Inspired! Winter 2021
Newsletter
CULTIVATING COILED CREATIVITY Girl Scouts has been changing the game since its inception in 1912, when founder Juliette Gordon Low established an organization that would empower ALL girls. Five years later, pioneers like Maggie L. Walker and Josephine Groves Holloway led the efforts to ensure Southern states include African American Girl Scouts, with the first all-AfricanAmerican troop forming in 1917. And just last August, Judith Batty became the first Black CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA. During the fall, three GCNWI Community Organizers launched a new program to uplift and encourage young Black girls in a space often viewed both as a pain point and a source of joy in the African American community. Pigtails, Puffs, and Ponytails, spearheaded by Laureen Head, Shana Jenkins, and Kisa Fitzgerald, was created to highlight the evolution of what is viewed as “natural beauty,” and to instill the courage in girls to live out loud. This hour-long event coupled Girl Scout history with hands-on hairstyling activities for attendees. Activity boxes containing hair accessories donated by Damron Corporation were mailed to nearly 125 families, some as far away as Maryland and Pennsylvania. What ensued was an unforgettable evening for everyone gathered: families from 37 communities and seven states engaged in discussions about African American history and culture, favorite hairstyles, the significance of the Afro in the 1960s and 1970s, ending with a hair-braiding tutorial. As
one girl said in the comments of the Zoom call, it was the “best day ever” (written with more than 50 Rs!). “[This event] allows the girls to have fun with something that is not always understood but is a part of who they are. We want girls to learn to be comfortable and confident with one of the very things about themselves that makes them unique and allows them to stand out from everyone else,” Shana said. “Hair, and the way you wear your hair, is a reflection of your personal style and self-expression in the African-American community," Kisa continued. "We connect with each other through our hair. I hope that girls are able to learn more about Girl Scouts while connecting and embracing their hair history.” “Many people in our community don’t know the [Girl Scout] program, don’t know we build leaders. So, we are showing girls that the [Girl Scout] program is valuable,” Laureen added. “I think [this event], along with Girl Scouts really, amplifies the message that you are important and accepted as you are.” @girlscoutsgcnwi
1
GIRL SCOUTS Did you know that Girl Scouts exceeds the geographical confines of our council AND even the United States? There are Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 150 countries! All of these girls are a part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, commonly referred to as WAGGGS.
HOPE THROUGH UNCERTAINTY In a year marked by the most unparalleled moments of girls’ lives, you powered hope in girls and families who turned to Girl Scouting for community, connection, and solidarity. As 2020 brought challenge after challenge to the country, the world, and our organization, you fueled the hard work and efforts of our members, volunteers, staff, and partners. Your support made our achievements possible—even through a pandemic—and has shaped the lives of countless girls. While uncertainty will continue for the foreseeable future, your support is the catalyst for our success moving forward. Please know that Girl Scouts GCNWI will continue to do our part to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. Take pride in knowing you are an important part of the Girl Scout experience. Thank you for powering our promise, now and into the future!
2
www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/donate
Eight Girl Scouts from GCNWI—now called the Global Girl Scouting group—heard about WAGGGS and couldn’t wait to learn more about international Girl Scouting. They started to explore: what are Girl Guides/Scouts like in other countries? What does a day in the life of a girl in another place look like? What do they eat, how do they dress, and what is their home like? The girls first chose Iceland as their country of focus and made a list of all the things they wanted to learn about the country: the Girl Guides who live there, the famous food, geography, holidays, their stance on sustainable energy, and more. To prepare, the girls all researched on their own time, discovering interesting facts and awesome photos. They compiled all they learned into a beautiful presentation and presented their work to nearly 100 Girl Scouts at the end of October.
BY THE NUMBERS
63,770
S N h N u “ t a t
M c l r t c
K i b
T t P t S m t n
There is n become t up to the
8,8
TOTAL MEMBERS
GIRL
in membership year 2020, including 44,979 girls and 18,791 adults.
particip at Hom
GO GLOBAL
Since then, Maysa shared the history of Nigerian hairstyles and fashion trends with her troop. Sofia was especially impressed by Nigerian cuisine: “I’ve learned how seriously underrated it is.” “I think my favorite part of doing all of this is that I love traveling, learning about countries, and I love, love, love trying new foods,” Sofia told us.
Maysa likes getting an insight on how other countries work: “There is so much that we can learn from other people. It’s eye-opening and reminds you how big the world is, and how there’s so much creativity, tradition, food, and culture.”
Kathryn agreed, saying, “I think it’s really important to learn about other cultures because it brings people together.”
These Girl Scouts are learning skills for life that will serve them in school and beyond. For Peyton, Girl Scouts gives her an opportunity to share knowledge: “What I love about Girl Scouts is that we can do things that really mean a lot to us. Girl Scouts can make teaching and learning exciting and fun in a new way.”
“The best part of Girl Scouts is that every time I earn a badge, I’m a step closer to making the world a better place.” - Global Girl Scout Mali
no better program than Girl Scouts to provide girls with the skills needed to make a difference in the world and to the exceptional women they were born to be. Thanks to your steadfast support, 2020 proved that Girl Scouts are challenges of the day and are more resilient than ever.
800
LS
pated in 194 new Girl Scouts me virtual programs.
8,960
6,092
performed by 1,351 Highest Award recipients, benefitting 78 local communities.
served through multi-format camp and outdoor programs.
SERVICE HOURS
GIRLS
@girlscoutsgcnwi
3
WHAT’S NEW - THANKS TO YOU!
#GIRLFEST Debuting this March, #GIRLFEST 2021 will highlight subject-area pathways including STEAM, cultural awareness, outdoors, and active citizenship for Girl Scouts of all ages. Each pathway will feature one hour of programming with lots of fun, girl-led, grade-level-appropriate, and interactive sessions, as well as multiple “Mindful Minute” commercial breaks – a chance to close your eyes, breathe, and relax! Girls will learn more about the world around them while also celebrating how great it is to be a girl and a Girl Scout!
March 13, 2021 Online • All Ages Visit girlscoutsgcnwi.org for more
31st TRIBUTE TO ACHIEVEMENT MARCH 11, 2021 • 6 PM • LIVE ONLINE
Register at pjhchicago.com/girlscouts
4
Life is a series of progressive experiences. Hidden among the memorable firsts are subtle, underestimated experiences that matter only upon reflection—days, months, even years later. Join us on March 11 for a celebration of leadership, courage, confidence, and character—foundational traits for living life to the fullest, with purpose and passion. Experience powerful storytelling by girls and our adult honorees, which will lift your spirits, energize, and inspire you. www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/donate