Each summer, more than 575 rising high school seniors from across Tennessee gather for a week that many call “life-changing.” But this isn’t your average summer camp.

It’s ALA Volunteer Girls State, a dynamic leadership and citizenship program hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). Since 1947, this nonpartisan program has invested in over 25,000 young women across the state, equipping them to become confident leaders in their communities.

At Girls State, students don’t just learn about government, they become the government. Participants are divided into mock cities and counties, assigned to one of two fictional political parties (Federalist or Nationalist), and set out to form an entire state government from the ground up. They run for mayor, debate legislation, elect governors, and even pass laws in a simulated Tennessee Capitol … all while forging lifelong friendships and discovering the power of their own voices.

“It’s a week like no other,” says Elain Cronister, who has served as Unit President for 10 years. “We see these girls grow before our very eyes, and by the end of the week, they’re standing tall, speaking confidently, and showing us what the future looks like.”

Though the program’s focus is government and civic engagement, it offers so much more. “Citizens,” the name participants are given during the week, are assigned to either the Nationalist or Federalist parties and encouraged to run for public office, from city judge to governor. With guidance from alumnae counselors, participants debate real-world issues, draft legislation, and learn the inner workings of local and state government.

This year, Edi Miller, a citizen who ran for City Judge and County Commissioner, reflected, “I arrived at ALA VGS not knowing anything about how my state government works. Throughout the week I learned the processes of democracy, how to become an informed voter, and how to think quickly to process information. The people that I met at Girls’ State were strangers who became family. I have made lifelong memories that I will forever cherish.”

Participant Maggie Earls echoed that sentiment.

“As a political science nerd, I was expecting women also well-versed in that area,” says Maggie. “What I was met with were women from all walks of life with varying knowledge of political science, and we all came together to uplift each other and solve real-world problems. In today's climate, it is rare to find 500 people willing to support each other and listen to people's political perspectives.

“On Tuesday, a bill I helped write with my nonprofit was officially passed into state law, and the girls around me were even more excited than I was.”

Beyond government simulations, the week includes respectful political discourse, daily assemblies, musical performances, the ALA VGS Olympics, and even a high-energy game show. Participants also hear from accomplished leaders from across the political spectrum that have included Vice President Al Gore, former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, civil rights icon Patricia Jenkins-Armstrong, and legendary Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt.

Each delegate costs approximately $500 to send, and ALA units work hard to make this opportunity accessible to all who are selected.

“We do everything we can to make it work financially,” says Cronister. “We ask the girls, their schools, and even local sponsors to help when possible. We never want money to be the reason someone can’t attend.”

After the program ends, each delegate is invited to share their experience with their sponsoring ALA unit.

“Sometimes parents attend, too,” adds Cronister. “We’ve never had a girl regret going. The most common thing we hear is that they’ll never forget their time at Girls State.”

For many, Girls State doesn’t end when the week concludes. Two students are selected each year to represent Tennessee at ALA Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., where they take their civic experience to the federal level, participate in a mock Senate, and connect with peers from across the country. It's an unforgettable extension of a journey that often leads to careers in public service, education, media, and law.

Brae-Lynn Perkins, elected to the House of Representatives for District 6, summed it up beautifully: “ALA VGS was a great experience for me, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about government. I owe a huge thank you to all my counselors and the women behind the scenes who made this week possible. Without them, this week wouldn’t have been so memorable, meaningful, and fun.”

Behind every campaign speech and city council meeting at Girls State is a deeper mission: to inspire love of country, service to others, and belief in the power of one person to create change. The program teaches girls that being a citizen is about more than casting a vote.

It’s about showing up, staying informed, and leading with compassion.

To learn more about ALA Volunteer Girls State or find out how to sponsor a student, visit www.alavgs.org or connect with the American Legion Auxiliary at www.alaforveterans.org.