The 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, an organization well known for community service and changing the lives of the girls who get involved.

Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low started the Girl Scouts in Savannah, GA in 1912 and the Grand Rapids group started a few years later in 1914. Today, the Girl Scouts has a membership of more than 3.2 million nationwide with 59 million alumnae. One in every two women in the U.S. has been a Girl Scout at some point in their lives.

The local Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore group currently serves more than 11,000 girls, ages five to 17, in 30 counties in Michigan, from Zeeland to Alpena.

At the time Girl Scouts began, there was a defined class system so Gordon Low had everyone wear uniforms. That way, you couldn’t tell a person’s social status. Everyone in the group appeared equal and since the beginning, the organization has always been integrated.

“We’ve always been inclusive of all girls at all stages of life,” says Gloria Lara, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore chapter.

Now in its 100th year, the national organization is celebrating its success. Recently, a quarter of a million Girl Scouts, volunteers and alumnae from across the country participated in a giant sing-along on the National Mall. The local group sent three busloads of women and girls to join in.

Locally, the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore is hosting an anniversary gala, alumnae get togethers and more to celebrate.

Being a Girl Scout is not just all about camping, cookies and crafts as some may think, but rather it instills three other “Cs” in its girls: courage, confidence and character. It’s those characteristics that change the lives of girls not only while they are young, but well into the future.

Recently, a study done by the Girl Scout Research Institute showed that women who were once Girl Scouts had a better life outcome than those who did not participate. These women have higher household incomes and more education. The Alumnae Impact Study also showed that former Girl Scouts are more apt to be involved in their children’s extracurricular activities and 77 percent of them vote. Plus, 80 percent of all women business owners and 68 percent of the women in Congress were former Girl Scouts. This study demonstrates the positive impact that investing in girls makes.
 
The Girl Scout organization is constantly evolving, too. They have updated their badges and handbooks recently to be more modern and they have added many new ways for girls and adult volunteers to become involved. There are now several ways besides being in a troop for girls to participate such as attending events, traveling, classes and much more.

“We expose girls to opportunities they may never be exposed to,” Lara says. “And this is a safe environment for girls to try out new things.”

Positive role models are needed in any capacity, whether that means volunteering for the Girl Scouts a few hours a year or weekly. These mentors can share their unique talents and gifts in a number of ways.

The upcoming 100th anniversary gala will be held on October 24 at DeVos Place. Anyone is welcome, including men, and people are encouraged to take a current or former Girl Scout to honor them.

For 100 years, Girl Scouts build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Here are some ways you can support them:

-    Visit the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore online to learn more.
-    Attend the 100th Anniversary Gala on October 24.
-    Volunteer for the Girl Scouts.
-    Donate to the Girl Scouts.
-    Buy cookies and other products to support the organization.
-    Like them on Facebook.
-    Follow @GSMISTS on Twitter.

Sources: Gloria Lara, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore and Meahgan Pear, Director of Marketing & Communications
Writer: Heidi Stukkie, Do Good Editor

Photos provided by Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore.