Young women across the state of California who have earned their place in the American Legion California Boys and Girls State program are currently excluded from participating in The American Legion Boys Nation. The delegates of California Boys and Girls State— considered the top 900 most accomplished and promising high school juniors in the state — are recognized by their schools and local posts for their leadership, initiative, and civic potential. The top two male delegates from each American Legion Boys State program in the United States are selected to represent at The American Legion Boys Nation. However, despite the female delegate’s active participation and leadership in the fully integrated state program, they are not afforded the opportunity to be selected to participate in the national program.

Girls Nation, the current alternative, lacks comparable funding, visibility, and opportunities. This sends a clear message that female delegates are not afforded the same pathway to national recognition, political mentorship, and lifelong leadership networks. Moreover, because The American Legion hosts California Boys and Girls State and The American Legion Auxiliary hosts Girls Nation, female delegates from California Boys and Girls Nation are not even eligible to be considered for Girls Nation. Without change, qualified female leaders will continue to be left behind simply due to gender and our country will not progress at the rate it could, deprived of the leadership, vision, and talent of half its rising generation.

In 2023, via an independent decision from the California American Legion Convention, California Boys State transitioned to a fully co-educational model in 2023, and the results of the integration have been transformative for the next generation of our nation’s leaders, regardless of gender. The success of this model reflects the reality of modern governance and the future of American leadership. It is time for The American Legion to follow California’s lead and reflect the inclusive, co-educational spirit of our democracy. Young women deserve a seat at the national table, not next year, not in the future, but now.

We are petitioning for your support in integrating The American Legion Boys and Girls Nation by allowing the female delegates from California Boys and Girls State the ability to be nominated to participate in the federal program, The American Legion Boys Nation. 

Ananya Gupta, Beauregard Chiasson, Alexa Rodriguez, Ella Mauer, Sophie Kim, Karthik Vishnubhotla, Tai Nguyen, Frankie Diorio

Contact Us: girlstoboysnation@gmail.com