Delegate Information

Here you can find information about the schedule, what to wear, and what to bring.

Schedule

During the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State program, delegates will have the opportunity to learn about local and state government through a variety of speakers, workshops, and sessions. The experiential learning component of the program divides delegates into mock political parties, cities, counties and “girls state,” which serve as learning laboratories in which delegates recreate government by running for office.  Delegates also make their own laws, experiencing what it is like to serve as a state legislator in the House or Senate.  Each day, we also set aside time for activities like field trials and skit night.  Here is a look at a typical week at Girls State.

Sunday
Opening Session
Explanation of City Government
City Meetings/Elections  
Introduction to Political Parties
Explanation of Girls State Two Party System
Party Caucuses/Election of Party Leaders

Monday
Guest Speakers
Girls State Legislature 101
Legislative Session/Election of Officers
Party Caucuses
City Inauguration
Field Trials

Tuesday
Guest Speakers
Whistle Stops
Primary Speeches
Legislative Session
Flag Retirement Ceremony

Wednesday
Guest Speakers
Girls Nation Report
Legislative Session
Whistle Stops and Speeches
Skit Night
Select Good Citizen and Girls Nation nominee

Thursday
Guest Speakers
General Election Speeches
Legislative Session
County and State Inauguration
Inaugural Dinner

Friday
Guest Speakers
Capitol Tour
Legislative Session
​Closing Ceremony

What to Wear: Everyday

For most of the sessions, delegates should wear business casual. What does business casual look like at ALA Alabama Girls State? Take a look at this group photo of delegates on the stage to get an idea of what girls have worn in the past.

• Dresses (business or sundress style), skirts or slacks with nice top
• No t-shirts, no jeans, no athletic wear
• As a general rule, consider whether these dresses, skirts, slacks and tops would meet your school's dress code for length, fit, etc.
• Sometimes buildings can be chilly, so bring a sweater!

We will be walking around campus, so wear comfortable shoes!

• We recommend flats, not heels
• We recommend shoes you've worn before so you know they don't give you blisters
• Nice sandals are perfectly fine, but please no plastic flip-flops
  
• Sneakers are perfectly fine, but we recommend a nice, clean pair that is more like canvas/leather instead of a sport/athletic shoe

What to Wear: Special Events

Some activities require different attire, such as...

• Field Trials: Casual athletic attire such as athletic shorts/pants or leggings, t-shirts and athletic shoes
  
  
• Inaugural Dinner: Formal or semi-formal attire (take a look at this picture for an idea), and remember that we still have to walk so we recommend putting a pair of comfortable shoes in your bag if you plan to wear heels at dinner
  
  
• Skit Night: Casual attire such as shorts, jeans, t-shirts and athletic shoes
  
  
• Celebrate Girls State Party: While the theme is different each year, you can bet that we'll all be wearing patriotic red, white and blue casual clothing

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What to Bring

Let us help get you started on your packing list!

• Clothes:
  • Business casual attire and comfortable shoes for 6 days (we will walk around campus to our meals and meetings)
  • Casual attire and shoes (for field trials and skit night)
  • Red, white and blue attire for the Celebrate Girls State Party 
  • Formal/semi-formal attire with shoes for Inauguration
  • Pajamas
  • Hangers (or bring your clothes on hangers if you want to hang them in the closet)
• Toiletries:
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Shower Cap
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Bath soap
  • Hand soap
  • Razor
  • Deodorant
  • Lotion
  • Moisturizer
  • Hair products
  • Makeup products
  • Hair brush/comb
  • Hair dryer
  • Straightener/curler
  • Hair ties
  • Contact solution/case
  • Personal hygiene products
• Bedding:
  • Twin XL sheets (or you can bring full sheets and just tuck them in)
  • Blanket or comforter
  • Pillow
• Towels:
  • Hand towel(s)
  • Washcloth(s)
  • Bath towel(s)
  • Bath mat
  • Bath robe (because you and your roommate will share a bathroom, some like to have a robe and towel)
    
• Backpack/tote bag with:
  • Pen/Pencil
  • Notebook
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Tissues
  • Water bottle
  • Sweater or sweatshirt (in case you find the rooms cool)
  • Rain coat or umbrella (in case of rain)
  • First aid supplies like adhesive bandages
• Snacks/drinks for your room
• Phone charger
• Trash bag for your room
• Campaign Materials (no more than $50 may be spent on this)
• Money for the Girls State store items

Note that we generally do not have time to do laundry while at Girls State.  Please plan accordingly.