Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I bring to Girls State?
A: For a suggested list of items to pack, click here, or refer to the packet of information that each girl received once she has been accepted to the program.
Q: Why is there a dress code?
A: At Girls State, it is important to demonstrate professionalism and respect in everything we do. The dress code provides an easy-to-follow guide that ensures that all participants are dressed appropriately for every activity. See Dress Code in Participant Information.
Q: How do I know whether something will fit the dress code?
A: You can find a copy of the Dress Code on this website. It should answer most of your questions. However, if you're not sure if something is appropriate, it's generally a good idea to err on the conservative side. If you have specific questions, email Rebekah Crooks (Rebekah.crooks@gmail.com).
Q: I have heard you use something called "Parli Pro" at Girls State. What is that?
A: "Parli pro" is short for Parliamentary Procedure, which is a set of rules designed to help make legislative assemblies run more smoothly.
Parliamentary Procedure is used in many types of organizations, from national legislatures to corporate board meetings and high school student council meetings. The most famous version in the US is Robert's Rules of Order, although there are many different styles used around the country and around the world. If you don't know anything about parliamentary procedure before Girls State, don't worry. You'll learn everything you need to know to fully participate once you arrive.
Q: Do I need to bring campaigning materials with me?
A: If you have art supplies (poster board, markers, glue, etc.), you are welcome to bring them with you, either to use yourself or to share with others. It is not advisable to make campaign signs for specific offices before you arrive, however, as you may run for a different office than you originally planned. If you do not have art supplies, don't worry. There will be plenty available for you to use.
Q: Can I decide what I want to run for before I get to Girls State?
A: It's great to have some ideas in mind, but we highly recommend that you keep an open mind. There are many prospective offices, and you may well change your mind-or find another candidate you want to support-when you arrive. For a list of positions click here.
Q: I don't know very much about government or politics-will I be able to keep up?
A: Absolutely. Girls State is a learning experience for everyone, regardless of your prior background in government or politics. There is room for a wide variety of skill and knowledge levels, and you will be able to participate fully in the program. All that's required is a willingness to participate and an open mind.
Q: I have a great idea for a bill-can I write it before I get there?
A: You should feel free to start working on your ideas before you arrive. However, this is not necessary, as bill-writing workshops and time to work on your ideas will be provided, but if you want to get started, you can. Ideas…
Q: I need to leave early-is that okay?
A: Girls State is designed to be experienced as a full week-long program, and unfortunately, we cannot allow early departures under most circumstances. Additionally, the national program rules state that a participant who departs early has not completed the full program, and should not list Girls State on future resumes and applications. For questions or special circumstances, contact Girls State Director Sondra Lino at sondral@centurytel.net.
Q: What will I be doing all day?
A: For a sample schedule, click here. Your days at Girls State will be filled with a variety of activities-you may debate in the House of Representatives, hear a speaker, attend a workshop on college selection, testify in a mock trial, work on a campaign speech, tour the Oregon State Capitol, work on your Follies skit, perform a flag drill ceremony, and cheer for your party in a campaign rally all in the same day. There will also be plenty of time for hanging out in your counties with other participants, playing sports, and enjoying the Willamette University Campus. Days can be long, so be prepared.
Q: Can my parents come visit me?
A: Family and friends are encouraged to attend the Inauguration and closing ceremony on Saturday morning, as this is the main public event of Girls State. The public is also invited to the Girls State concert held in the Oregon State Capitol rotunda. Check the schedule for this session for day and time.
Q: Can I drive myself to Girls State?
A: Yes. Once you are on campus, however, you will be required to turn in your keys and may not access your car during the week. There is a $5 parking permit fee that must be paid at Registration.
Q: Can I leave and then come back/can I leave campus?
A: For insurance reasons, Girls State is a closed-campus program, meaning you may not leave the Willamette Campus except for organized visits to the Capitol. If you find that you need something, our staff can make arrangements to get it for you.
Q: I didn't get pictures last year. Are they still available?
A: Visit our pictures page for information on past pictures and submitting your own photos. The professional group photos may be ordered from www.hisestudio.com.
Q: Do I have to run for office?
A: No, you do not have to run for office while you are here, although most participants do eventually run for an office at some level. You will find plenty to do whether you run or whether you choose not to do so.
Q: I don't know if I have a local Auxiliary Unit-can I still come?
A: Yes. You may email the Girls State Director at sondral@centurytel.net for contact information in your area. If there is no Unit near you, you may work directly with the Girls State Commission to complete the necessary paperwork and interview.
Q: How much does Girls State cost?
A: The Delegate Fee is $300. This covers lodging from Sunday through Saturday, all the food you can eat and a great program. All or part of these costs may be covered by the local Auxiliary Unit through their fundraisers or by use of outside financial sponsors. There is also a $40 non-refundable Registration Fee that is paid by the delegate or her family.
Q: Can my parents just pay my tuition? Do I still need to contact my local Unit?
A: Girls or their parents are welcome to pay the fees. This leaves more of our limited resources for delegates who are unable to pay themselves. Even if you will not need financial assistance to attend Girls State, you will still need to work with your local Unit or the Girls State Commission during your application and interview process. More…
If you have any questions, contact Sondra Lino.
Q: When do I need to arrive on campus? When can my parents come get me?
A: Citizens should plan to arrive at Girls State between 1:00 and 2:00 PM on Sunday afternoon. The program ends with Inauguration on Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:00. All participants should plan to depart by 12:00pm.
A: For a suggested list of items to pack, click here, or refer to the packet of information that each girl received once she has been accepted to the program.
Q: Why is there a dress code?
A: At Girls State, it is important to demonstrate professionalism and respect in everything we do. The dress code provides an easy-to-follow guide that ensures that all participants are dressed appropriately for every activity. See Dress Code in Participant Information.
Q: How do I know whether something will fit the dress code?
A: You can find a copy of the Dress Code on this website. It should answer most of your questions. However, if you're not sure if something is appropriate, it's generally a good idea to err on the conservative side. If you have specific questions, email Rebekah Crooks (Rebekah.crooks@gmail.com).
Q: I have heard you use something called "Parli Pro" at Girls State. What is that?
A: "Parli pro" is short for Parliamentary Procedure, which is a set of rules designed to help make legislative assemblies run more smoothly.
Parliamentary Procedure is used in many types of organizations, from national legislatures to corporate board meetings and high school student council meetings. The most famous version in the US is Robert's Rules of Order, although there are many different styles used around the country and around the world. If you don't know anything about parliamentary procedure before Girls State, don't worry. You'll learn everything you need to know to fully participate once you arrive.
Q: Do I need to bring campaigning materials with me?
A: If you have art supplies (poster board, markers, glue, etc.), you are welcome to bring them with you, either to use yourself or to share with others. It is not advisable to make campaign signs for specific offices before you arrive, however, as you may run for a different office than you originally planned. If you do not have art supplies, don't worry. There will be plenty available for you to use.
Q: Can I decide what I want to run for before I get to Girls State?
A: It's great to have some ideas in mind, but we highly recommend that you keep an open mind. There are many prospective offices, and you may well change your mind-or find another candidate you want to support-when you arrive. For a list of positions click here.
Q: I don't know very much about government or politics-will I be able to keep up?
A: Absolutely. Girls State is a learning experience for everyone, regardless of your prior background in government or politics. There is room for a wide variety of skill and knowledge levels, and you will be able to participate fully in the program. All that's required is a willingness to participate and an open mind.
Q: I have a great idea for a bill-can I write it before I get there?
A: You should feel free to start working on your ideas before you arrive. However, this is not necessary, as bill-writing workshops and time to work on your ideas will be provided, but if you want to get started, you can. Ideas…
Q: I need to leave early-is that okay?
A: Girls State is designed to be experienced as a full week-long program, and unfortunately, we cannot allow early departures under most circumstances. Additionally, the national program rules state that a participant who departs early has not completed the full program, and should not list Girls State on future resumes and applications. For questions or special circumstances, contact Girls State Director Sondra Lino at sondral@centurytel.net.
Q: What will I be doing all day?
A: For a sample schedule, click here. Your days at Girls State will be filled with a variety of activities-you may debate in the House of Representatives, hear a speaker, attend a workshop on college selection, testify in a mock trial, work on a campaign speech, tour the Oregon State Capitol, work on your Follies skit, perform a flag drill ceremony, and cheer for your party in a campaign rally all in the same day. There will also be plenty of time for hanging out in your counties with other participants, playing sports, and enjoying the Willamette University Campus. Days can be long, so be prepared.
Q: Can my parents come visit me?
A: Family and friends are encouraged to attend the Inauguration and closing ceremony on Saturday morning, as this is the main public event of Girls State. The public is also invited to the Girls State concert held in the Oregon State Capitol rotunda. Check the schedule for this session for day and time.
Q: Can I drive myself to Girls State?
A: Yes. Once you are on campus, however, you will be required to turn in your keys and may not access your car during the week. There is a $5 parking permit fee that must be paid at Registration.
Q: Can I leave and then come back/can I leave campus?
A: For insurance reasons, Girls State is a closed-campus program, meaning you may not leave the Willamette Campus except for organized visits to the Capitol. If you find that you need something, our staff can make arrangements to get it for you.
Q: I didn't get pictures last year. Are they still available?
A: Visit our pictures page for information on past pictures and submitting your own photos. The professional group photos may be ordered from www.hisestudio.com.
Q: Do I have to run for office?
A: No, you do not have to run for office while you are here, although most participants do eventually run for an office at some level. You will find plenty to do whether you run or whether you choose not to do so.
Q: I don't know if I have a local Auxiliary Unit-can I still come?
A: Yes. You may email the Girls State Director at sondral@centurytel.net for contact information in your area. If there is no Unit near you, you may work directly with the Girls State Commission to complete the necessary paperwork and interview.
Q: How much does Girls State cost?
A: The Delegate Fee is $300. This covers lodging from Sunday through Saturday, all the food you can eat and a great program. All or part of these costs may be covered by the local Auxiliary Unit through their fundraisers or by use of outside financial sponsors. There is also a $40 non-refundable Registration Fee that is paid by the delegate or her family.
Q: Can my parents just pay my tuition? Do I still need to contact my local Unit?
A: Girls or their parents are welcome to pay the fees. This leaves more of our limited resources for delegates who are unable to pay themselves. Even if you will not need financial assistance to attend Girls State, you will still need to work with your local Unit or the Girls State Commission during your application and interview process. More…
If you have any questions, contact Sondra Lino.
Q: When do I need to arrive on campus? When can my parents come get me?
A: Citizens should plan to arrive at Girls State between 1:00 and 2:00 PM on Sunday afternoon. The program ends with Inauguration on Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:00. All participants should plan to depart by 12:00pm.