It's Girl Scout Week
Volunteers Make It All Possible

March 4, 2003

This year, from March 9 through 15, Girl Scouts celebrate Girl Scout Week—a commemoration of the organization's beginning 91 years ago. Since 1912, Girl Scouting has helped some 50 million women grow up courageous and strong. Continually evolving, while remaining true to core goals, Girl Scouting cultivates values and social conscience in girls—teaching them real-life skills to succeed.

The gains being made now by nearly three million girls would not be possible without the adult volunteers who donate their time and talents to serve the girls in their community. Girl Scout Week is a perfect time for anyone thinking about volunteering to get involved. Did you know that today's Girl Scouts utilize volunteers in many ways other than as troop leader? Men and women, young and old, can share their passion for a particular hobby, become a mentor for an at-risk girl, or organize a tour of their workplace for girls. Once a week, every other month, or even just once a year—all volunteers are welcomed!

To find out how you can ensure that even more girls have the opportunity to grow strong and realize their own potential, call 1 (800) GSUSA 4 U or contact your local Girl Scout council.

Today's Priorities

Girls Ages 11-17

This year, Girl Scouts of the USA is focusing many resources on girls in the critical tween and teenage years. Studies demonstrate that risky behavior such as smoking, drinking, unsafe sexual behavior, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, and self-mutilative behavior are often associated with low self-esteem. Girl Scouting's nurturing and fun environment promotes all girls' perceptions of themselves as important, competent, and talented.

Low self-esteem is compounded when girls are living in underprivileged communities. That is why Girl Scouts of the USA makes a special effort to involve girls in nontraditional situations, such as those living in foster homes, on American Indian reservations, in remote areas, housing projects, and even in juvenile detention settings. Positive, life-affecting changes are resulting from uniquely ME!, the Girl Scouts/Unilever self-esteem program, and recent grants gained from federal institutions, such as the Department of Justice.

It's Her Future, Do the Math

A priority for Girl Scouts of the USA this year is a national math, science, and technology initiative to prepare today's girls to meet the nation's growing economic needs and enjoy gender equity in the workplace. While many girls exhibit early interest and ability in math, science, and technology, recent research suggests that adults tend to discourage girls from persevering in these areas. Girl Scouts of the USA has issued a national call to action in the form of a Public Service Announcement campaign entitled "Girls Go Tech," to change that tendency. All of the Public Service Announcements direct viewers, listeners, and readers to visit www.girlsgotech.org for more ideas about how to help prepare today's girls to take on the technological opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. Girl Scouts of the USA offers girls math, science, and technology opportunities such as science camps and hands-on activities from flight simulation to archaeological digs.

Each March, Girl Scouts of the USA honors the ten best Girl Scout Gold Award projects in the nation. Read the 2003 Girl Scout Gold Award Young Women of Distinction news release.

For more information about Girl Scouting, or to join or volunteer, please call 1 (800) GSUSA 4 U.