Delegates & Alternates
The 74th California Girls State Program - 2017 Session - Will be held June 26th to July 1st, 2017 in Claremont, California
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR AND ARRIVAL MEDICAL FORM NOW AVAILABLE
If you are interested in attending the Program, please contact your school counselor or locate an American Legion Auxiliary Unit to sponsor your high school. This Find a Unit page may be a good starting place. If you need more help, contact the Girls State Chairman under Contact Us.
applications & forms
Note that there are specific sets of forms to be completed based upon the status of delegate or alternate. Please use only the forms that pertain to your selection as a delegate or alternate. Depending on when you access this page, the following forms may not be up to date, so please use forms for the relevant session.
All Delegates should review the required reading found on the Required Reading Page, complete the demographic survey form and review and complete the documents from the Director the prior to the start of the session.
2017 Delegate Application | Students chose by the Unit as a Delegate to Girls State must complete this 2 page form and submit it. Please hit continue on the bottom of the first page, submit on the second page, and follow the instructions on the confirmation page.
2017 Delegate/Parent/Guardian Packet | Families will work together to complete and sign the pages in this 4-page packet. All lines are to be filled in. Follow the directions to mail the completed packet to the proper person.
2017 Delegate Store Pre-Order Form | You can save money by pre-ordering and picking up your order for California Girls State merchandise at California Girls State by using and submitting the linked form.
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2017 Alternate Application | Students chose by the Unit as an Alternate to Girls State must complete this 2 page form and submit it. Please hit continue on the bottom of the first page, submit on the second page, and follow the instructions on the confirmation page.
2017 Alternate/Parent/Guardian Packet | Families will work together to complete and sign the pages in this 4-page packet. All lines are to be filled in. Follow the directions to mail the completed packet to the proper person.
about the location
The Program will be held at Claremont McKenna College
400 N. Claremont Boulevard
Claremont, CA 91711
Delegates should arrive by 9 am on June 26th. The program ends at 12:30pm on July 1st.
For delegates flying to/from Ontario, California (ONT) airport, there will be a Girls State shuttle conducting pick up. Because the program ends at 12:30pm, flights after the program 2pm.
Here are some useful links on getting to Claremont McKenna College:
from the director
The Director has details and documents that need to be completed here, including information on:
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The Community Service Project;
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Important Information about the session;
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Transportation Questionnaire (here);
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Any final directions.
PLEASE REVIEW ALL LINKED DOCUMENTS.
samsung scholarship
Hello!
As a direct descendent of a US veteran, you are eligible to apply for the Samsung Scholarship.
Details can be found on the website: http://www.legion.org/samsung-scholarship-application
The application is ONLINE ONLY. It can be completed over several sittings. You MUST register and create an account with your email address. You do not need to select programs you are interested in.
Please note that you must provide proof of service for your relative in order for your scholarship application to be submitted. You will also need to download, print, get signed, and upload an academic progress form verified by your school official. This is sometimes a lengthy process, so be sure to start ASAP. If you wait until June, you may run out of time. Applications will be collected the first day of Girls State and must be complete to be considered for the scholarship.
Acceptable forms for proof of service are: Form DD214 (Official discharge certificate), Official “Honorable Discharge” certificate, Form DD1300 (Official military death certificate), Official record of burial in a military cemetery issued by the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Current or former military ID card, Current or former LES (Leave and Earnings Statement), Official logbook entries from a military unit.
I have attached the FAQ PDF to this email for assistance.
Applications will CLOSE on JUNE 26 at 11:59pm (the first day of Girls State).
Good luck!
Elissa Kirkland
CA Girls State Chairman
2017 Frequently Asked Questions - Samsung American Legion Scholarship | Before you download the application from the link above, please read this document.
faq | Selection to girls state
Q: How can I apply to participate at Girls State?
A: You can't.
Girls State delegates are selected by local American Legion Auxiliary Units to attend Girls State. You may not simply sign up to attend. The selection process is two-tiered, and based on several factors.
The first tier occurs at the high school level. A select group of young women will be chosen based on academics, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. At this level it is often a faculty member, guidance counselor, or administrator who recommends the students. If you are interested in Girls State, you should let one of these individuals know before you go on winter break.
For the second tier, the selected students will meet with the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit, either at their school or at the American Legion Post, for interviews. The interview process varies, depending on the Unit. It is important that you research the American Legion Auxiliary and Girls State so you can determine if our program is right for you. From the interviews, the local American Legion Auxiliary chairman and her committee will select one delegate and two alternates.
If you are selected as the delegate or alternate from your high school you will then go through the application process. The cost to each delegate is only $75 for the application fee. The remainder of the cost is covered by the American Legion Auxiliary, American Legion, or another source.
Q: How do I know if my school is represented at Girls State?
A: Ask! Your administrators or guidance counselors will know if your school is sponsored by a local American Legion Auxiliary Unit.
Q: What if my school is not represented?
A: Go to our Find a Sponsoring Unit/District page to see if there is an American Legion Auxiliary Unit near you. Contact the Unit directly to ask about sponsoring your school. It may be too late for this year, but you may make a difference for someone next year!
Q: Can my school have more than one delegate at Girls State?
A: No. Our rules state that only one delegate may be selected from a high school.
faq | for delegates and families
Q: What should I bring to Girls State?
A: A positive attitude . . . energy . . . enthusiasm . . . a big heart . . . laughter and . . .
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Clothing:
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Six days worth of casual clothes - You will possibly spend some time outside, so nice shorts (no cut-offs or short shorts) are appropriate. If your school allows you to wear shorts, follow those guidelines for what is acceptable. Casual clothing may also include pants, nice jeans, skirts, and comfortable shoes.
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Two to three nice outfits: You will wear these outfits for various evening activities, when we have notable speakers, or if you decide to run for office. This can include nice pants, khakis, skirts, or a casual dress or sundress. (If you bring strapless tops or dresses, please include some sort of sweater or jacket to wear you are attending ALA Girls State.)
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One to two dresses, suits, skirts, or nice pants: These should be something that you would wear to church or another special occasion. This is not semi-formal.
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Shoes: Since citizens will walk from activity to activity, comfortable shoes are a necessity. You should bring shoes for your less casual outfits. Shower shoes or flip-flops will come in handy in the dorm.
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Sleepwear: You will need sleepwear for six nights. There will be night meetings in dorms where lounge wear will be appropriate.
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Navy blue shirt.
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If you are an athlete and you must run in the mornings, we have a morning run group -- please bring appropriate clothing to exercise in.
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Toiletries and Other Personal Items:
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Please note that there are community showers on the dorm floors. No personal items are available on campus.
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Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
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Towels and washcloths
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Robe
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Flip-flops for the showers
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Bed linens – Bring twin-sized extra-long sheets, a warm blanket, comforter, or sleeping bag and a pillow. (Note: Air-conditioned dorm rooms can get very cool at night.)
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Necessary medication prescribed by your physician or over-the-counter medication that you take on a regular basis or take occasionally (i.e. Advil or Tylenol)
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Miscellaneous Items
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Sweater or jacket for cool, air-conditioned meeting rooms
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Alarm clock
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Musical instrument(s) – The Chorus provides opportunities to play during musical presentations.
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Clothes hangers – Each room provides hanging space and drawer space for storing clothing.
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Camera
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Pens, pencils and notebook paper
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Tote bag or backpack – You will be walking from activity to activity and may want to carry personal items and your notebook with you.
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Snacks, if you choose
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Water bottle (reusable)
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Feminine products
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Money: Though your sponsorship fee covers the expense of your meals and accommodations, please consider the following when deciding the amount of extra money to bring. We will be accepting debit & credit cards for purchases made in the Girls State Store and Girls State Pictures. Actual card MUST be in the possession of user.
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Girls State Pictures: Pictures will be taken during the session. They will range from $7 to $10 each ordered. They usually are delivered at Girls State before delegates leave.
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Food: At ALA Girls State, your meals are covered by your sponsorship fee. You may want to bring change for snack vending machines located in dorm buildings.
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Girls State Store: You will have the opportunity to purchase items from the ALA Girls State Store. Items may include sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts, and other souvenirs. Prices range from $1.00 to $30.00. The store accepts credit cards, cash, and checks.
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Keys: Please note that all citizens are required to lock dorm rooms with the provided key. If a citizen loses her key, she will be charged $150.00. If she loses a key card, the replacement fee is $25.
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Unnecessary Items: Do not bring the following items, which are unnecessary during your stay at ALA Girls State: Refrigerators, TVs, Laptops or other computers (no wired/wireless Internet connection or printer access available).
Remember . . . you have to carry your own stuff!
Q: What should I expect when I first arrive at the campus?
A: Find the main quad of the Claremont-McKenna Campus. The quad (35 Butler Plaza) is to the west of the round building. There will be a table with alphabet-designated posters. Use your last name to locate your line. Check in to learn to which county you've been assigned. Find the set of county tables to sign in, meet your counselor, and receive your room key. Find your city (dorm), unpack and welcome others in your city. Locate the nurse and communicate any concerns with her. If you have any medications (over-the-counter or prescription), you will need to keep the medication with our nursing staff. Begin to read the Official Girls State Handbook you are given by your counselor when you checked in.
Q: What is a typical day like at California Girls State?
A: No two days are the same at California Girls State, but you can expect a variety of activities. Here is a sample day at California Girls State.
Q: Can I campaign before coming to Girls State?
A: So that everyone will have an equal opportunity, you are not allowed to campaign for any office before arriving at Girls State. You may not bring pre-made campaign materials. Approved campaign materials may be purchased with Girls State dollars you will receive at Girls State. Campaigning via electronic media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, email etc.) is not allowed BEFORE or DURING Girls State. Discussing or announcing an office you are thinking about running for (via electronic media) is considered campaigning and is not allowed.
Q: How am I going to get back home?
A: Most delegates will return home in the same fashion as they arrived. You will have an opportunity to clearly communicate your travel plans before coming to Girls State. If there are changes after your initial planning, you must report the changes to the Girls State Director. She and the ALA staff are located in headquarters in Appleby. If you're being picked up, there will be designated areas in the main quad for you to meet your family.
Q: What if I need to contact home while I'm at Girls State?
A: Girls State is a cell phone free zone. What this means is that no cell phone use will be tolerated except during those scheduled times when delegates are not engaged in the business of Girls State. Generally, delegates may safely use their cell phones during rest time, recreation, and after city friendship time. If a delegate does not have a cell phone with her and needs to communicate with family, she should go to headquarters in Appleby and ask a staff member to assist her. All delegates using cell phones when it is not appropriate will have their phones taken by a staff member, sent to headquarters for safe keeping, and returned at the close of the session.
Q: How can my family contact me at Girls State?
A: Parents are discouraged from communicating with the delegates unless there is an emergency. The delegates are usually very busy attending meetings, discussing important issues, participating in team activities, and generally being fully engaged in the program. If a parent needs to contact a delegate, refer to the Contact page for information.
Q: Should I bring my computer?
A: Internet and e-mail access will neither be available nor necessary to enjoy the week.
Q: What should I do with my legislation?
A: Each delegate is responsible for bringing a piece of legislation with her to the Girls State Session. Please also email a Word Doc copy to cagsassist@gmail.com. The most successful bills will be carefully researched, well informed of current conditions and will address a pertinent state issue.
Below are several links to sites that will help you understand how to write a bill.
UC Davis Princeton Model Congress American International College Building a Bill Template for Bills
Q: Do I need to report about my experiences at Girls State?
A: Yes, you do. How can you use the information gained at Girls State in your school, your community, your personal relationships, and to report to the Unit that sponsors you? Keep a journal of your experiences. Here are few possible topics:
City - county - state level governments
Appointed - elected positions
Legislation - political platforms
Friendship - unity - cooperation - open-mindedness
Patriotism - political awareness - winning vs. losing
Involvement - participation - something for everyone
Opportunities - inspiration - goal setting - future plans
Appreciation - gratitude to the Auxiliary (paperwork, transportation, program staff, fees)
Pictures - scrapbooks - newspapers
Girls State is . . . your city _____ . . . your county _____ . . . what you learned _____
Consider:
What did I like about today?
What would I have changed about today?
I was happy when . . .
I was proud of myself because . . .
I learned . . . about myself.
Tomorrow, I plan to . . .
Q: When will we receive more information about Girls State?
A: All the information you will need is in the From the Director section above.. Come back often to stay informed. If it is June 1 and you still have questions, contact the Girls State Director whose information can be found on the "Contact Us" page.