Untitled Document

	Questions
	What is South Dakota Girls State?
	Girls State brings together the best girls from all over the state of South Dakota to experience a week of intensive training in citizenship and government. In essence, Girls State is a laboratory of political science. Each participant will take an active part in the week's activities and will learn that her government is just what she makes it. As future voters and office holders, Girls Staters should gain a thorough understanding of the workings of government.

	Can I run for office?
	Of course! We hope that all the girls run for at least one office. There is no better way to learn about campaigning than to experience it for yourself. We suggest, however, that you wait until you arrive at Girls State before you decide what office(s) to run for—you may change your mind! Premade signs and other campaign materials are not allowed. You will have plenty of time to make your signs during the week.
	Is attendance required at all events?
	Yes. If you accept the honor of being selected to attend Girls State, you will be expected to attend all events during the entire session. Each day at Girls State builds upon the previous day, and if you were to miss one part of the week, you would not leave with the full knowledge the other girls have gained. If you are elected to an office, you must be available to carry out the duties of that office throughout the week.

Who is eligible to attend Girls State?

Eligible girls must:

1. Be finishing their junior year of high school and have at least one more semester of high school remaining.

2. Be of high moral character with strong leadership abilities and have an above average scholastic standing.

3. Be an outstanding member of her class and demonstrate a DEFINITE INTEREST IN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. Submit a Statement of Interest form. Forms are available from the high school or Auxiliary Unit.

4. Attend the FULL session of Girls State. NO PERMISSION WILL BE GRANTED TO ATTEND OTHER ACTIVITIES during the session. To receive awards, the FULL session must be attended.

Final selection of the girls rests with the local Auxiliary Units. If a Unit selects a girl who needs assistance to fully participate, then the Unit must furnish a full-time aide (over 21 years of age) to assist that delegate, with all expenses for the aide assumed by that Unit.

What clothes should I bring?

You will need a variety of clothes for your week at Girls State. You should expect to look nice for all meetings and assemblies; during your free time you can wear casual clothes. There may be several occasions when you want to wear a dressy outfit--if you are running for an office, if you are selected for a special talent presentation, or if you are selected to sit on stage during a General Assembly for a prayer or citizens' panel. Remember to pack for a variety of weather conditions: hot, rainy, or cool. Maybe even all in the same week!

A few particular items to remember when packing:

one outfit for red, white and blue day (Friday)
a dress or formal for inauguration (Friday night)
comfortable shoes!
dressy clothes suitable for daily wear, such as slacks, knee-length shorts, dresses, skirts and blouses. You will be expected to maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance each day
sport clothes for recreation only

What else should I bring? (also see Comments)

Remember, you will be gone from home for a week, so pack accordingly! A short reminder list:

personal items (shampoo, deodorant, razor, etc.)
towels
two sheets for a twin bed (bring flat sheets--the beds are long), blankets and pillow or sleeping bag
notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, other art supplies for posters, etc.
alarm clock
rain coat/umbrella
spending money--you won't have an opportunity to spend a lot of money but it's nice to have some for pop, stamps, etc. Girls State T-shirts will be provided. A suggested amount of money to bring is $35.00
any talent items/accessories you may need

What activities are involved in Girls State?

Girls will experience government at the city, county and state levels. Delegates will be assigned a mythical city, county and political party. Each girl will have the opportunity to run for office, campaign (for yourself or others), vote and listen to a variety of speakers. At the end of the week, girls will attend state political conventions and wrap up the week with the inauguration of the Girls State governor.

	Will I need a physical before I go to Girls State?
	Each girl accepted for membership in Girls State needs to submit a medical certificate and waiver showing that she is in proper physical condition to participate in the activities of Girls State.
	How will I know where I will be staying?
	Upon arrival on campus (between 1 and 4 p.m. on Monday), girls should check in at the registration deck in North Complex Commons Dining Hall. Room keys will be issued at the time of registration. If you lose your key, it will cost you $30.00.
	How do I get to Girls State?
	Transportation to and from Vermillion should be provided by the girl’s family and/or sponsoring organization.
	What if I am interested in Journalism City?
	Eighteen girls, having the same qualifications as regular delegates to Girls State, will be selected as members of Journalism City. Application must be received by the Registrar by February 1. Only one application will be considered from any one high school. Journalists will not count against the number of regular delegates allotted for each school. Information concerning Journalism City is sent to all Units and schools in December.
	What if I have more questions about Girls State?
	Cheryl Hovorka, Director USD Farber Center 414 East Clark Street, 233 Dakota Hall Vermillion, SD 57069-2390 605/677-5702 (W) 605/665-5635 (H) 605/677-8808 (F) gstate@usd.edu

Comments from 2005

Bring clothes for all weather.
Run for different offices throughout the week.
Have fun, make it fun.
Get yourself involved early on - right from the beginning.
Bring comfortable shoes.
Be ready to meet a lot of new people.
Bring a food stash.
Bring hangers for the closet.
Bring art supplies for when you run for office or want to help others campaign.
Get all the sleep you can - it is a long, fun week.
Many girls choose to bring their prom dress to wear as their inauguration dress/formal.
Practice a good attitude. You're here to have fun and learn something new.

	How long does Girls State last?
	This year's session runs from Monday, June 1st, to Saturday, June 6th Participants need to check in between 1-4 p.m. on Monday and will be finished at noon on Saturday.

	What else is there to do?
	Girls State is mainly a time to learn how to actively participate in your government, but there are other opportunities to experience. In addition to making new friends, you have the opportunity to join the chorus, participate in recreational activities, or share your special talents during the Talent Show on Wednesday night.