The 80th session of the American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State (ALA VGS), a weeklong camp for rising high school senior girls, will be held at Lipscomb University in Nashville from Sunday, May 24th, to Saturday, May 30, 2026. Over 500 students from all TN counties will be in attendance this year. The program is nonpartisan and focuses on citizenship and teamwork.

The American Legion Auxiliary empowers Tennessee’s promising young women to become and remain civically engaged leaders through experiential learning and relevant, inspiring growth opportunities. Much of the week is spent learning by creating a fun way for the participants, or “citizens”, to form their own government, elect city, county, and state officials, engage in party politics, debate legislation, and collaborate in a host of fun team activities. Girls will have the opportunity to run for or be appointed to offices. As a possible candidate, she will petition, give speeches, address true-to-life issues, and interact with her constituents. They learn to exercise the rights and fulfill the responsibilities of American citizenship.

One of the most important roles citizens can play is that of an informed voter. Listening to and evaluating speakers' addresses on issues is a life skill that will serve the members of Girls State. Citizenship and leadership skills will be honed.

Only two girls will be selected to represent Union County. Are you interested in the experience? Contact Union County American Legion New Liberty Post 212 Adjutant Norman Gillen ASAP at Adjutant@ALTNPost212.org to schedule an interview.

For more information about the American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State, go to https://alavgs.org/about_ala_vgs/ ALA VGS is among the nation’s most respected educational programs in government instruction and leadership development for high school students, and, according to Kathy Isaacson, Co-Director of the ALA VGS, Tennessee’s is the finest in the US!