If Rhododendron Girls State was in the dictionary it would probably say something like this:  an opportunity for young women to experience a week of training in Americanism, Citizenship, Leadership and for God and Country.  Selected participants are leaders in their schools and community.  Girls State gives them an opportunity to show that leadership through total participation in the week's activities and events.

      The purpose of Girls State is to provide citizenship training in every state of the American Legion Auxiliary for girls who have completed their junior year of high school; to afford them an opportunity to live together as self-governing citizens; to inform them about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, in order that they may understand and participate in the functioning of their government; and to help them grasp the meaning of some of the responsibilities which they must assume when they become adults.

      After the Rhododendron Girls State Application, the medical form and the registration fees are received by the WV Auxiliary Secretary/Treasurer, she will forward the applications on to the Girls State Registrar.  The Registrar will then mail each applicant an informational packet.  The information will include when and where they are to report.  They will be told what they need to bring such as clothes, linens, etc.  as well as what their dormitory and political party assignments will be.   Frequently asked questions and answers are included as well as a campus map.  Other forms received such as a medical form, parents consent form and the Girls State Pledge should be fully completed and notarized if indicated.  The student is to bring all these forms with them for registration.

Sponsorship:

      Typically funds for Girls State are raised through Unit activities.  A Unit interested in promoting the program but experiencing difficulty raising the funds is encouraged to seek community support from local businesses or other organizations.  A clear explanation of the benefits of the program is often a strong selling point when soliciting additional support.  However, the American Legion Auxiliary remains the sponsor, and shall be known as such.  After attending the Girls State session, each delegate should be expected to appear before her local Unit, the contributing organizations, and her local high school to present a report on her impression of Girls State. 

 Political Organization
Before arrival at Girl State, the citizens are assigned to one of two political parties. the "Nationalists" or the "Federalists".  though some states may use other "labels" to identify the two parties. they are in no way reflections of the two major political parties in American government, but are established to allow instruction and participation in the two-party system of government.

The governement organization provides for such features as:

City, County and State elections

Keynote speeches, platform development, organization of component units such as senatorial district, judical district and legislative communittees.

Local functional government units such as county boards, agencies or courts.

The instructional program is carried out in three phases:  limited classroom instruction, functional activities and general assemblies.  Approcimately fifthy percent of the program hours of Girls State are devoted to government instruction and practice.

Functional activities start with a caucus or other method of nominating candidates for city offices and conclude with the election and inauguration of the Governor of Girls State.  This is the heart of the instructional program.  The functional activites (Citizenship Practice) such as elections, caucuses, conventions, operation of the courts, legislative assemblies, administration of law enforcement and public welfare are government in operation.  These activities take a considerable portion of the time allotted for instructional purposes and constitute in chief means through which citizens "learn by doing". 

General assemblies are for all citizens and are intended as a means to spur enthusiasm and spirit, inspiration and patriotism, political fervor and a real zeal of "The American Way".

In short, every citizen becomes an integral part of Girls State, assuming responsiblities and performing duties either as an elected or appointed official, or other wise fulfilling an assignment entailing the duties of responsible citizenship.

Selection of Citizens
In the actual selection of girls as citizens of Girls State, merit and ability alone are the basis for selection.  No girls are permitted to attend because of either poverty or wealth.  Girls State is not a program for the underprivileged girls, nor is it a summer camp for recreation.  Fees, or "tuition" are paid by The American Legion Auxiliary or other community-minded organizations with little or no expense to a young woman and her family.

The Selection Process
The school recommends several more girls than a sponsor has quotas for.  The best list of qualifications that can be set down are as  follows.  They are listed in order of importance.
1.  Interest in government
2.  leadership
3.  character and honesty
4.  scholarship
5.  cooperativeness
6.  community participation
7.  knowledge of parliamentary procedures
8.  2.75 GPA