This summer, I had the opportunity to attend an American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program in Missouri. The program consisted of learning about local, state, and federal government and developing leadership and teamwork skills. The Girls State program is centered around providing young girls who have just finished their junior year of high school with the opportunity to become better leaders, to make changes in their community, and to provide young women with the encouragement to continue pursuing careers in government. The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) itself is a wonderful organization that works to support veterans and their families, and it was amazing to be part of a program that truly highlighted veterans and their sacrifices.
This opportunity was brought to my attention by my school's librarian who contacted the program to see if I was eligible to attend. Given that I have never lived in Missouri and I was currently living overseas, I was not sure if the program would accept a non-Missouri resident. However, upon sharing my specific situation, the program was willing to accept me.
Upon further research, I found out that the Missouri Girls State program is the only program out of all 50 state programs that accepts non-Missouri residents due to their military, contractor, or diplomatic dependent status. The Missouri Girls State program application even provided applicants with the ability to mark if they attended a DODEA school. I was grateful that leadership within the program was able to communicate with me concerning travel details, and they were willing to provide me with any supplies I needed given that I would be traveling from such a far distance.
My week at Missouri Girls State was one of growth, excitement, and friendship building. Not only did I grow during my solo travel to Missouri from Portugal, but taking part in events with hundreds of girls I had never met before allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. I learned about state and federal governmental systems in the US, I ran for mock governmental positions, attended college credit classes, and I made connections with so many girls that had similar interests and passions as myself. Although it was an extremely fast-paced week, I left the program more confident of myself and full excitement for what the future holds. My time at Missouri Girls State was one that I will never forget and I hope so many other girls get to experience this truly amazing program.
To learn more about the Missouri Girls State program, the American Legion Auxiliary, or the Missouri Boys State program, follow the links below. Additionally, each US state offers a girls state program, so be sure to do some research on your own state’s program!
Missouri Girls State: https://www.missourigirlsstate.org/home
Missouri Boys State: https://www.moboysstate.org/
American Legion Auxiliary: https://www.legion-aux.org/
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