Our Story
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Back in the depression ridden days of the early 30s, the American Legion grew concerned over public statements to the effect that Democracy was "on the skids." How, it wondered, could America train its young people in the processes of self government as effectively as Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany seemed to be training their youth in the totalitarian forms of government. Deciding the best way to learn was by practicing it, American Legionnaires began, in 1935, gathering teenage representatives together for a few days each summer in a citizenship training program on the processes of city, county and state Government. They called it "Boys State." As the program succeeded and spread throughout the United States, the American Legion Auxiliary began a similar program for girls. Thus "Girls State" was authorized in 1937-38, and is now established in 50 Departments in our Nation.
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American Legion Auxiliary South Dakota Girls State was founded at Mitchell in 1947. It met regularly each year on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University until 1985, when it was moved to the campus of South Dakota State University, Brookings. In 2002, the program was moved to the University of South Dakota, Vermillion. It is under the sponsorship of South Dakota Department of the American Legion Auxiliary. From an enrollment of 117 girls in 1947, ALA SD Girls State has grown to its present enrollment of over 400 girls.
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Greetings from the ALA South Dakota
Department President
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Welcome to South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary Girls State 2024
As the SD American Legion Auxiliary Department President Patsy Madsen and all Auxiliary members, we want to Congratulate you as the Girls State Delegates. You have been selected by American Legion Auxiliary Units from across the State of South Dakota to participate in a week-long experience of learning about our local, city, and state government. During your week at Girls State, you will be working side by side with many young ladies like yourself. Take advantage of every new adventure and try new things. At the beginning of the opening session, you will be nervous as well as excited, but by the end of the closing session you will have become strong, confident young ladies and will have made lifelong friendships. The American Legion Auxiliary mission is supporting our Veterans, Families and Communities along with many other programs including Girls State. Each year the SD Department Auxiliary President chooses a theme. My theme this year is “Embracing Our Veterans” and our National Auxiliary President Lisa Williams focus is “Be The One” initiative on awareness of Veterans and Military suicides. Together we can continue to “Embrace our Veterans and “Be The One” for our Veterans, families and communities. Whatever path you may choose in your future, stay active and involved in your community and country. I will leave you with a quote by Benjamin Franklin: Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I learn. Involve me and I remember. The South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary wishes each one of you the best. We hope that you enjoy your week at Girls State and take home many experiences along with great friendships. Patsy Madsen South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary President 2023 |
