Inspired! Fall 2020
Newsletter
SERVICE UNIT DEBUTS DIGITAL CIVICS PANELS When Girl Scouts of the USA released their 24 new civics badges, Service Unit 406 Managers Carrie Parsons and Selena Randecker saw the opportunity to respond to 2020's unexpected turns. The new badges require girls to engage directly with their local political representatives to learn more about the democratic process—and this year, civic engagement is more important than ever. Thus, Carrie and Selena's "brain-child" was born, a series of programming for over 80 troops to meet over Zoom with four major mayors in their area, as well as Judge Patricia Fallon, and two lawyers. The meetings, led by the girls, consisted of question and answer sessions with the representatives, and they were a huge hit, drawing over 100 girls for some meetings. Girls took charge and asked their mayors questions on everything from election processes to favorite ice cream flavors. "The girls are paying attention and want answers," Service Unit Manager Selena said.
"One person and one voice can make a difference." Girl Scout Ameenah, a Girl Delegate for their service unit and moderator for the meeting with Hoffman Estates mayor William D. McLeod, agrees that civic engagement is essential.
"It's amazing what ideas the girls have, and what they can do."
"We should care about what's happening," she explains, "because this is our world, the world we're going to inherit one day."
For girls who are too young to vote, but want to take action and use their voice, Service Unit Manager Carrie says "You can still make a difference, and don't ever think you can't. Your ideas matter."
Girl Scout Rachel, who moderated a Q&A with Judge Fallon, succinctly quoted Girl Scout alumna Tyra Banks: "If you don't vote, you can't complain about the outcome."
GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA DEBUTS NEW CIVICS BADGES 24 new civics badges are here to help girls of all ages reach their potential and become fierce leaders of the future! Civic engagement is just one way Girl Scouts advocate for positive change and make the world a better place. The new Democracy badges for all ages of Girl Scouts will help politically-minded girls be more prepared than ever to vote, act, and blaze new trails as leaders. @girlscoutsgcnwi
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