2024 Girls State Reference Guide

2024 Session of ALA Alabama Girls State 24

Arrival information

ON SUNDAY, JUNE 2, you may check in to ALA Alabama Girls State on the campus of Troy University, Troy, AL at Rushing Hall between 10 am and 12:45 pm. You will need to be dressed and ready in business casual for your first meeting at 1 pm. In the front of Rushing Hall, Girls State staff will check you in and give you your room number. From there you will move in and start going around and meeting your other fellow citizens and your counselors. We encourage you to go get something to eat, because your first meal will be at 5 pm.

Store girls state

We also will have the Girls State Store open in the Rushing Hall archway and we encourage you to go ahead and purchase your Girls State shirt ($20.00), sweatshirt ($25.00), graduation cord ($10.00) and button ($5.00). Venmo and Cash app are the preferred way to pay and we know many will have to use their parent/guardian accounts! We also take cash. Please try and have correct cash. Parents/guardians may leave once you have settled in. Also, if you drive yourself to campus, you must give your counselors your car key. You are not allowed to leave campus during the program.

Departure information

ON FRIDAY, JUNE 7, the delegates will be in Montgomery visiting the Capitol and the Governor’s Home and will return at 2 pm. In the meantime, Rushing Hall will open at 1 pm for parents/guardians to go their delegate’s room and pack up the belongings and place in car. The delegates need to have everything packed up and ready for their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians can then go to Smith Hall for the closing program which will begin at 2:15. Everyone will be dismissed after the closing program which should be around 3:15 pm. If parents/guardians cannot make it to the closing program, the residence hall will stay open until 5 pm. Please make certain that the delegates are picked up by then.

Bring what to

• Business casual attire for 6 days

• Casual attire (for field trials and skit night)

• Red, White and Blue attire for the Girls State Party

• Formal/Semi Formal attire for Inauguration

• Pajamas

• Appropriate footwear for all types of attire

• Toiletries

• Hair dryer

• Full Sized Bed Sheets

• Comforter or sleeping bag

• Towels

• Pillow

• Bathmat

• Snacks/drinks for your room

• Campaign Materials (no more than $50 may be spent on this)

• Pen/Pencil

• Notebook

• Two Kitchen Size Trash Bags

• Money for the store items/snacks/etc.

• Backpack

Girls State 2023 was by far the best week of my summer! Not only did the friendships, speakers, and meetings bring moments I will cherish, the governmental processes that were outlined and practiced have already helped me tremendously in my senior AP Government class. I underestimated how thorough and accurate the Congress and Party assemblies were, and how all the information would stay with me to be drawn from in class. Girls State is a rich academic, social, and exploratory experience that I have, and will continue to, recommend to all young lady underclassmen.

Sarah Elizabeth Shelton Keller City Council, State Board of Education- Andrews County

Dressing for Success

at Alabama Girls State

For most of the sessions, delegates at ALA Alabama Girls State will be expected to wear business casual. You will be hearing from many of Alabama’s top elected officials during the week and debating bills and electing your Girls State officers.

Fun and

Delegate will be walking a lot during the week, so please bring comfortable shoes. Additionally, some of the meeting locations can be chilly, so a light sweater may be needed.

Festivities

At the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State, we believe in working hard, but we also believe in having fun! During the program, we take time to build friendships and make memories whether it be in debating bills in the legislature or competing with our cities in field trials. Get ready to join in all the fun events!

Field Trials

One of the favorite Girls State traditions, Field Trials is a fun-filled competition of relay races between “cities.”

Skit Night

Always a highlight of the week, Skit Night gives the girls a chance to show off their talents, dancing, and singing.

Girls State Party

One evening of Girls State, we party with the DJ. This year’s theme was Girls State Era Party. Get ready for a celebration!

Field Trials and Late Night City Meetings

T-shirts & shorts/leggings.

Day at the Capitol Dressy Sunday dress flat-heeled, comfortable shoes. On our last day of Girls State we tour the capitol and have lunch at the Governor’s mansion.

Girls State was easily one of the best and most influential weeks of my life. Not only will you make hundreds of friends, but you will also learn so much about the important aspects of our government and be introduced to some incredible role models! I would also strongly encourage any delegate to run for an office because it’s such a good learning opportunity! The girls in your city will easily become some of your best friends, you will laugh, cry, and become closer than you could ever imagine in only six short days. The Girls State staff are also super supportive, so do not be afraid to ask if you have questions. My overall favorite part of Girls State though was the sisterhood, you will meet girls from all different backgrounds and form friendships that will last a lifetime.

Macy Hunt - District Attorney, Jordan County

Girls State Party Red, white and blue fun attire.

Skit Night T-shorts and shorts/leggings..

Inaugural Dinner Formal or Semi-formal dress. We celebrate all our elected officials at this dinner.

Write your own legislation

One of the most important responsibilities a member of a legislative body can do is to write legislation. At ALA Alabama Girls State you will get to review and debate legislation that you and your fellow delegates submit. We encourage you to think about a cause you feel passionate about and write a bill. This could be something that impacts your daily life, your family’s business/farm, your school, and community.

When you submit a bill, you will be asked several questions. If you are uncertain of what to write, just do your best.

Here is what you would be asked for:

01. What committee in the House/Senate should discuss your bill before it goes up for debate. You can select from:

• Ways and Means

• Finance and Taxation

• Constitution and elections

• Public Welfare and Correctional Institutions

• Education

• Judiciary

• Agriculture and Transportation

• Business and Labor

02. Title of Your Bill: What you would like to name your bill, it should give an idea of what the bill is about.

03. Short Title of your Bill (Optional): If your bill has a very long title, you want to give it a “nickname”. That would be your short title.

04. Explanation of Terminology : If there are any words in your bill that are not easily understood, give a short explanation of those words (you might need to define those words).

05. What is the bill going to do? Who is going to be involved/ impacted/affected by the act?

06. How is the bill going to be funded? Who is going to enforce/ administer this act?

07. Penalties (if any) for non-compliance.

08. Enactment Date: When will the bill go into effect?

Throughout my time at Girls State as I was running for Governor, I focused on opening my mind to diverse perspectives and the unique contributions other girls could bring to the table on various issues. I dedicated time to researching numerous bills and familiarizing myself with different constitutional matters that would be discussed during debates and whistle stops. Additionally, I compiled a list of the major issues at the national and state levels that I was most passionate about, as well as those I was most knowledgeable about. This preparation and mindset allowed me to actively engage in the Girls State program and have one of the best weeks of my life!

Sarah Wilson - Governor

Sample Bill

Committee Your Bill Should be sent to: Constitution and Elections

Title of your Bill:

Changing of the State of Alabama Official Song

Short Title:

Sweet Home Alabama

Explanation of Terminology:

None

What is the bill going to do?

Who is going to be involved/impacted/affected by the act?

The official state song of the State of Alabama is currently Alabama written by Julia S. Tutwiler and composed by Edna Gockel Gussen. This bill proposes to change the official state song to Sweet Home Alabama written by Ronnie Vant, Gary Rossington, and Ed King.

Sweet Home Alabama is recognized all around the world and most people would identify that as the song that represents our state. Our citizens will actually know the words of our state song.

How is the bill going to be funded?

Who is going to enforce/administer this act?

This bill will not need to be funded or enforced.

Penalties (if any) for non-compliance

None

Enactment Date:

Your bill can be very simple, similar to the the Sample Bill on this page, or it can be very detailed. We encourage you to think about how the state of Alabama can be a better place for its citizens and write a bill!

This bill will be enacted on June 7, 2024. Those agencies who have written materials with the State Song will only change the song only when those written materials have all been depleted.

When writing your bill it is important to choose a topic that you are not only passionate about, but something that you are also very knowledgeable about. You may have the opportunity to debate your bill, so being able to give more statistics and outside knowledge helps. It can be scary to debate in front of the House of Representative/Senate, but confidence is key to passing your bill!

McKenzie Kellams - Cheaha City Council, Circuit Judge- Jordan

Elections Begin the first day of ALA Alabama Girls State!

When you arrive at ALA Alabama Girls State you will find you have been assigned to be in a city, county, political party (Nationalists or Federalists), and legislative body (House or Senate). Throughout your week you will be an active citizen. You will also have the opportunity to become an elected official of your city, county, political party or legislative party. If you are elected you will lead your fellow citizens. All it takes is determination and the will to succeed. If one does not win an election, one may run for another office. Girls State depends on the leadership of its elected officials.

There is a $50 limit on campaign spending for all ALA Alabama Girls State positions, and candidates for office will be asked to sign a pledge stating they have not exceeding the campaign spending limits. We ask that you look at all the positions listed below and decide on what you would like to run for.

Detailed information is on the ALA Alabama Girls State website concerning all offices, the responsibilities, and how to qualify. We encourage you to RUN!

Sunday Elections

City

Mayor and 4 Councilmembers

Once you are elected you will begin running your city! You will not need campaign materials.

Nationalist And Federalist Party

Chairman • Vice Chairman

Secretary • Treasurer

Once elected the parties will begin building their platforms and qualifying delegates to run for county and statewide offices.

Monday Elections

Legislature (Officers elected by respective bodies)

Senate

President Pro Tempore

Secretary of State

Sergeant at Arms (2)

Chaplain (Appointed)

House of Representatives

Speaker of the House

Speaker Pro Tempore

Sergeant at Arms (2)

Chaplain (Appointed)

Tuesday and Wednesday Elections

On Tuesday and Wednesday, you will be voting for the County and Statewide offices.

Tuesday elections will be Primaries where you will be voting within your party.

County

Probate Judge

Tax Assessor

Tax Collector

Sheriff Coroner

County Commissioners (3)

Circuit Judge

District Judge

District Attorney Circuit Clerk

State Board of Education* (2)

*Superintendent is appointed by the State Board

Wednesday is the General Election where those elected from their party will run against the other party candidates.

State Governor Lieutenant Governor

Attorney General

Secretary of State Treasurer

Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries

Public Service Commission: President

Place 1

Place 2

Auditor

Supreme Court Chief Justice

Associate Justice (8)

Court of Criminal Appeals (5)

Court of Civil Appeals (5)

If you’re asking yourself why to run for office, the better question is “Why not??” My spur of the moment decision to run for Lieutenant Governor created lasting moments I will hold dear forever. From bonding with the girls in my city (yellowhammer forever!) to chatting with girls from all over the state, you have the ability to create so many opportunities this week. So don’t walk— run for office!

Moriah Hogans - Lieutenant Governor

To Do Before You Arrive at ALA Alabama Girls State

The Samsung Scholarship Application

If you are eligible, prepare your Samsung Scholarship application - Worldwide electronics leader Samsung endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million to be administered by The American Legion in 1996. Meant to show appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea’s aid during its struggle against communist forces in the Korean War, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program established a series of scholarships derived from interest and other income from the principal amount.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Scholarship applications are limited to students between their junior and senior years of high school who attend the current session of either an American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program and are a direct descendant - i.e. child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. or a legally adopted child of a wartime U.S. military veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership

Write and submit your legislation by May 28, 2024. We encourage you to think about an issue that may concern you, your family, and or friends and consider writing a bill that would address that issue. Bills must be submitted online by May 28, 2024. If your miss the deadline, you may bring two written copies of the bill to registration and turn in at that time.

Check Your Emails are sent from alabamagirlsstate@troy.edu. On the registration form we asked for the email you use on your phone. Check especially in May for updates. Because most emails are sent are sent as mass emails, frequently they go to your spam or junk email. Make certain you write a rule to get those emails.

Girl’s State was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and I was so incredibly proud and excited to be able to represent my school! Some of my biggest advice I can give to all future Girl’s State Girls is to have fun with bills, support all of the girls there and enjoy yourself!! Maximize your potential at Girl’s state by running for office! It is so much fun—whether you are elected or not— it is great way to improve you speaking skills and familiarize yourself with some of the girls outside of you city!! And most importantly don’t forget to bring snacks!

Amiah Lomnick Supreme Court Chief Justice

Quotes from attendees

My time at Alabama Girls State was a literal MOVIE. I walked in to 3 outstanding, supportive, and loving counselors from the very first day to the last. They made being away from home, feel like home. They put me in a position to make lots of new friends that I’ll continue to have forever.

Kierra Trammell - District Judge - Andrews

As a small-town girl, running for an office seemed terrifying. However, my counselors and fellow girls in my city encouraged me to run and I had so much fun running for and being elected for a few positions during my time at Girls State!

Hannah Mills - County Commission - Ivey

Alabama Girls State is such an amazing experience for anybody! If I could do it again I would in a heartbeat. Alabama Girls State truly changed my life, and helped me be a better leader and just a better person. The best advice I could give to anyone going to Girls State is get out of your comfort zone and cherish and enjoy your time at girls state! This week will go by way too fast and you’ll be wishing you could spend another week with these amazing girls! I forever will be grateful for the time I got to spend with these girls.

Libby Brown - Tax Assessor - Waite

Going into Girls State, I was not planning on running for any position in office and I was satisfied with not running for anything, but looking back now, I am glad I ran for the Courts of Criminal Appeals. With the support from my counselor, Cara and the city of Keller, I decided to run for the court, even though I was nervous to give my speech in front of everyone. It was an experience I will never forget and built confidence I did not know I needed. There is no reason to be nervous to run for an office position or a position within your city because almost everyone will run for something, and if you do not get it, the opportunity to run is better than looking back and regretting not running for anything.

Gracie Conerly - Court of Criminal Appeals

My favorite part about Girls State was the amazing girls that I met. Every one of them showed me so much love and support in everything I did. They made me feel like I was exactly where I was meant to be. We made so many amazing memories and friendships that I am forever grateful for.

Thea Hamlin - Sheriff - Jordan

My favorite thing about Girls State was definitely the amazing girls I met throughout the week. As soon as I met the girls in my city, I had an instant friend group. Whether we were eating breakfast, listening to a speaker, or making friendship bracelets, we always had fun together.

Emma Claire Kirchharr - Redstone City Council

Girls State was such an incredible experience. I loved getting to meet new people and becoming so close with them in just one week. I encourage you to branch out and be your true self during your time at Girls State.

Emma Griggs - Probate Judge - Andrews

What I loved most about Alabama Girls State was meeting incredible people who I can now call my best friends. The energy and inspiration I found in them made the entire experience unforgettable. Even now, we continue to share, learn, and grow together. The bonds formed during my time at Alabama Girls State have truly stood the test of time.

Aysia Jackson - Keller City Council, Circuit Judge - Andrews

Although it may seem odd, I loved the intensity of Girls State. It really allowed each girl to become vulnerable within her city and become close with other delegates. Because of this, I have made lifelong friends. In fact, I’ve spent probably 24 hours in the car since June, just to see my girls!

Emma Moore - Yellowhammer City Council

Girls State 2023 was a life-altering experience! I developed many friendships, that I have no doubts will be life-long! I am very thankful for the support and dedication of the American Legion Auxiliary to this wonderful program! Oh, and Mrs. Judy! She has such a delightful spirit and a caring heart!

Jada Adams - Cheaha City Council, Nationalist Secretary/Treasurer

Alabama Girls State gave me two amazing best friends, we encouraged each other to run for positions, get out of our comfort zones, and get the most out of the week we spent together in Troy. I was super nervous about coming to a new place with no friends, but on day one I met the most important people ever. Even halfway through senior year we still talk and encourage each other just like we did during AGS.

Blair Woodley - Tax Collector - Andrews

What I loved most about Girls State was that I made more friends than I thought I would. I was so nervous in the days leading up to it, that I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to make friends and bond with girls I didn’t know. It was so amazing that a group of girls who each came from different backgrounds could bond so well. I was blown away that I had made so many friends and learned so much from listening to and meeting inspiring women throughout a couple of days. The experience was truly incredible.

Alyn Mai - Cheaha City Council, Tax Collector- Jordan

I loved how Girls State created a community and even though we all had different interests and views, it was nice to meet girls who had the same values and goals as me. We’d go from having intelligent, political conversations one minute and then be talking about college dorms the next. Our nighttime hallway chats with fellow city members are a favorite memory.

Riley Mellett - Mayor, Parks

Alabama Girls State is an opportunity that is amazing. My advice to a future Girls Stater would be to go into the week with an open mind. It is okay to be nervous, but when you get there, you will find that the staff and your city will support you fully in whatever your goal is for the week. Lastly, soak up every opportunity you get whether it is running for an office or asking the guest speaker a question.

Kayla Dyson - Parks City Council