In lieu of the evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation, we ask posts to use the following guidelines when conducting meetings or events:
- If anyone is sick, please stay home
- Cover mouths with upper arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouths with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals
- We are encouraging participants to make meetings “handshake-free” – “fist-bumps” or “elbow-bumps” are the new norm
- Provide hand sanitizer and/or disinfectant wipes for attendees
- We recommend hand washing as much as possible with soap – CDC recommends you wash for at least 20 seconds
Boys State: The American Legion of Iowa Boys State Board met as regularly scheduled on Saturday, March 27, 2021, to discuss the 2021 Boys State Program and the options facing them to conduct the program. It was decided by the board to pursue an in-person program due to the diminishing restrictions and mandates in place for COVID-19 in the state of Iowa. Subsequently, the board decided to provide an extended refund and registration provision for the 2021 program only. Instead of the April 1 deadline for registrations and refunds, the board extended the deadline to April 15. Refunds and delegate registrations will be accepted no later than April 15, 2021. Any requests attempted to be submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.
Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; The American Legion of Iowa Boys State and The American Legion, Department of Iowa, cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during the program. The CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from Coronavirus. All participants should evaluate their own risk in determining whether to attend. People who show no symptoms can spread Coronavirus; if they are infected, any interaction with the public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to Coronavirus.
By participating in The American Legion of Iowa Boys State program, you acknowledge and agree that you assume these inherent risks associated with attendance. The American Legion of Iowa Boys State and The American Legion, Department of Iowa, will not mandate vaccinations or require proof of vaccination prior to participating for volunteers or participants should vaccinations be available to minors at that time. If students and volunteers feel it necessary, whether for their own personal safety and that of others who they encounter, they may wear a mask, especially in spaces where current social distancing guidelines are not manageable.
All participants will be expected to supply their own masks for the duration of the program. Students will not be permitted to stay off site in separate facilities such as a hotel or house during the program. The American Legion of Iowa Boys State and The American Legion, Department of Iowa, will yield and abide with whatever current regulations and mandates are in place during the 2021 Boys State Program. If you have further questions, please direct them to your Post Boys State Chairman or District Boys State Chairman. We look forward to a safe and smooth program. View the memo as a PDF.
Department Offices: For the protection of our staff and their families and to help limit the spread of the COVID-19, The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary offices are still closed to the public. To make an appointment, please call 515-282-5068. The Service Office in the Federal Building is open by appointment only. To make an appointment with a claims representative, please call 515-323-7532.