Legion Auxiliary Unit, their school, or any other organization or business within their community. The program is built on the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary’s foundation of Americanism and God and Country, in the spirit of service not self.

Massachusetts Girls State

American Legion Auxillary

In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.

American Legion Auxillary

WHAT HAPPENS AT GIRLS STATE?

You will be a part of a city/town made up of students from across the state of MA, many of whom will become some of your closest lifelong friends!

Participants learn the importance of local and state governments, and how to apply this knowledge to become a participating citizen of their community!

You will have opportunities to be a part of band, choir, sports, mini-courses, among other exciting activities!

Learn about the foundation of our government and the importance of supporting our veterans; one of the main goals of the American Legion Auxillary.

Citizens of ALA Girls State programs learn to become tomorrow’s leaders of mankind!

WHY COME TO GIRLS STATE?

Leadership

Learn how to become a leader in your community while campaigning for positions at Girls State!

Citizenship

Become a citizen of tomorrow! We strive to teach students how to become an active citizen within their communities.

Friendship

Form friendships with extraordinary women from across Massachusetts that last a lifetime!

Academic

Open your mind to the American political system during your class periods! Learn about Law, Economics, or Government.

5 MAIN REASONS TO COME TO GIRLS STATE

Be part of a more than 60 year tradition – sponsored by the largest women’s patriotic organization – The American Legion Auxiliary.
Opportunity to be chosen as a ALA Girls Nation Delegate to go to Washington, D.C. and represent ALA of  Massachusetts as a Senator – (and possibly meet the President!)
Opportunity to run your own city or town.
Develop valuable skills – public speaking, debating, journalism, confidence builder, etc.
Be empowered by other enthusiastic, intelligent delegates.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Are you interested in the ALA MA Girls State program? Do you need more information about the program? Just need to get in touch with someone from our staff?

Fill out this form and someone will get in touch with you as soon as possible!

CONTACT FORM