Bluebonnet Girls State, started in 1937, is an Americanism program of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Texas. High School juniors are selected to be Girls State citizens by their sponsoring Unit based on their leadership, citizenship, scholarship, and character. They spend ten days during the month of June in Seguin, Texas learning first hand that government is what we make it.

The goal of the Girls State Program is to educate young women in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. Its purpose is to awaken within the youth of our nation a sincere conviction that a well-informed, intelligent, participating citizenry is vitally needed to protect and preserve our American institutions and our American democracy.

It is in a mythical 51^st state where the citizens of Girls State organize their own city, county, and state governments. They choose their own officials in accordance with regular election procedures, and they learn the duties of the various city, county and state offices. They introduce and debate their own bills in a legislature. Justice is administered by their own law enforcement agencies and courts. In Girls State, the young citizens "learn by doing." Although the girls are divided into two political parties, the "National" and the "Federal," the program is non-partisan and free from propaganda.

The Girls State program aids participants in developing the leadership skills, confidence and poise that can be a lasting foundation for success in their personal and professional lives. Past participants in Girls State include Jane Pauley, Leeza Gibbons, Ann Richards, Carole Keeton Rylander, and Janie Fricke.

For the past two years, Unit 305 has sponsored students from The Woodlands and Oak Ridge High Schools to Bluebonnet Girls State.

One of the Auxiliary’s very special programs is Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation (V.A. & R.). Each year, Unit members donate their time and energy to assist hospitalized veterans at the Houston Veterans Administration Medical Center. We collect and donate books, magazines and used clothing to the V.A. as well as "hotel" soaps, shampoos and other personal care items that are distributed to homeless veterans.

Throughout the year, Unit members sew ditty bags and lap robes, which we take to the Medical Center at holiday time for distribution to patients. Unit members work at the annual Christmas Shop at the Medical Center, to assist patients with gift shopping for family members. We also wrap the gifts and prepare them for mailing.  In addition, we participate in the "adopt a Vet" program during the holiday season.