WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State of Missouri program is underway in Warrensburg this week, offering Missouri’s best and brightest young women a fast-paced and energetic chance to test their mettle as leaders, citizens, and scholars.
The weeklong event, running from June 25-July 1 on the Central Missouri University campus, offers hands-on experience in the operation and fundamentals of government, in an effort to “lead them down the path of individual success and leadership through ‘doing, not just learning.'”
This is what nearly 800 #FutureLeaders look like as @MOGirlsState begins tonight @UCentralMO. #CivicEngagement is alive in Missouri! pic.twitter.com/ibhFp30b1o
— Chuck Ambrose (@UCMAmbrose) June 26, 2017
The program can be traced back to 1940 when Missouri Girls State was first established as one of 11 Girls State programs in the nation. The goal of each year’s event is to show each individual that they have the ability to change the world and promote pride in America while giving the attendees the opportunity to learn and grow with the expectations “leaving the program a better person than you were before you came.”
According to the Missouri Girls State website, the whole purpose is to “get involved” through a number of activities: running for political office, help those running for office, participate in the judicial branch, become a member of the Girls State Highway Patrol, and to participate in group activities, such as your city’s project, the State Fair, or write for the daily newspaper, join the chorus or play an instrument in the band.
This week’s guest speakers include U.S. Senators Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill, State Auditor Nicole Galloway, Governor Eric Greitens and First Lady Sheena Greitens.
Great night speaking to the 2017 delegates of @MoGirlsState. These young women and future leaders are on the road to success. #mogov pic.twitter.com/tpsff7G8ur
— Nicole Galloway, CPA (@nicolergalloway) June 27, 2017
For more info, visit missourigirlsstate.org.
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.
