Ms. President Patch
For Girl Scouts 11-17

	PATCH INFORMATION Girl Scouts of the USA developed the Ms. President Patch Program in cooperation with The White House Project. © 2002. Girl Scouts of the USA and The White House Project.

Today, girls have many opportunities to be leaders when they grow up. They can become leaders in their schools, communities, and in government. This was not always the case: In the past, girls were more limited in their choices, but now girls and women can be, and are, great leaders.

Other countries have had women leaders as presidents and prime ministers, and the United States may soon have one too—Ms. President! Read about different activities below, and have fun exploring leadership while earning the Ms. President Patch.

Earning the Ms. President Patch

The Ms. President patch is a participation patch, which does not require girls to complete a specific number of activities. To earn the patch, girls at each age-level participate in any number of activities they choose, but they must do one activity from each section below:

• Herstory
• Leadership
• Roads to the White House
• On the Campaign Trail

Herstory

Throughout the centuries, there have been women in leadership roles. Learn about the amazing accomplishments of women over the years. To learn new and exciting facts about a woman or women who have demonstrated leadership skills, explore Herstory in one of these ways.

Visit The White House Project Web site, and check out the Women Leaders page. Click on some of the names and read more about them.

Then, focusing on the woman you chose, do one or more of the following activities:

• Write an article about her for your school or local newspaper.
• Create a display about her for your area library.
• Enact the story of her life for a group of younger girls.

Leadership

How do you define leadership? What makes a good leader? To find out, look around your community for a woman (or women) who you think demonstrates strong leadership skills. When you find her, think about how you might follow her example.

• What did she accomplish?
• What do you have in common with her?
• What do you think you can learn from her?

Then complete one or more of the activities below:

• Write a letter to a woman you admire.
• Interview a local woman leader or politician for an article or speech. Then with your parents or troop, discuss the possibility of organizing a community dinner to honor this woman.
• Compare and contrast the changing role of women in politics in the United States with that of women in Europe, the Middle East, or at the United Nations. Find a way to share what you've learned.

Roads to the White House

Many different roads lead to the White House, and your journey to becoming a leader can begin in many ways.

Find a woman in international or national politics and follow her career path.

• How did she get started?
• What led her to where she is today?

Now think about your own career goals. How can you explore different opportunities to achieve some of your goals? Look at the woman leader you admire and see if you can apply some of her experiences to your own goals and expectations.

On the Campaign Trail

You don't have to wait to be a leader. Be a leader right now in your school, in your community, or on the sports field. Ask a girlfriend who's qualified for a position to run for it or run for one yourself. You can be the captain of a team or president of a club.

To be elected to a position, usually you have to campaign for it. Campaigning gives you an opportunity to let people know what beliefs and ideas you have on the election issues. Learn about the history of the vote for women.

1. Before you can run for office or vote in an election, you have to determine your values and beliefs. What do you stand for? How do you find out if the candidates in an election represent your views?



2. How would you design a campaign that conveys your friend's or your ideas if one of you decides to run for a position?



3. Find a recent campaign and follow it. The campaign can be international, national, or local. Learn about the campaign issues, and decide what position you believe in. Then pretend that you are a candidate and design your own campaign. How would you let others know what you believe in and what you stand for?

Note: Participation patches must be worn on the back of the uniform only.

Girl Scout badges, patches, awards, and other insignia that are earned for the accomplishment of skill-building activities or any set requirements should be presented, worn, or displayed only after Girl Scouts have completed the requirements outlined in the appropriate program materials.

All insignia are owned by Girl Scouts of the United States of America and are protected by law for use by GSUSA. None of the insignia may be copied, duplicated, or reproduced without prior express written authorization from Girl Scouts of the USA. All rights reserved.