The State of Boys and Girls State

I'm going to interrupt this series of blogs about choosing a college to discuss something of a more timely nature: the Boys and Girls State programs. American Legion units in 49 of the 50 United States (with the exception of Hawaii) will begin their selection process the middle of this month for these week long summer programs. This year New Jersey Boys and Girls State sessions will run from Sunday, June 19, through Friday, June 24. The goal of the programs is to teach students completing their junior year of high school how local, county and state government works. Leadership skills, as well as an appreciation of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, are developed.

A descriptiion of the structure of Girls State, which is also that of Boys State, follows:

At Girls State, each girl, as she registers, becomes a citizen
of an assigned city. The citizens set up city governments
and elect city officials. The City Councils then enact
ordinances to govern the cities. The city officials enforce
the ordinances. Two cities constitute a county. The county
governments are organized by the election of a Board of
Freeholders, a Sheriff, etc. for each county. The elected
officers then proceed to function in all county matters, as
provided by the Constitution and the laws of the State of
New Jersey. The counties together become the state. Each girl
is assigned to one of two parties - Federals or Nationals - so
they may see how political parties function. They develop
their own party platforms and discuss issues they choose.
All of the elections are carried our according to the
existing laws of New Jersey. Following the State Primary
Elections is the General Election, when the citizens elect the
Girls State Governor. From the Assembly and Senatorial
Districts they elect the members of the Girls State Assembly
and Senate. An Inaugural Ceremony is held and the Girls
State Governor-elect and other state officials are given
their oaths of office. The two branches of the legislature
organize, author, and pass bills. The Governor decides whether
to sign the bill into law or veto them.

Wow, what a civics lesson and all in one week! Two delegates from each individual state program are selected to attend Boys Nation and Girls Nation where delegates are taught about and simulate the Federal government.

Usually schools recommend lists of eligible candidates to local Legion units. Leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service to school and community are among the traits that eligible juniors must exhibit. The Legion post reviews the list and interviews the candidates to select their representative(s) for the program.

I was a delegate to New Jersey Girls State almost forty-five years ago! (DON'T DO THE MATH!!!) I consider selection one of my greatest honors and participation one of the most worthwhile of my endeavors. The civics in action lessons the program taught have been invaluable throughout my life. If you are interested, go to www.boysandgirlsstate.org and see your guidance counselor.