Joann Meadows, an American Legion Auxiliary volunteer from Calhoun, joined 98 young women attending the 64th American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., July 17-24.

Two outstanding citizens, known as “senators,” are selected at the 49 Girls State sessions held across the country to represent their state at Girls Nation.

This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the working of government, to instill a sense of pride and loyalty in America and to create friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Joining Meadows who served as a Senior Staff Counselor, were Georgia Senators Raven Reese from Douglasville and Margaret Yeh from Cumming.

A key component of the Girls Nation program involves mock senate sessions complete with caucusing and debating of bills that range in topic from personal to political interests. Campaigns are held to elect party officials, a vice president and Girls Nation President. The Girls Nation President was be invited to attend and speak at the American Legion Auxiliary National Convention later in the summer.

In addition to their legislative forums the senators hear distinguished guest speakers and visit the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the White House and other memorials in the Washington D.C. area. Their visit to Capitol Hill includes meetings with their respective Senators and Representatives and the opportunity to meet the President of the United States.

“The Girls Nation experience is one of both privilege and responsibility. While it offers each girl amazing opportunities for personal growth, there is certainly the expectation that she will be energized to share all she learns with others in her local community,” said Janet Jefford, American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation National Chairman.

Jefford, along with other Auxiliary volunteer leaders attended the conference and encourage the young senators to continue their community service by becoming members of the Auxiliary.

Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest patriotic women’s service organization. With a membership over 800,000, local ALA units have a strong presence in more than 9,500 communities nationwide. The ALA’s mission to serve veterans, their families and their communities is carried out through its hundreds of outreach programs delivered by its members, volunteers and National Headquarters.