State Sen. Carrie Ruud, R-Breezy Point, participated Tuesday, June 17, in the 68th annual American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State Program at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.
Girls State gives young women from many different backgrounds the opportunity to develop leadership skills while learning about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of government as practiced in a democratic society.
"Girls State is one of the finest educational programs in Minnesota. This event is a terrific way to expose our young people to the responsibilities of participating in a democratic society while also teaching important leadership skills," Ruud said. "I had a fantastic time discussing the expectations, responsibility and commitment involved in serving as an elected official."
The American Legion Auxiliary has sponsored and operated the Minnesota Girls State Program for the past 68 years. Girls from the entire state who have completed their junior year in high school are eligible to participate. The interactive program teaches how to form city, county and state government offices. Participants vote for and carry out elected and appointed positions in government.
The program gives participants the experience of living together as self-governing citizens with the privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, plus gaining knowledge of the American Legion Auxiliary.
