AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY MISSOURI GIRLS STATE April 2019 Dear ALA Missouri Girls State Delegate and Parent: Congratulations on your selection as a delegate to the 2019 session of the American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State (ALA MGS). The session will be held at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) in Warrensburg, from June 23 – 29, 2019. The Girls State program has been designed by, and sponsored by, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) since 1940. It is a unique learning experience for approximately 800 young women who have completed their junior year of high school. Participants have been selected by the American Legion Auxiliary and local high school educators. Delegates will learn about our democracy through hands‐on experience. Delegates will be challenged to use initiative and imagination to create their ideal city, county, and state government. Constructing a representative government from scratch is not easy. You will be challenged to voice your opinion but seek compromise with your fellow citizens. Overcoming that challenge will be difficult, but that's what makes participation in ALA Missouri Girls State worthwhile. If you get involved in the week's activities, you will leave ALA Missouri Girls State a more powerful young woman than when you arrived. You will know that you have the capability to change your school, your city, your county, your state, your country, and even the world for the better. You will have new energy and passion for your future. We look forward to watching you undergo this transformation. DELEGATES MUST REMAIN AT ALA MGS FOR THE ENTIRE SESSION WHICH BEGINS SUNDAY, JUNE 23, UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF THE PROGRAM ON SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019 at approximately 10:30 am. Girls who leave ALA MGS before the last scheduled activity will not receive a certificate of completion for the program. This means she cannot add ALA MGS to college applications and will not be eligible to receive college credit from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) because the required hours of attendance have not been met. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS FOR AN EMERGENCY. The ALA MGS Director reserves the right to grant any exceptions. Money will not be refunded to the sponsor or contributing organization if the delegate does not complete the entire program. (This includes illness and/or family emergency situations.) Registration will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Sunday, June 23, in the Student Recreation & Wellness Center (Rec Center). From Highway 13 turn east on Christopher Street and park behind Ellis Dorm Hall. Delegates arriving by car are asked to leave their luggage in the car until after registration. Those arriving by bus (arranged from St. Louis), will unload luggage before registration. Designated personnel will monitor the luggage. Follow the sidewalk on the south side of Ellis Hall, and head west across the Pedestrian Overpass to the Rec Center. There will be counselors posted to help guide delegates and parents. Once registered, delegates may not leave campus, so you may want to eat prior to registration, bring something with you, or have your parents bring something back for you. We will have snacks and drinks for sale in the ALA MGS Shoppe on Sunday. Our first meal will be dinner at approximately 6 p.m. If you arrive after 12:00 p.m., please report to the Director’s Office in Ellis Hall, which is located on the north end of main floor of Ellis Hall. All delegates need to be registered and moved into Ellis Hall by 12:30 p.m. so that we can begin the week’s activities on time. The first city meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. Page 1
Registrationwill be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Sunday, June 23, in the StudentRecreation&WellnessCenter(RecCenter).FromHighway13turneastonChristopherStreetandparkbehindEllisDormHall.Delegatesarrivingbycarareaskedtoleavetheirluggageinthecaruntilafterregistration.Thosearrivingbybus(arrangedfromSt.Louis),willunloadluggagebeforeregistration.Designatedpersonnelwillmonitortheluggage.FollowthesidewalkonthesouthsideofEllisHall,andheadwestacrossthePedestrianOverpasstotheRecCenter.Therewillbecounselorspostedtohelpguidedelegatesandparents.
GENERALINFORMATIONALAMGSisdividedintosevencounties,andeachcountycontainsthreecities.Acityconsistsofapproximately35‐40girls.Delegateswillbedividedintotwopoliticalparties,NationalistsandFederalists.DuringtheweekdelegateswillparticipateinelectionsandactivitiesontheCity,CountyandStatelevels.BRIEFINGS:TheAmericanLegionAuxiliaryMissouriGirlsStatehasscheduledseveralbriefings todeliverimportantinformationtothedelegatesandtheirfamilies.Itisstronglyencouragedthatyoufindalocationconvenientforyourscheduleandattendabriefing.PreviouscitizensofALAMGSwhohavenotattendedabriefingarefoundtobeunpreparedwhentheyarriveatthesessionordonotunderstandtheconceptoftheprogramwhentheyarrive.ThescheduleofbriefingsandALAMGSstaffcontactinformationispostedonthewebsite www.missourigirlsstate.org. If you cannot attend a briefing, please contact the Director [email protected]:Delegateswillreceiveanametagatregistration.Itmustbewornatalltimes.Ifitislost,reportittoacounselorimmediatelyandareplacementwillbemade.CLASSESOF INSTRUCTION: Each delegatemust enroll in one of the classes held eachmorningMondaythroughThursday.These classeswill be introducedand explained in theorientation assemblyonSundayafternoon. Each class will have an exam on Friday. Class choices will include: School of Business,Communication&Media,Education,InternationalAffairs,Law,LawEnforcementandSafety,andLegislativeProcedure.
COLLEGECREDIT:Yourclass,alongwithyourparticipationatALAMGS,maymakeyoueligibleforcollegecredit through UCM. These are not automatic credits for attending ALAMGS. The test scores and on‐lineparticipation forms (completed by each delegate) are turned over to the college and they evaluate eachdelegate’srecordfortheweek.ThecollegewillnotifyyoubyAugust5,2019,viaemail,theresultsofyourtestandifyouareeligibletoapplyforcredit.YOUhavetoapplyforthesecredits.Dependingonthecollegecreditoptionyouchoose(applyingfor2credithoursor3credithours),thedeadlinesvary.So,pleasecheckUCM’s“ActivitySchedule”inthepacket.For2019,UCM’stuitionforALAMGSparticipantsis$85percredithour.Youwillpaythetranscriptfeetohavethemsenttothecollegeofyourchoice.Thisisnotanautomaticcreditand
Page 2
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY MISSOURI GIRLS STATE
itwillbeuptothatcollegetoacceptorrejectthecredits.Thereismoreinformationoncollegecredit,specificdeadlines,andUCMcontactinformationlaterinthispacket.MEDICAL:ALAMGSprovidesaninfirmaryinEllisHall,N103,whichisstaffedbynurses24/7.Delegatesareaskedtoreportanyillnessoraccidentstothenursesimmediately.PleaseinformyourCityCounselor,orhaveabuddyinformtheCityCounselor, ifyouareinjuredsothattheyknowwhereyouare.Shouldemergencymedicalcarebeneeded,parentswillbenotifiedimmediately,andthedelegatewillbetakentotheWesternMissouriMedicalCenteremergencyroominWarrensburgforevaluationandtreatment,orthemedicalclinicontheUCMcampus.Medicalinformationmustbecompleteincaseofillnessortheneedforemergencytreatment.Theinsuranceinformationandsignatureoftheparent/guardiansectionoftheAmericanLegionAuxiliaryMissouriGirlsStatehealth form isrequired. If the physician fails to sign theALAMGShealth form in the spaceprovided,ALAMGSstaffnursescannotgiveeventhesimplestmedicalattentionincludingaspirin,Tylenol,Rolaids,etc.ItisamedicalliabilityissueandALAMGSpolicy.Eachgirlwillvisitthenursesstationduringregistration,sothisisagoodtimetodiscussanyconcerns.ItisimperativethattheMGSnursesandstaffbemadeawareofanymedicalissueswiththecitizens.Ifyourdelegatehasamajormedicalissue,[email protected],or314‐640‐1154assoonaspossiblesoarrangementscanbemadesowecanbestaccommodatethecitizen.IssuesrequiringspecialattentionneedtobereportedPRIORtotheMGSregistrationday.DietaryRestrictionsorPreferences(includingglutenfree,diabetic,foodallergies,etc.)[email protected],or314‐640‐1154,assoonaspossiblesoarrangementscanbemadewithfoodservices.Vegetarianoptionswillbeavailableforallcitizensatallmealsanddonotneedtobereportedtothenurse.AnyothermedicalconcernscanbecommunicatedtotheNursingstaffviathecontactinformationabove.AnycitizenwithDietaryrestrictionsorpreferencesshouldalsostopbytheDietarytableatregistrationtoensurethattheirneedsaremet.
TRANSPORTATION: All transportation to and from ALAMGSmust be provided by parents and/or yoursponsor.WewouldpreferthatdelegatesnotdrivethemselvestoGirlsState,however,ifparentsdecidethisisthebestmodeoftransportation,therearesetrulesthatmustbefollowed.UponarrivalthedelegatemustturnincarkeystotheDirectorandfilloutaformwithvehicledescription.ThekeyswillbeheldbytheHighwayPatrol.Theywillmonitorthecarthroughouttheweek.Becausethegirlsgotobedlateandareupearlyeverymorning,theyareverytiredbySaturday.ALAMGSadvisesparentstogiveseriousconsiderationtothedrivingissue.TheALAdistrictsofSt.LouisandSt.LouisCountyprovidebustransportationfromacentralpick‐uppointwithindistrictboundaries.ALAMGSDRESSCODE:Wehavemanyguestsandvisitorsattendoursessionduringtheweek,soweaskthatALAMGSdelegatesdressappropriatelyduringthesession.Pleasefollowthedetailedguidelinesforthedress
Page 3
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY MISSOURI GIRLS STATE
code (later in the packet). If at any time a counselor, or staffmember feels a delegate’s clothing isinappropriate,shewillbeaskedtochange.HOUSING:AlldelegatesandstaffarehousedinEllisHall.Thisdormhas5floors(groundthrough4thfloor,withnoelevators).Thedormroomsaresuites(tworoomsthatshareabathroom)andeachsuitehouses4girls.Counselorsandstaffarelocatedoneveryhalloneveryfloor.Delegatesneedtobepreparedtosharetheirroomwithanothergirl.Dependingonenrollment,thereisthepotentialthatsomeroomsmayhave3girls.Whileoftheexteriorofthebuildingislocked,therewillbenokeysdistributedfortheindividualrooms.HOWMUCHMONEYWILLYOUNEED?
i. InformationaboutthisprojectwasprovidedtoyouintheAprilmailingb. $1.00donationtoMissouri’sVeteransHomesandHospitals
i. This donation requirement was passed by the General Assembly during the 2018sessionofALAMissouriGirlsStateandsignedintolawbytheALAMGSGovernor.Thisrequirementnowstandsasalawfromthe2019sessiongoingforward.
ii. Additional contributions are gladly accepted to help support heroes in Missouri’sVeteransHomesandHospitals.
3. ALAMGSShoppe:DelegatescanbringmoneyforpersonaluseintheShoppe.Listedbelowaresomeofthepricesofitemsforsale(subjecttochange).TheShoppesellsdrinks,avarietyofsnacks,icecream,candy bars, cameras, toothbrushes, toothpaste, an assortment of personal hygiene products, pen,pencils,andnotebooks,etc.TheALAMGSShoppeacceptscash,checks,debitandcreditcards.
5. CityCake: Each city is also allowed to purchase a “City Cake” early in the week. Participation isvoluntary. Should your delegate choose to participate, costwould be $1‐2 each, depending on thenumberofgirlsthatparticipate.So,bringacoupleextradollars!Thecitygetstochoosetheflavorandcakedesign.Plates,forksandnapkinsareincluded.Again,bringing$1billsarehelpful!
6. Banner Parade: Many times the delegates wish to purchase extra items for the banner parade(handkerchiefs,coloredducttape,streamers,etc.).Thedelegatespooltheirmoneytocoverthiscost.Thecostcanvarydependingonthecity’stheme,butplanfor$2‐$3.
BEDDING/DAMAGES:UCMprovidesbedding to thedelegatesandStaff (2 flat sheets,blanket,pillowandpillowcase).PleasebeadvisedthatdelegateswillbeexpectedtopayforbeddingthatshedoesnotturninatcheckoutorforanydamagestoUCMproperty.UCMappliesthisregulationtoalloutsideorganizationsusingitscampus.Girlscanbringtheirownbedding,butpleasenotethatbedsinEllisHallareextra‐longtwinsize(approximately4incheslongerthanaregulartwin).CELLPHONES:Cellphonesareagreatwaytostayincontactwithfamilyanddelegatescanbringthem.Someclassroomactivities,meetings, andother eventsmay allowyou touseyour cell phone.Delegates are alsoallowedtousecellphonesoutsideoftheclassroom,buttheyshouldnotbedisruptivetotheeducationalgoals
Page 4
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY MISSOURI GIRLS STATE
ofanyplannedactivities,meetings,andassemblies.Ifaninstructor,counselor,orotherstaffmembersasksyoutoputyourphoneaway,pleasedoso.RepeateddisruptionscouldcausethephonetobeconfiscatedandplacedattheDirector’sTable.YouwillbeallowedtouseyourpersonalphoneattheDirector’stableduringfreetime.Itwillbereturnedattheendoftheweek.BAND(includingstring instruments),CHORUSANDTALENTSHOW:AGirlsStateband is formedeachyear.Ifadelegatewishestoparticipateintheband,sheshouldbringherinstrument(piano,xylophone,anddrumsareprovided).Instrumentsarestoredinalockedroomwhennotinuse.Achorusisalsoorganized.Thesegroupsparticipateinceremoniesthroughouttheweek.TheGirlsStateTalentShowwillbeThursdayeveningfollowingtheStateFairandBannerParade.Auditionsareheldthroughouttheweek.Bringmusic,costume,props,shoes,sheetmusic,orwhateverisneededforyourperformance.Pastactshaveincludedsinging,dancing(tap,ballet,jazz,andpointe),cheerleadingorpom‐pomroutines,twirling,flags,juggling,instrumentalmusic,piano,dramaticorhumorousmonologues,inspirationalreadingsorpoemsandothercreativeideas.MAIL:Delegatesenjoyreceivingmailandcarepackagesfromhome.Usethefollowingaddressifyouplantosendmailtoadelegate.
**Pleasenotethatmailnotreceivedbytheendofsessionwillnotbeforwarded.Itmaybereturnedattheexpenseofthesenderorrecipient.SESSIONCOMPLETION:ItisanhonortobeselectedforAmericanLegionAuxiliaryMissouriGirlsState.Thishonorcarrieswithitaresponsibilitytothosewhoaresponsoringyouandtoyourcommunity.Girlswholeavetheprogrambeforethe lastscheduledactivitywillnotreceiveacertificateofcompletionfortheprogram,cannotaddMissouriGirlsStatetocollegeapplicationsorbeeligibletoreceivecollegecreditfromUCMbecausetherequiredhoursofattendancecannotbemet.Moneywillnotberefundedtothesponsor.TheALAMGSDirectorretainstherighttograntanyexceptions.PleasecometoGirlsStatepreparedtomakenewfriendsfrom all over Missouri, experience a stimulating and exciting seven days and become INVOLVED. Uponcompletion,eachdelegatewillbegivena ‘CertificateofCompletion’.Acopyofthiscertificate is frequentlyrequiredbyacollegeoruniversityasverificationforscholarshipsorspecialconsiderationswhichthedelegateisapplying.Ifthecertificateislost,afeeof$10.00willbeassessedforaduplicate.ALAMGSWEBSITE PROVIDESMORE INFORMATION: Check out www.missourigirlsstate.org for moreinformation including the “Parent Information” link.Throughout theweekofALAMGS,wewillbeaddingnews,electionresults,picturesandanyother information inthe“2019Session” link.Pleasebepatient forresultstobepostedasourweekisbusy.ParentsareinvitedtoattendourinaugurationonFridaynightatHendricksHallandourclosingceremonyonSaturdaymorningattheUCMMultipurposeBuilding.ThereareseveralhotelsinWarrensburgifyouneedtostayovernight.SOCIALMEDIA: FindusonFacebook formore information (and for those last‐minutequestionsyoumayhave)at2019ALAMissouriGirlsState.Weutilizethispageasaforumtoansweringquestionsfromcitizensandtheirparents.Wealsohostafew“FacebookLive”eventsleadinguptothesessiontodiscusswhattopack,dresscode,etc.YoucanalsofindusonTwitter@MOGirlsStateandInstagramatmogirlsstate.WeutilizeoursocialmediatoprovideupdatesregardingourprogramduringtheweekofALAMissouriGirlsState2019,butwewillnotrespondtoindividualrequestsofphotosofspecificcities,delegates,etc.ADDITIONALFOLLOW‐UP:Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontact:LindaSchaap,DeanofAdmissions,(816)358‐[email protected],adelegateisunabletoattend,sheshouldvisittheALAMGSwebsiteandclickthe“E‐mailus”buttonassoonaspossible.Thiswill
Dear 2019 Girls State Delegate: I am so excited for you! You have been selected to attend the 2019 American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State session and it is my honor to welcome you to this program. Volunteers for this program have worked very hard all year long to plan this week that will bring you the opportunity of a lifetime. Missouri’s Girls State program was founded in 1940 as one of 11 ALA Girls State programs and it has grown to become one of the largest ALA Girls State programs. During this week you will learn the responsibility of good citizenship and the working of local state government. The American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest Patriotic Women’s Service Organization. In the spirit of Service, Not Self and for God and Country we serve veterans, military and their families. Each year the Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary selects a special project for the year. This year I have selected Kids of Our Heroes Adventure Camp. The camp was created to honor and support the children of America’s wounded and fallen heroes. You can support my project by donating $2 to help provide meals for the campers. Donations will be collected during registration. (If writing a check please make check payable to American Legion Auxiliary). The American Legion Auxiliary honors the service of those brave men and women who have protected our freedoms. You can honor their service by being responsible and informed citizens. We hope that our Missouri Girls State Program will be an important tool to help you be that responsible citizen. Enjoy the experience and make new friends. For God and Country,
Sharon Slagle Sharon Slagle Department of Missouri President 2018-2019
Page 7
Summer 2019
Dear American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Citizen, Congratulations on your selection to attend 2019 American Legion Auxiliary Girls State. Attending ALA Girls State is an opportunity afforded you because of your accomplishments at school and in your community. ALA Girls State presents, not only a learning experience, but a chance to meet other students with the same high expectations for their future. The American Legion Auxiliary unit that sponsored you has the greatest confidence in your ability to excel at ALA Girls State. The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program is a fast-paced immersion into experiencing government; city, county and state. Your participation, in every aspect this program offers, is imperative for you to meet the highest expectations for yourself. Others who have gone before you and excelled in life include a Secretary of Homeland Security, governors, a Wing Commander for the U. S. Air Force; an NBC broadcast journalist, lawyers and even Miss America. Since this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I encourage you to embrace this experience to learn and grow. As the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, the American Legion Auxiliary is an organization based on the military service of our family members. America’s veterans, and those serving currently in the military, are our true American heroes; the sacrifices they and their families have given continue to allow us to live free. Your week at ALA Girls State will change the course of your life; it has the possibility to open doors for scholarships, entrance into military academies and colleges across the country. Make the most of your week and embrace all opportunities, and you will leave with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Congratulations, citizen of ALA Girls State. Have a wonderful week and remember to take pride in our country and its form of government and, most importantly, in yourself. For God and Country,
Kathy Dungan National President American Legion Auxiliary “Serving Our Heroes“
Page 8
Summer 2019
Greetings American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Citizen,
Congratulations on your selection to attend one of the most memorable weeks this summer, 2019
American Legion Auxiliary Girls State. You are among a very elite group of high school students chosen
to represent their community and the American Legion Auxiliary. Since the inception of the program in
1937 more than 1 million young women have experienced this week. You will find many of these women
as leaders of your community, state and our nation.
This week will bring many opportunities to gain knowledge about government from the local level to the
state level. You will also actively participate in many aspects of government. In addition you will gain
information on the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, the American Legion
Auxiliary. If you are already a member, congratulations! We are proud to have you not only representing
your community, but the American Legion Auxiliary. If you desire to join in our mission, the many
volunteers at your ALA Girls State session can assist you with information.
Besides learning about our form of government, you will also be fortunate to be immersed in patriotism.
The American Legion Auxiliary is a nonpartisan patriotic organization. Promoting patriotism and good
citizenship is part of our mission. It is our expectation that the pride you feel for our country will be
shared with many as you return home to your family and friends.
Live in the moment this week as you will make life-long friends who will be a great support that will
continue through-out your life. Be brave and step out of your comfort zone to take full advantage of the
activities provided this week. It is a once in a life time opportunity.
When you return home make sure you take time to share your excitement and gained knowledge with
everyone especially your sponsoring American Legion Auxiliary unit.
For God and Country,
Norma Tramm
American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation Committee Chairman
IunderstandthatALAMGSissponsoredbytheAmericanLegionAuxiliary,DepartmentofMissouri,andthatit’sanAmericanismprogramthatisastudyofcity,county,andstategovernment.IhavereadtherulesandregulationsoutlinedaboveandagreetoobeytherulesofALAMGSandUniversityofCentralMissouri.IwillrespectthejudgmentandauthorityoftheALAMGSstaff.IwillremainatALAMGSfortheentiresessionandunderstandthatImaynotreceivecreditforattendingMGSifIdonotparticipateintheentiresession.IamfullyawarethatALAMGSisnotasummercampforrecreationalactivities,butdesignedtobeaneducationalleadershiptrainingprogram.Failuretocomplywithanyoftheaboverulesandregulationsmayresultinconfiscationand/ordismissalwithoutreceivingcreditforattendingALAMGS.TURNTHISINATYOURFIRSTCITYMEETINGONSUNDAY.____________________________________________________________ ____________________________ DelegateSignature Date ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________ Parent/GuardianSignature Date
No one wants to think that the unimaginable could happen to them, but according to statistics, nearly 2,000 children are reported missing or abducted each day in the United States. Gathering all of the information law enforcement officials need
after the fact can be a daunting task, especially under duress.
According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC.ORG), a current good quality photo is the single most effective tool in locating a missing child. The NCMEC encourages
parents to be prepared by assembling their child's photos and vital information ahead of time.
MOCHIP is a comprehensive child identification program designed to give families of a measure of protection against the ever increasing problem of missing and abducted children.
This program is provided "FREE OF CHARGE"
How does it work? The program consists of five major components:
Digital Photographs Digital Fingerprints Child Information and
Emergency contacts Dental bite impression Two (2) laminated ID cards
Together, these five measures provide a powerful identification and recovery tool.
The digital photographs, digital fingerprints and Child Information and
emergency contacts are given to the parent or guardian of the child on a mini-CD computer disk. The information on the disk is compatible with the format required by the "AMBER ALERT" program.
The dental bite wafer provides an impression of the biting surface of the
child's teeth, which like fingerprints, are unique to each individual. The wafer also collects enough saliva to provide a DNA sample and a source for a scent for trained canine search and recovery teams.
The Masonic Children’s Foundation retains no information concerning the children; only a signed permission form is retained by the Foundation.
Permission Form for the Missouri Masonic Children’s Foundation’s
Missouri Child Identification Program (MO CHIP)
Please print all entries except signature
I, _________________________________, am the __________________________ of (Parent or legal guardian’s full name) (Relationship, i.e. parent or legal guardian)
___________________________________, a minor. (Child’s full name)
As parent or legal guardian, I hereby give permission for this child to participate in the MO CHIP program. As a participant in this program it is my understanding that I shall receive the following:
Compact disk with the child’s photo, fingerprints and description. Bite wafer bearing tooth print impression (prepared under the direction of a
health professional) Data report with information, picture and fingerprints Laminated photo ID card(s)
Also, I understand that any material generated in the identification process (i.e. paperwork, compact disk, bite wafer) becomes the sole property of the child’s parent or legal guardian. No copies will be made or retained on file by the Missouri Masonic Children’s Foundation or by any other participating sponsoring agency or institution.
I further understand that this identification program is being provided by the Masonic Children’s Foundation solely as a community service at no charge. As this child’s parent or legal guardian I hereby release the Missouri Masonic Children’s Foundation from any and all liability of every kind and description relating to participation in this program.
Adult’s Signature ____________________________________ Date __________
Page 17
Lori Cichielo
TextBox
Disclaimer: This form has been downloaded from the MOCHIP Web site (www.mochip.org). The Missouri Masonic Children's Foundation is not responsible for the privately collected information assembled on this form. Please take extreme care to secure this sensitive information both prior to and after the MOCHIP event.
Dear Participant, Congratulations on being part of the Missouri Boys or Girls State Program. As in past years, UCM is offering college credit for the successful completion of this program and have two options for you to consider. Please note that you must meet the requirements as explained in the attached syllabus to be eligible for either option. Option I (2 credit hours, pass/fail grade, does not affect GPA) All work will be completed during your week-long experience at UCM – see attached syllabus for more information. Option II (3 credit hours, letter grade, and GPA) This option requires researching and writing a paper that builds on the information that was covered in your classes at Missouri Boys or Girls State - see attached syllabus for more information. You will need internet access as all work will be done online. Inquiries regarding paper topics, grade, etc., should be sent to [email protected]. Important items to keep in mind,
Switching between options is not allowed.
Tuition for either option is $85 per credit hour (a 65% discount from our undergraduate tuition rate).
Tuition is non-refundable. If you are not planning on attending UCM, we recommend you verify the transferability of these credits with your future institution before signing up for any of these options.
Eligibility requirements are available at, ucmo.edu/state/index.cfm
Deadlines are listed on the last page of the attached syllabus.
Eligibility notifications and deadline reminders are communicated via email and text messages using the information provided on your Missouri Boys or Girls State application. Please set your spam filter to allow emails from ucmo.edu and avoid missing out on this opportunity. Communications will include deadlines and enrollment instructions.
For additional assistance please contact us at the options provided on the top-right corner of this letter.
Are you interested in attending UCM and becoming a Political Science, or International Studies major? If so, you could benefit from this competitive scholarship UCM’s Department of Political Science, International Studies and Languages are now offering: Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State Scholarship $500 – Competitive (non-renewable): Recipients are incoming Freshman at the University of Central Missouri who have, with full participation, satisfactorily completed the Missouri Boys State or Missouri Girls State program. Students must enroll as a major in Political Science or International Studies. Applicants are to submit a letter of intent and their composite ACT score by April 5, 2019 to Dr. Robynn Kuhlmann at [email protected].
Course required Reading Material: MISSOURI BOYS STATE CITIZENSHIP MANUAL or MISSOURI GIRLS STATE MANUAL, and any hand-outs and/or manuals provided in the school of instruction.
**We send out notifications of eligibility via e-mail so you may want to set your spam filter so that e-mails from ucmo.edu appear in your inbox.
Course Description and Objectives:
The purpose of the class is to introduce the student to the workings of state, county and local governments. This is accomplished through a weeklong intensive educational activity consisting of lectures, guest speakers, and a practical simulation experience. The general curriculum is multifaceted. It includes instruction about local governments--city and county--and state government. The workings of these three types of government are the core of the simulation held each day of the workshop. At the outset, every student is randomly assigned to a city, which is one of two cities within a county. With the other "citizens" of the city/county, the student is instructed in the structure and functioning of municipal government, county government and state government. Each city and county is responsible for establishing a government, and once established passing city/county ordinances, creating a budget, and carrying out city/county business by applying appropriate political processes.
Students also participate in a partisan organization as part of their general instruction. Upon arrival, each student is randomly assigned to a political party (the federalists or the nationalists), and as such will participate in caucus-convention activities and vote in primaries.
Other core instructional tools are general assemblies. At general assemblies, an assortment of public officials including the Governor and other statewide officials, and other national political figures speak and answer questions about government and politics.
In addition to the general curriculum, a specific curriculum is provided to students within a selected school of instruction. There are six schools of instruction for Boys State – public administration, law, law enforcement, legislative, campaigns and political operations, and journalism. Girls State has seven schools of instruction – executive, law, law enforcement, legislative, media, international, and business. The student selects one school of instruction to attend. Throughout the week the student is given 8 hours of instruction within that specific area. Educated and experienced experts within the respective field provide this instruction. Student comprehension of the general and specific curriculum is assessed through examinations at the end of the week. Student application is assessed through participation in the simulation.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be expected to have a working knowledge of the functions of state and local governments, as well as a better understanding of how governmental authority impacts on the lives of citizens and the importance of participation in a democratic political system. More specifically the course objectives are to 1) provide knowledge of state and local government 2) instill a sense of relevance of state and local issues, 3) heighten interest and awareness of public service as a career choice, 4) provide a working knowledge of the Missouri Constitution, and 5) provide an understanding of bureaucratic hierarchy in local and state government.
Throughout the workshop students are introduced to key concepts essential to the understanding of democratic political systems. It is expected that students will develop an understanding of these ideas including, but not limited to, policy-making, civil liberties and civil rights, due process, campaigns and campaign
Page 29
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY MISSOURI GIRLS STATE
management, the legislative process, business practices, and adjudication. Students are also given the opportunity to discuss and formulate policy positions regarding current issues such as abortion, gun control, law enforcement, and drug abuse.
Eligibility and Grading: Throughout the week, the core concepts and skill are developed and assessed in two ways--examination, and participation in governmental activities (simulations of local and state governments).
Completion of the following standards constitutes eligibility for college credit. In order to be awarded college credit, the student must apply in the Fall following his participation in Boys State or Girls State.
1) successfully complete the entire week. Students who leave the program for any reason will not be eligible for college credit.
2) actively participate in the academic portions of the program ( i.e. special assemblies, schools of instruction, and governmental activities). It must be evident that the student is at least attempting to be an active citizen by running for government and/or political office, seeking appointments, helping other citizens’ campaign for office, serving as a reporter for one of the medias, etc. Daily newspapers, city and county reports, ballots, and reports by the counselors will be used to evaluate each citizen’s participation. In addition, each student will write an essay or complete a participation chart summarizing participation and what was learned. The student must complete and submit this essay or chart and it must satisfactorily address the question and adequately demonstrate an ability to communicate in writing in order to be eligible. Participation in fitness activities is not counted toward a student’s academic participation.
3) receive at least a 70% on all examinations.
Upon meeting the above stated criteria, the student will be contacted by the university in the Fall following the program, and be given the chance to enroll. The student may choose to enroll for two credit hours or three credit hours.
Option I, Two Hour Credit: All work is completed. The student must complete the enrollment process to receive a grade of “pass”. Grades are recorded in the December following the program.
Option II, Three Hour Credit: The student must complete the enrollment process in the Fall to take this course in the Spring following the program. Each student enrolled will be expected to write a 3-5 page paper integrating the knowledge of state and local government gained through Boys State or Girls State with current Missouri government and politics; specific topics and assignment criteria will be posted on the course webpage in January. This paper will be used to determine the student’s final grade for the three credit hour course1. Student essays will be evaluated based upon completeness and content (knowledge and understanding of subject, explanation and justification of arguments, and depth of analysis), and general presentation of the material including organization, grammar, citation, and clarity. Papers are due in April, and grades recorded in May.
1 The student’s successful completion of Boys State or Girls State ensures the student a minimum grade of D, but the paper will be used to determine grades of A, B, C, D.
Page 30
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY MISSOURI GIRLS STATE
University of Central Missouri
Activity Schedule
Activity Option I Option II Attend Program June 2019 June 2019 Eligibility determined, university
