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The American Legion, Department of Maine Dirigo State is a comprehensive, experiential learning, youth leadership program.  It is designed after the Maine State government, where all students come together to create their own town, county, and state governing bodies.  Simply put, Dirigo State is a combination of Boys State and Girls State, but that’s just the start. The Legion Family redesigned and strengthened both programs into a unique, first for the American Legion National Family, combined youth government leadership program. The Legion Family feels the union of Boys and Girls State will provide a better experience for all students and a more realistic simulation of Maine State government. 

History

Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.

High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.

American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in 49 Departments of The American Legion. Hawaii does not conduct a program. As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedure, but each and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State. For online details visit  http://www.boysandgirlsstate.org/girls.html

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