ALA Alabama Girls State
American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Alabama Girls State is an amazing week of learning focused on citizenship, leadership, and love for the ALA’s mission of serving veterans, military and their families. The program epitomizes the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and knowledge of the responsibilities of citizenship. Participants learn about our form of government and how it works specifically on the local and state levels.
Each summer, approximately 20,000 young women participate in week-long ALA Girls State programs across the nation. Every ALA Girls State program operates with the same patriotic values through a nonpartisan curriculum where students assume the roles of government leaders, campaigning as “Federalists” and “Nationalists” to become city, county and state officials of their ALA Girls State.
The program is a week-long immersive learning experience for rising high school seniors. Girls live in “cities” within the residence halls, with several cities together making a county, and the entire program comprising a state. The learning, experience, memories, and friendships last a lifetime.
Each summer, approximately 20,000 young women participate in week-long ALA Girls State programs across the nation. Every ALA Girls State program operates with the same patriotic values through a nonpartisan curriculum where students assume the roles of government leaders, campaigning as “Federalists” and “Nationalists” to become city, county and state officials of their ALA Girls State.
The program is a week-long immersive learning experience for rising high school seniors. Girls live in “cities” within the residence halls, with several cities together making a county, and the entire program comprising a state. The learning, experience, memories, and friendships last a lifetime.
Purpose Statement
To provide an outstanding, unique, and coveted educational opportunity for the young women of our nation that instills the basic ideals and principles of American government through the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation citizenship training programs.
Program Objectives
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program:
- Develops leadership and pride in American citizens.
- Educates citizens about our system of government.
- Instills a greater understanding of American traditions.
- Stimulates a desire to maintain our democratic government processes within our republic.
A Brief History of Girls State
The purpose of this program, which began as one of the youth activities of the Americanism Committee of the American Legion Auxiliary, is to educate young women in the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of American citizenship in order that they may understand and participate in the functioning of their government and to help them grasp the meaning of some of the responsibilities they must assume as they become adults.
The first Girls State was conducted in 1938 and, since 1948, has be a regular part of the Auxiliary's activities nationwide. Through its sponsorship of these miniature states, the American Legion Auxiliary provides the capable, patriotic leadership needed for America's future.
From a very small beginning in 1942, the first Girls State was held in Alabama at Camp Grandview Park with less than 70 girls in attendance. The second and third sessions were also held at Grandview in 1943 and 1944. The 1945, due to conditions caused by World War II, the session was cancelled.
The 1946 Girls State was convened at Huntingdon College. The number of girls enrolled had not exceeded 70 and it was not until 1947 that enrollment was 78, a record year. From these early beginnings, the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State program is now held on the campus of The University of Alabama with approximately 350 delegates each year.
The first Girls State was conducted in 1938 and, since 1948, has be a regular part of the Auxiliary's activities nationwide. Through its sponsorship of these miniature states, the American Legion Auxiliary provides the capable, patriotic leadership needed for America's future.
From a very small beginning in 1942, the first Girls State was held in Alabama at Camp Grandview Park with less than 70 girls in attendance. The second and third sessions were also held at Grandview in 1943 and 1944. The 1945, due to conditions caused by World War II, the session was cancelled.
The 1946 Girls State was convened at Huntingdon College. The number of girls enrolled had not exceeded 70 and it was not until 1947 that enrollment was 78, a record year. From these early beginnings, the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State program is now held on the campus of The University of Alabama with approximately 350 delegates each year.
Girls Nation
Since 1947, ALA Girls Nation has provided aspiring young women leaders firsthand experience with practical insight into how the federal government works. Two participants per state, known as “senators,” are chosen to represent their respective Girls States.
A week is spent creating a mock legislature, submitting bills and resolutions, participating in senate sessions, holding a national convention, and electing officials such as president and vice president. Special field trips include visits to the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, monument tours, and a day on Capitol Hill meeting with state senators and representatives.
Each ALA Alabama Girls State city elects one of their citizens to interview with a panel of Girls Nation alumnae. The panel selects two Senators to represent Alabama at Girls Nation and two alternates. Girls Nation Senators adhere to the following pledge: For God and Country, I promise to give unselfish and constructive cooperation, to share with others the benefits of my experience as a senator of Girls Nation, to participate in the government of my country, state and nation upon reaching my majority, and above all, to constantly exemplify the highest type of Americanism.
Notable Senators
Senators from Alabama who have been elected President of Girls Nation are Dr. Cathy Johnson Randall (1967), Kate Randall Danella (1996), Anna Manasco (1997), and Kasdin Miller Mitchell (2002). Alabama has also had Senators elected as Vice President including Katelyn Braswell (2001) and Ashland Ross (2023). We have had two Outstanding Senators, Sarah Smalley Nunnelly (2002) and Sophia Self (2024). Additionally, our state has been well represented among Girls Nation counselors, including Annabel Roth, who served as Dean of Junior Counselors in 2018.
A week is spent creating a mock legislature, submitting bills and resolutions, participating in senate sessions, holding a national convention, and electing officials such as president and vice president. Special field trips include visits to the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, monument tours, and a day on Capitol Hill meeting with state senators and representatives.
Each ALA Alabama Girls State city elects one of their citizens to interview with a panel of Girls Nation alumnae. The panel selects two Senators to represent Alabama at Girls Nation and two alternates. Girls Nation Senators adhere to the following pledge: For God and Country, I promise to give unselfish and constructive cooperation, to share with others the benefits of my experience as a senator of Girls Nation, to participate in the government of my country, state and nation upon reaching my majority, and above all, to constantly exemplify the highest type of Americanism.
Notable Senators
Senators from Alabama who have been elected President of Girls Nation are Dr. Cathy Johnson Randall (1967), Kate Randall Danella (1996), Anna Manasco (1997), and Kasdin Miller Mitchell (2002). Alabama has also had Senators elected as Vice President including Katelyn Braswell (2001) and Ashland Ross (2023). We have had two Outstanding Senators, Sarah Smalley Nunnelly (2002) and Sophia Self (2024). Additionally, our state has been well represented among Girls Nation counselors, including Annabel Roth, who served as Dean of Junior Counselors in 2018.
American Legion Auxiliary
The American Legion Auxiliary is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military and their families. There are nearly 8,000 local Auxiliary units nationwide, divided into state-level "departments." Girls State delegates are encouraged to explore membership in the Department of Alabama.