Past Publications

National Profile of Adults in Girl Scouting (1998)

The primary objective of the research was to develop a representative profile of the adult membership of Girl Scouting with respect to demographic composition (relative to the general female population age 18-75), as well as skills and capabilities. The study was also designed to provide insight into members' motivations for volunteering and their degree of involvement with Girl Scouting in order to identify opportunities for attracting new volunteers and improving communications with leaders (e.g., through such publications as Girl Scout Leader magazine). The findings would also be utilized in the development of training and resource materials in order to enhance their volunteer experience.

The Girl Scout Experience Among Young Girls Today:
Towards a Marketing Strategy for Girl Scouting (1992)

This study's key end result was to serve as actionable guidance for marketing, positioning, and communications strategies. Its objectives were to identify ways Girl Scouts of the USA can most effectively communicate with girls at the Junior and Cadette Girl Scout program age levels to increase interest in both joining and remaining in the Girl Scouts. Specifically: to gain a full understanding of the underlying motivations for girls choosing to join/remain in the Girl Scouts and/or choosing other activities available to them; to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Girl Scout image and program vis-à-vis "competitive" activities; and, to focus on Junior and Cadette Girl Scout program age levels.

Girl Scouts: Its Role in the Lives
of American Women of Distinction (1991)

This is a study of what being a Girl Scout has done for women of achievement and distinction in America. The Girl Scouts have had a direct and powerful impact on the lives of American women who are making important contributions to the future of the country. Between May 16 and June 7, 1991, a cross section of 473 women listed in Who's Who of American Women were interviewed. In all, a total of 301, or 64% of the total, said that they had once belonged to the Girl Scouts. Indeed, among a random sample of all adult women in the country, a lower 42% report having once been a member of the Girl Scouts. They were asked such questions as what it was about the Girl Scouts that contributed to their positive experience; how it helped them develop values; whether the Girl Scouts provided an adult role model or mentor; the extent to which the Girl Scouts gave them insights into their future, opened up leadership opportunities, encouraged them to set high goals and aspirations; and, in the end, how Girl Scouting made them more responsible members of the community.

Girl Scouts Survey on The Beliefs and Moral Values of America's Children (1989)

This is a study of the range of American children's beliefs and moral values and the consequences in their lives—the first such study ever done in the U.S. The Girl Scouts of the USA, in conducting this study with Harris Scholastic Research (a division of Louis Harris and Associates, Inc.), sought the answers to the following questions: Who are the adults with the most influence on the children's moral commitments? What are the moral bearings directing their decision making in practice? What are the pressures children face as adolescents and young adults? What are the moral judgments they make in the face of difficult everyday situations? How do they view the choices concerning their own futures and the responsibilities of citizenship as they approach adulthood? Conducted between October and November of 1989, the study targeted over 5,000 girls and boys across racial/ethnic groups between fourth grade and twelfth grade in public, private and parochial schools all across the nation through comprehensive questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups. Download the executive summary of Girl Scouts Survey on The Beliefs and Moral Values of America's Children (1989) (PDF, 6MB).

For more information about these publications, e-mail the Girl Scout Research Institute or call (800) GSUSA 4 U.