2020 AMERICAN LEGION TEXAS BOYS STATE (VIRTUAL) THINGS TO KNOW

AS OF 24 APRIL 2020

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Despite the challenges of COVID-19, and because our Texas Legion is cutting-edge and forward-leaning, this year’s

American Legion Texas Boys State program will be conducted virtually. Thus, excitingly, the 2020 cohort of

exceptional young men from across our great State will still have a meaningful experience in accordance with our

Legion values and TBS charter. Leveraging powerful technology, the innovative program will be a hearty, engaged,

get-your-hands-dirty, “learn-by-doing,” top-notch experience the Statesmen will cherish.

1. General Information: a. Program Dates: 6-12 June 2020 b. Registration Due-Date: 15 May 2020 (Friday) c. Information Hub: www.texasboysstate.com d. Questions: contactus@texasboysstate.com

2. Program Specifics:

a. Major and important aspects of the program will remain the same:

Setting-up the 2-party system (Nationalists and Federalists).

Having Platform, Campaign, and Rules Committee meetings.

Setting-up precincts within cities so that “small group” learning can take place.

Electing a House and Senate with bills on real topics to both debate and pass throughout the week.

Setting-up select State offices that Statesmen can run for (primary, runoff, and general elections process is taught).

Conducting our Visiting Dignitary program.

Closing each night with our Plenary Speakers.

Showcasing Statesmen talent via prepared Talent Show videos throughout the week.

Providing a College Fair (virtual) meet-and-greet for students and parents alike.

b. In addition to Visiting Dignitaries through the week, we have a powerhouse crew of plenary guest speakers that will share wisdom and insights and inspire. Technology/platform research is on-going, but it is our hope to be able to invite Legionnaires to virtually observe the large sessions with these amazing guests.

General (Ret.) Michael Hagee (USMC) (4-star), former Commandant of the Marine Corps Additional Info on General Hagee (click here),

Major General (Ret.) Tony Cucolo (USA) (2-star), former Division Commander Additional Info on General Cucolo (click here)

Mr. Ricky Dixon, President Blue Bell Creameries (and Boys State alumni) Additional Info on Dixon (click here)

c. Tentative Schedule. We plan to have the actual schedule posted by Friday, 1 May, on the website.

However, generally:

Approximately two weeks prior to program beginning – Statesmen will receive an information packet (2 t-Shirts, Lanyard, Nametag, their Manual, and the like) at their home address.

2020 AMERICAN LEGION TEXAS BOYS STATE (VIRTUAL) THINGS TO KNOW

AS OF 24 APRIL 2020

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Wednesday prior to the program beginning. Test the access to the technology portals (like Freshman Orientation at a High School does with their computers) to ensure connectivity.

Saturday afternoon and early evening (2 sessions that are 2 hours each). City Orientation; begin Servant Leadership curriculum process; hear from Legionnaire John Brieden on Flag etiquette and Texas Pride as well as from the Director and Chairman; review weekly schedule with all Statesmen; sign Boys State pledge.

Sunday afternoon and early evening (4 different sessions beginning at 3:00 p.m. that are 45-60 minutes each). Setup Political Party process; begin seeking office via solicitation of signatures; set-up of Party Politics; hear Keynote speaker Major General (Ret.) Tony Cucolo.

Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (5 different sessions that are 90 minutes – 2 hours each with some concurrency, with various breaks). Begin speeches for office; debate party platforms; participate in House and Senate hearings; meet Visiting Dignitaries; hear keynote speakers including General (Ret.) Hagee, Department of Texas Commander, and several Texas governmental office holders, such as Judges Kevin Yeary & Michael Keasler and State Representatives Jared Patterson & Kevin Ellzy).

Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (Different sessions for College fair and a closing session). Conduct virtual College Fair (over 30 institutions want to participate); conduct graduation ceremony with final keynote speaker Bluebell President Mr. Dixon.

d. What the Statesmen will Gain during the program:

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.

Intimate policy knowledge to key issues facing Texas at the moment.

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 school and community

3. Other Information (in no particular order): a. Each Statesman will need access to an internet connection and a device (computer, tablet, or smart

phone). Currently all Texas schools are operating virtually/on-line, and reports are that most schools are going to permit students to keep their devices over the summer. Log-in and other such details, including which virtual tools will be used, will be provided as the program nears.

b. We know there will be some circumstances where it may be difficult to obtain computers/tablets for some Statesmen. We believe many Posts might be able to be creative in procuring technology tools to assist, but please let us know if there are issues as we may have some flexibility to provide equipment in some cases.

c. The tuition cost per Statesman is $100, to cover the technology platform, shipping costs, shirts, manual printing, and other items. Posts that have already paid the normal tuition of $295 will be refunded the $195 difference in the coming weeks.

2020 AMERICAN LEGION TEXAS BOYS STATE (VIRTUAL) THINGS TO KNOW

AS OF 24 APRIL 2020

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d. The Statesmen will be provided two of the ever-popular TBS shirts. Participants will be required to wear these shirts during the virtual program while on video to continue our tradition of being bonded through our uniform.

e. Printed manuals will be provided: (1) to maximize efficiency during the program so they can look in their manuals and remain on-line/on-video (if digital copies of the manual are provided they would need to toggle on their computer to their manual often, thus distracting them from the actual program); and (2) as a keepsake (many of us still have our manuals from decades ago).

f. We are working to set up an on-line store so Statesmen can purchase additional swag, shirts, and other items.

g. Technology will permit us to accommodate up to 1,000 Statesmen. This is such a unique opportunity and we hope each Post can continue to share the excitement about this program. As of 22 April, we have 680 applicants.

h. Many posts have reached to us expressing their excitement that our Legion is leading-by-example for the Statesmen by innovating. We realize this will be a “different” experience, and can never duplicate entirely the in-person experience. However, what we will do is nevertheless have an experience that matters, teaches the boys something, and creates conditions for life-long friendships and leaning with an appreciation for service and the core values of our Legion. We also realize that not everyone will be able, or willing, to participate this year—but our hope is to touch as many young lives as possible.

i. We will have a robust and engaging curriculum to keep the Statesmen as energized as possible. Additionally, we will have accountability in the cities (our smallest sized element) with multiple counselors and multiple touch-points each day with the attendees. If a Statesman misses a session, we will know, and we will reach out to the Statesman and parents. Moreover, as you can imagine, the Statesmen will be ready (and hungry) for something new, and different, and engaging—having been sheltered-in-place for so long due to COVID-19.

j. Although more challenging given the Pandemic, we are so pleased to hear many Posts continue to assess the best talent and vet their applicants. As always, it is critical we have the right young men in this program—it remains an honor to be selected to attend Boys State.

k. Upon graduation from the program, each Statesman will receive a signed certificate. There are participation requirements in order to graduate (meaning a Statesman cannot simply appear at some sessions at their whim and still get a certificate).

l. Each day will begin and end with a city meeting, so that any challenges are dealt with as the day begins and end via small-group problem solving. In addition, on-line check-in will occur at each scheduled meeting time to ensure consistent involvement (and accountability).

m. We will send each Statesmen a small packet before the program commences with 2x shirts, a manual, and a lanyard with nametag, and possibly a few other items. We wish for this experience to be special for each Statesman and these items will help us set the proper tone and conditions about the seriousness of the program and build excitement that they are now part of something bigger than themselves.

2020 AMERICAN LEGION TEXAS BOYS STATE (VIRTUAL) THINGS TO KNOW

AS OF 24 APRIL 2020

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n. For this, our 80th year of Texas Boys State, we will follow our ever-present 3 guiding principles even though a virtual experience:

Keep the culture of “learning by doing” (this is not a lecture-and-learn program);

Ensure the American Legion history and heritage is woven throughout all of our various discussions and sessions; and

Inspire Service with Excellence. Our program will be innovative/cutting edge in its use of technology, well planned, and very well executed. We are sophisticated in planning, using PhD’s and other teachers from our staff in designing the final approach to the curriculum.

o. Once we have the final plan in place, we will connect with the Statesmen and all parents as we always do. We will, of course, also share that correspondence with the sponsoring Legion posts to ensure maximum communication flow and calibration with everyone.

4. Technology. As you might be aware, with COVID-19, leveraging technology is now a norm in schools,

government, and business. Below are a few slides with some information for your awareness/consideration.

See next page

2020 AMERICAN LEGION TEXAS BOYS STATE (VIRTUAL) THINGS TO KNOW

AS OF 24 APRIL 2020

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