2012 Alaska Girls State Plan of Action
American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Alaska
Department of Alaska
Girls State Plan of Action
2011-2012
Mission:
To provide a unique and coveted educational opportunity for young women to receive citizenship training through a weeklong hands-on program involving a mock city and state government.
Goals:
To install a strong interest in the study of government and leadership.
Objective:
#1 To utilize the Internet and socialnetworking sites to increase visibility and viability of the Girls State program.
· Increase the visibility of ALA Girls State Department websites and Facebook page.
· Get permission to publish pictures on website.
· Submit articles and pictures of your delegate for posting on the Department website.
#2 To instill in all Girls State citizens a commitment of volunteerism and an awareness of the American Legion Auxiliary's mission.
· Educate your Girls State citizens about the programs and mission of the American
Legion Auxiliary.
· Stress the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community.
· Work with past and present alumnae to increase membership for th eorganization by encouraging the alumnae to join your Unit and become active members.
· Develop community projects for them to be responsible for in helping veterans in your community.
· Explain some of our veterans programs such as the POW/MIA ceremony, Blue Star Banners/Coins given to those who have a loved one in the military, our Poppy program, including the story of the poppy and the poem InFlandersField, and the Pocket Flag Project.
#3 Continue to attract participants and grow Girls State programs by keeping them relevant and current by encouraging Departments to increase scholarships/funding for their Girls State programs.
· Solicit sponsorships/funding or donations from other civic organizations to sponsor Girls State delegates.
· Suggest Auxiliarymembers set up a memorial scholarship in memory of a loved one.
· Have fundraisers to provide a Girls State scholarship.
· Ask former Girls State alumnae to help recruit candidates from their high schools.
· Have a former delegate present a program at a local school on her experiences at Girls State
Eligibility
· Applicants must be in their junior year of high school and returning to their high school for their senior year.
· Applicants must be willing to take an oath of office and salute the American flag.
· Applicants must be U.S. citizens
Alaska Girls State Unit Chairman's Guide!
In 2009 I made a Units Girls State Chairmans guide. Each year I change the dates of the session and Girls Nation. If you would like to receive this guide as a pdf email file, please let me know.
Unit Recruiting:
· Inform school district and local schools about the Girls State program including the benefits of the program and eligibility requirements.
· Distribute information and applications to schools.
· Check the Department Girls State website for resources.
· Enlist the help of former Girls State citizens to recruit candidates from their high schools.
· Reach out to schools that have no active units in their communities. Include magnet schools, private schools and home-schooled students.
Timeframe:
December: Receive application packet from Girls State Director
January: Application packets to assigned schools
· Follow up with school officials to get their recommendations
· Wait to receive your applications
Feb/March: Set up interviews with applicants
·Choose delegates
Provide a business card with Unit contact information and phone numbers
·Applications to Dept. Girls State Director by March 22, 2012
May/June:
·Call delegates and alternates to check their status:
Are delegates still planning on attending?
Are alternates still available? Even at last minute?
Delegate Recognition:
1.Schedule a time for your 2012 Girls State citizens to visit the Unit to report on their experiences. Invite those who helped finance your program, school officials who recommend candidates to attend and community leaders.
2.Contact your local media to report about the Girls State citizens' experiences.