Are You Up for a Challenge?

The American Legion Auxiliary Dewey Lowman Unit 109 is seeking two young ladies (currently high school Juniors) to attend Girls State this year from June 21 - 26, 2020 at Salisbury University.

The purpose of this program is to provide an outstanding, unique, and coveted educational opportunity for young women that instills the basic ideals and principles of American government through the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State citizenship training programs.

Every spring, approximately 16,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state at "senators" at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.

High School Junior girls in Southwest Baltimore County (Arbutus, Catonsville and surrounding area) are invited to apply. Candidates should be active in their schools, community, and perform well scholastically.

This is a program to encourage future leadership for our community, state, and Nation. Time is short -the online interest form must be completed on or before March 27, 2020. Completed applications should be mailed/delivered to Dewey Lowman Auxiliary Unit 109, Attn: Girls State, 1610 Sulphur Spring Road, Halethorpe, MD 21227 to be received on or before March 27, 2020. You may scan and email applications to Auxunit109@gmail.com. The young ladies selected by our local ALA Unit must attend a mandatory orientation session with at least (1) parent or guardian Visit the ALA Unit 109 Website for additional information including a list of orientation session dates.

ALA Girls State attendees receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The young women campaign, hold rallies, debate, and ultimately vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

The program is a week-long immersive learning experience, held on a college campus where girls live in “cities” within a dormitory-like setting. The learning, experience, memories, and friendships last a lifetime.

This program has been in existence since 1937! The costs of ALA Girls State programs are underwritten by each state-level American Legion Auxiliary. ALA Girls State delegates’ registration fees are paid for by the Auxiliary Unit. Participating young women may incur nominal expenses. Auxiliary Unit 109 gives our two selected Girls State Citizens spending money for the week-long residential program.

If you know of a young lady who is currently a high school junior - please share this opportunity with them.