American Legion Department of Texas Parent and Sponsor Orientation June 2013

2 Welcome to Texas Boys State! Our schedule for the week and key points you need to know What the Boys can expect from this week How you can stay informed during the week What we want to happen when they return home How Boys State builds their resume for college and beyond Note: Boys State main phone number is (answered by Boys State staff between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.)

3 Highlights of our Schedule for the week Sunday Check-in delegates between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday in Jester West Host City Orientation Conduct opening Assembly with 950+ delegates from around our state! Begin both our election politics (e.g., running for an elected office) as well as our party politics (e.g., setting a party platform) Monday Organize Party political process and choose party leaders Begin Boys State Marching Band activity and City Olympiad (7v7 football, 5v5 basketball, and dodgeball) Conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony and meet Visiting Dignitaries Hear from State Education Commissioner Michael Williams

4 Highlights of our Schedule for the week Tuesday Begin speeches for elected offices Start Talent Show tryouts and continue Band and City Olympiad Conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony and meet Visiting Dignitaries Hear from former CIA Agent Jim Olson (current lecturer at Texas A&M School of Public Policy) Wednesday First full primary election process (we vote!) and finalize party platforms Conduct runoffs (we vote again!) during party political election process Continue Band, City Olympiad, and Talent Show Tryouts Conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony and meet Visiting Dignitaries Hear from American Legion leadership and Brigadier General Joe Ramirez

5 Highlights of our Schedule for the week Thursday Have speeches for the Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor candidates (top 3 offices at Texas Boys State) Complete election process (we vote a third time!) to pick the general election winner for all offices Finish Band practice, City Olympiad and Talent Show tryouts Conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony at UT Mall Area Host Boys State Talent Show Friday Tour State Capitol and have final joint session in the House of Representatives Hear from various State Government leaders Conduct checkout and depart after 1:00 p.m. on Friday from Jester West

6 What these boys will gain from the week A new appreciation for patriotism (flag etiquette, service to both our state and our country, and an understanding of the part they are to play in society as they become adults) New and lasting friendships with young men from across the state A better understanding of how to build consensus through civil discourse and debate Knowledge of the two party political system and putting that knowledge into action An eagerness to be a servant leader in their schools and communities (if they do not already possess such a characteristic)

7 Staying informed Check for updated information -- photos from the Boys State program will be uploaded daily to the website Our Social Media addresses to follow us are: - Facebook is - Twitter is - Google Plus is - YouTube is Come to our College Admissions Fair (come and go) on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. There will also be a FAFSA (financial aid) seminar beginning at approximately 3:00 p.m. with one of our counselors Join us for a parade to the Capitol complex on Friday at 8:30 a.m. to see all 950+ of us marching into the complex

8 What to do when they return home Allow them a day or so to sleep in – they will be quite tired physically Be sure to write a Thank you note to their Sponsoring organization(s) Review their packet of materials that they receive upon checkout with them Working with the local newspaper, publish the press release about his week at Boys State (note: if more than one boy comes from that city/community, coordinate placement of the story in the local paper) Working with school leadership (principals, coaches, etc.), talk up the program so that you can generate excitement and interest for next year’s group

9 It is an honor to attend Texas Boys State! Be sure to include on college applications – it is seen quite favorably by most universities and has a strong weighting on the scoring system for those seeking an appointment to a US Military Academy! In addition, make sure to note both the offices sought and/or won, as it shows a passion for trying new things Include Boys State pin on Graduation Attire, as it should be seen as a part of the “honors” that High School graduates achieve Join groups on both Social Media and via college alumni that have Boys State as a connection point – it is a nice networking tool for both job seekers and career advice We welcome your young men to Texas Boys State 2013! Kreg M. Bryant, Assistant Director --