News from Girl Scouts—Announcing the G.I.R.L. Agenda, Celebrating our National Young Women of Distinction, G.I.R.L. 2017, and more!

Happy birthday to our founder, Juliette Gordon Low! [View in Browser]( [girl scouts]( October 28, 2017 A Message from Girl Scouts of the USA's CEO, Sylvia Acevedo Hello, Girl Scouts! I recognize that it has been a challenging time for many in our Movement due to the spate of natural disasters and other tragedies that hit as we kicked off a new membership year. The outpouring of support for those impacted by these events has reinforced the strength of our sisterhood. I've heard several stories of girls being evacuated and grabbing their sashes or vests as one of the few items they were allowed to take with them, which not only warms my heart but also illustrates the enduring importance of our Movement and our mission in girls' lives. I also experienced our sisterhood in action as we kicked off October with our 54th National Council Session and [G.I.R.L. 2017](. We welcomed thousands of girls, and the family members, volunteers, and staff who support them, from across the United States and around the world to Columbus, Ohio, for several days of unforgettable and transformational experiences. One of the event's highlights was honoring our [National Young Women of Distinction]( (pictured with me above). Every year I'm inspired by these ten exemplary Gold Award Girl Scouts and the efforts and thought they have put into earning the most prestigious award for girls in the world, as well as by the positive and sustainable impact their Gold Award projects have in communities near and far. G.I.R.L. 2017 was truly a global gathering for all girls. One of my favorite convention memories is of watching a young girl step into the Hall of Experiences, turn around, and ask her troop leaders, "All this is for us?" Yes, it was! Everything that Girl Scouts has done throughout our rich history has been for and with girls. In fact, more than 100 years after Juliette Gordon Low founded Girls Scouts, we continue to honor her legacy by providing the best leadership experience for girls in the world. And, as we celebrate Founder's Day (Juliette's birthday) on October 31, I encourage you to reflect on the amazing impact her ardent belief in the importance of fostering girls' individual growth, character, and self-sufficiency has had on our world. Please join me in continuing to elevate her legacy this Founder's Day by taking [three simple actions]( including [signing a petition]( to support renaming a bridge in Savannah in her honor. Thank you for all you do for girls! Announcing the G.I.R.L. Agenda Powered by Girl Scouts For more than a century, before women even had the right to vote, Girl Scouts has been helping girls unleash their potential to make their communities and our world a better place. To help amplify this impact, we recently launched the [G.I.R.L. Agenda Powered by Girl Scouts]( a nonpartisan, multiyear initiative to inspire, prepare, and mobilize girls and those who care about them to lead positive change through civic action. This effort celebrates Girl Scouts' rich legacy of civic engagement, and for the first time ever, we're sharing free, expert-curated resources----- derived from renowned Girl Scout programming----- beyond our 2.6 million members because we believe in the power of every girl. Just as exciting, the G.I.R.L. Agenda celebrates the introduction of [a new Good Neighbor badge for Daisies]( (girls in grades K--- 1), joining our lineup of existing Citizen badges. [Download the Civic Action Toolkit]( 2017 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® Collection Now's the time to purchase your very own 2017 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® photo patch, embroidered patch, and float ornament! Just like the float you'll see sailing down Fifth Avenue on Thanksgiving Day, [this exclusive collection]( showcases a century of traditions and represents what Girl Scouts past and present have done and continue to do as they take action locally and globally to build a better world. Plus, now through October 31, enjoy flat-rate shipping for just $4.75 on all orders placed on [GirlScoutShop.com]( [Shop Now]( Thanks to Richard King Mellon Foundation, Support for Getting More Girls Outside Getting girls outdoors to explore and learn about nature and, in the process, themselves, has always been a core part of Girl Scouting. Thanks to a grant from [Richard King Mellon Foundation]( we've made progress toward an important goal----- getting more girls outside more often----- by offering our volunteers and councils more support and our girls more outdoor activities. Girl Scouts has clearly stepped up its game, evident in new outdoor program content that volunteers can access via an enhanced "Volunteer Toolkit" and the piloting of an impactful partnership program with the Student Conservation Association. As part of this collaboration, for two weeks in 2016 a group of Girl Scouts provided environmental conservation service in a national park, and through 2017, five Girl Scout councils are offering girls sustainable environmental internship programs. Girl Scouts' new outdoor program content features 16 badges and petals (six more than last year!) that now include the option to change activities that typically occur indoors to outdoor activities----- which means Girl Scout leaders can give their girls even more opportunities to get outside and reap the benefits. Petals and badge activities that Get Girls Outside!: - 3 Daisy Petals: Rosie (new!), Lupe, Clover - 7 Brownie Badges: Fair Play (new!), Letterboxer (new!), Painting (new!), First Aid, Snacks, Making Games, Senses - 6 Junior Badges: Drawing (new!), Flowers (new!), First Aid, Simple Meals, Staying Fit, Detective [Learn More]( Why Girls May be Saying "Me Too" Two years ago, a study showed that one in ten U.S. girls had been catcalled before her 11th birthday. In a perfect world, catcalling and other forms of harassment simply wouldn't exist. But the truth is, our world is far from perfect. Sadly, fully grown women aren't the only ones who face unwanted comments and attention on a regular basis----- young girls, like your daughter, granddaughter, or niece, do too. Want to help? [Learn Six Things You Can Do]( Send Her on an Epic Adventure This Summer It's that time of year! Recruitment for summer 2018 Destinations is in full swing. [Destinations]( bring together Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors from all over our Movement for epic adventures filled with nature, culture, service, science, art, and more. This summer, girls can [join the crew]( of the largest wooden sailing vessel in the United States for a Great Lakes sailing adventure, [explore]( the cultural delights of Southeast Asia on a Destination to Cambodia, or discover another amazing adventure that fits their unique personalities and interests. Want to learn more? [Explore Destinations]( Girl Scout Partners Girl Scouts of the USA would like to thank the many corporations and foundations that support our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. To learn more about how each of these organizations supports Girl Scouts, please see [Our Partners]( page. Want to get involved with Girl Scouts? [Join]( | [Volunteer]( | [Become a Lifetime Member]( Have a question? Don't be shy! 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