The 78th Session of American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State will take place in person at Lipscomb University from Sunday, May 26 to Saturday, June 1, 2024. If you are selected as a delegate or alternate to represent your school at ALA VGS, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
When does the program end?
Our program will conclude on the afternoon of Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.
I am not able to attend all of the session. Is this okay?
If, for any reason, you cannot participate in our in-person session from Sunday, May 26 to Saturday, June 1, 2024, you must inform your school guidance counselor, chair of your school’s ALA VGS committee, and Kathy Isaacson, Co-Director of ALA VGS at [email protected].
If you cannot attend the entire week, you must let us know as soon as possible so your alternate can attend. If you cannot attend and no alternate can come in your place, you will have to repay the $500 fee to your sponsor.
How is ALA VGS handling health and safety considerations related to the Covid-19 pandemic?
The safety of our delegates is top of mind, especially as we navigate the ongoing pandemic. Stay tuned for updates on health and safety protocol for our 2024 session.
What should I do to prepare for the in person session?
Though much of the ALA VGS experience will become clearer to you once the program begins, there are a few steps you can take to be more prepared for the week:
- Get plenty of rest before coming to ALA VGS. Every day is full and requires 100% of you.
- Realize that you need not be an expert in government to excel at Girls State. Consider ALA VGS a learning experience and remember that you have been chosen by your high school based on your abilities and leadership skills.
- Current issues play an important role at ALA VGS, from determining party platforms and writing bills to debating issues. Read your local paper and stay abreast of current state issues and you will be ahead of the game, particularly when campaigning for office. Issues of particular interest at Girls State are education, health care and budget concerns on city, county and state levels.
- Know your particular sponsor before arrival. Citizens are encouraged to write a thank-you note to the persons responsible for providing this wonderful experience to them.
What’s in it for me?
As staff and counselors, we firmly believe that this program is life-changing. Not only will you experience cooperation among hundreds of your peers to build a working government and make new friends from across Tennessee, but ALA VGS also provides the following tangible benefits:
- Samsung Scholarship. This scholarship is one of a series of scholarships derived from an endowment from the Samsung Corporation, a worldwide leader in electronics. The endowment was created to express appreciation to U.S. veterans who came to the aid of Korea during its struggle against communist forces during the Korean War. The American Legion administers this scholarship program from a Samsung scholarship fund. Stay tuned for updates on 2023 deadlines for the Samsung scholarship.
- Girls Nation. ALA Volunteer Girls State selects two citizens to travel to Washington, D.C., in mid-July to serve as senators from Tennessee in the Girls Nation program. Girls Nation citizens participate in a mock federal government, electing and appointing federal officials. Over the years, ALA VGS has sent several citizens who have been elected Girls Nation president. Highlights of that week include: meeting senators, representatives, and other high-ranking federal officials; touring the Washington, D.C., monuments and the Smithsonian; and touring the White House and possibly meeting with the president of the United States.
- The ALA VGS Network. The people you meet at ALA VGS and the friends you make are all young women with tremendous potential and successful futures ahead. Citizen selection is based on academic achievement, strength of character, and school and community contributions. The counselors and staff who lead you during the week, all former ALA VGS citizens, will share their many talents and successes with you as well. After the week of ALA VGS, graduates of the program join a community of thousands across the country. This network of women in countless roles and professions serve as friends, mentors, and contacts for years to come.
Can I leave Lipscomb’s campus during the week of Girls State?
No, once you are checked in for the week on Sunday, you will not leave Lipscomb’s campus until your parent or guardian picks you up on the following Saturday. Citizens of Girls State are always accompanied by a staff member or counselor while on campus.
Do you have a dress code?
There is no specific dress code at Girls State. We ask that you be dressed in appropriate attire and that you wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and empowered. Shorts and jeans are acceptable for daily wear, and some delegates may choose slightly more elevated attire when running for office. Indoor facilities at Lipscomb University tend to be cold, so we encourage you to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt. Check out our packing list for more guidance on attire.
Do you have a cell phone policy?
We do not prohibit the use of cell phones, smart watches, etc. during ALA VGS. We ask that you be present during our activities and refrain from looking at your phone, but there will be specific times provided where you can check your phones and communicate with family and friends.
Do I need a laptop at Girls State?
Laptops and tablets are not required. Some citizens prefer to type speeches and research issues on a computer, but they are by no means necessary to get a full experience at ALA VGS.
How many girls will be in my city? How many roommates will I have?
Typically, each city consists of about 35 girls. Each city will have a counselor team, made up of about 5-7 counselors. You will have one roommate, and she will not be from your high school or your county.
How are the dorms set up?
Depending on your dorm assignment, you may be in a suite style dorm room or a hallway style dorm room. Suites typically have 8 total occupants, sharing a bathroom with two stalls and two showers. Hallway style dorms have a larger bathroom area with individual bathroom stalls and shower stalls. You will not know your dorm assignment prior to arrival, so we encourage you to bring a robe/towel cover and shower caddy to allow you to transport your toiletries to the closest bathroom.
Parents and guardians are allowed on dorm floors during move in and move out to assist your delegate and get her settled.
Will I be provided with a full list of offices that I can run for?
Yes, you will receive a list of all elected and appointed offices when you arrive. You are not allowed to bring pre-printed campaign materials of any kind in an effort to give everyone a level playing field.
Will I be able to workout while at Girls State?
Although we do a lot of walking each day, there will not be specific time to workout, and you will not have access to Lipscomb’s workout facilities.
Can I do laundry during the week?
Counselors and staff have access to laundry stations for emergencies, but individual delegates will not have access to do laundry during the week. We recommend packing sufficient clothing to last you all week.
Can I bring a cash donation instead of physical items for my VA donation?
Yes, you may bring cash in lieu of donated goods. Cash donations will be given directly to the local VA hospital. We also want to note that the VA donation is entirely option and not meant to cause any financial burden to our delegates.
What if I haven’t yet received my registration materials, or what if I have additional questions?
Use our contact page to send us a message, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.