Philosophy
Since 1940, Louisiana Boys State (LABS) has maintained a reputation as the premiere leadership development program for young men in the state. It cultivates personal growth, civic involvement, and practical governance knowledge in its participants to help build stronger, more well-informed and influential leaders for our communities, our state, and our country.
Louisiana Boys State uses the “immersive educational experience” model to meet its twin goals – educating young men about local and state government and developing leadership skills through which they can influence their community, state, and nation.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar, but separate, program for young women called Louisiana Girls State.
Program Educational Modal
Student participants (termed Citizens) are tasked with creating a functional government at the City, Parish, and State level. LABS is guided by a “learn by doing” philosophy that encompasses everything from teaching about government to leadership development. Citizens are provided a basic framework in which to operate and then given the opportunity to investigate the intricacies of elected office and civic leadership for themselves.
Citizens are are randomly assigned to a City (made up of 25-30 Citizens) and a Parish (made up of two Cities) through which most of their program experience is organized. From the Day 1, Citizens jump into the electoral process, campaigning for and winning various offices. All Citizens are elected or appointed to positions at the City and Parish level through which they must negotiate the challenges of governmental leadership.
This hands-on approach allows Citizens to experience for themselves the various issues faced by government officials as they work together. Whether a Parish Council is trying to develop the most effective method of economic redevelopment or members of the House of Representatives are debating new laws for Boys State, all effort and thought about the process originates with Citizens. The give-and-take of these activities allows Citizens to realize and unlock their leadership potential – often in ways they previously did not know existed.
Other Opportunities
Citizens have the opportunity to interact with leaders from across the state including local and state government officials, business leaders, members of the media, and military officers. Speakers from a variety of backgrounds offer their own perspective on what leadership and public service mean and look like in the real world.
As part of the LABS electoral process, the week culminates with Citizens having to opportunity to vote for LABS Governor and other statewide offices on voting machines provided by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office. Those eligible to register to vote in the next Louisiana election are able to do so as part of LABS’ annual voter registration drive.
While the elected positions and responsibilities are the cornerstone of Boys State, the development of brotherhood among citizens and counselors is generally considered the most fun and rewarding part of the program. Citizens are deliberately assigned to Cities and Parishes at Boys State so that they meet others from across Louisiana. This creates the opportunity to not only discover leadership potential through interaction with strangers but also to develop life-long friendships with some of the most outstanding young men from across the state.
