Girl Scouts are groundbreakers, big thinkers and role models.
Girl Scouting taught me how to stand tall when I had to stand alone. Margaret Anaglia
At Girl Scouts, we are all about practicing everyday leadership, preparing girls to empower themselves and promoting G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)TM experiences. The inclusive, girl-led, all-female environment of a Girl Scout troop creates a safe space in which girls can try new things, develop a range of skills, take on leadership roles and feel comfortable failing, dusting themselves off and trying again! Other youth organizations say they want girls to have confidence. To have a fair shot. To have the chance to become anything they want. So, what’s the difference between these organizations and Girl Scouts? While others just talk about empowering girls, Girl Scouts has been preparing girls every day since 1912 to empower themselves by developing skills relevant to real-life situations.
While some people still think of us as just cookies, badges and friendship bracelets, Girl Scouts are so much more. For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts has been taking charge by taking action. We don’t just stand by, we step up. We see failure as an opportunity to try again. We speak up for ourselves and others. We learn by doing and do more with what we learn. These qualities make up our DNA. They’re who we are. What we do runs so much deeper than our cookies, badges, sashes and songs. The truth is, Girl Scouts are groundbreakers. They program robots, start garage bands and change their communities.
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
3
(Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers, Leaders)TM
That’s exactly who we are. MARGARET ANAGLIA
Go-getter
As a lifelong Girl Scout Margaret Anaglia says her Girl Scout Leadership Experience helped her learn to take risks in order to grow and become a better leader. “Girl Scouts taught me to not be afraid of failure,” she said. “It helped me to know that you can go after what you want and achieve it even if you stumble along the way.” Margaret is no stranger to hard work and going after what you want in life. After working in both the public and private sectors she is now running her own business, Al’s Gourmet Nuts. She says that her Girl Scout experience taught her how to set goals and see them through. “All those badges and projects are about what you start and finish, what you complete and earn,” she said. “As a Girl Scout you know that you have to set your goal and prioritize what you need to do to get there.” Margaret said her fondest Girl Scout memories involve summer camps. As a girl she participated in day and resident camps. She also participated in a Wider Opportunity, now called Destinations, where she traveled with other Girl Scouts to New York City. “Girl Scouts is so much more than cookies,” Margaret said. “It’s an opportunity for girls to be in an all-girl environment and learn to be anything she wants. It’s the power of the girl to be proud of who she is.” Margaret said that she considers Girl Scouts to be one of the tools she carries with her in her personal and professional life. “Girl Scouts helped me begin to understand that I can want things that are different from everyone else. When you’re a Girl Scout you’re thinking differently because you’re focused on being the best that you can be, not necessarily what your friends are doing. Girl Scouting taught me how to stand tall when I had to stand alone.”
4
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
VERONICA MUZQUIZ EDWARDS
Innovator
Vernonica Muzquiz Edwards has learned that her Girl Scout Leadership Experience taught her how to set goals and work toward achieving them. “I remember earning the badges, and using my handbook that was very tattered from all the time I spent studying the criteria for the path to success,” she said. “My pages were folded over and underlined because I saw the goal and wanted to learn how to get there.” These days as President and CEO of Ingenesis, a premier supplier of workforce management and talent acquisition services, Veronica doesn’t always have a handbook in front of her to lead her to the path of success. Instead she’s had to call on those leadership experiences to develop innovative ideas and solutions. “I love looking at a problem and deciding how to build a new bridge,” she said. “It’s about creativity and developing a solution that strengthens your company or personality.” As a business leader, she enjoys forging new paths and challenging the status quo. “When faced with choices of A or B, I tend to be the one asking, ‘why not C?’” Veronica says that her Girl Scout Leadership Experience helped nurture her leadership skills at an early age. “I was a painfully shy child,” she said. “But when given opportunities I was always looking, watching and studying. I realized you really have to learn from successes of others and study their failures but you have to take a deep breath and take that step forward. I would say that Girl Scouts gave me the ability and appreciation for the art of earning and learning. Those are the basic skills that we all need to be innovators.” “People ask if you’re born with leadership or if it’s something you learn. It’s a combination of both when you’re given the opportunity. Girl Scouts is about teamwork that appreciates individual contribution. I loved earning those badges and wearing them on my vest. When you’re on a team in corporate America you’re part of a team that still appreciates and recognizes individual contribution. But now, instead of wearing your accomplishments on your chest you put them on your desk.”
KARA WELD
Risk-taker
When Girl Scout Ambassador Kara Weld was just 13 years old she found herself receiving bullying messages through various forms of social media. The sender wrote terrible things about Kara and encouraged her to take her own life. “It affected my self worth,” Kara said. “I fell behind in my school work. It affected everything in my life because I could not escape.” But she persevered. With the help of her parents, her sister Girl Scouts and her troop leader, Kara held her head high and worked to overcome this cyberbullying attack that did not end until Kara changed school districts. Because of this experience, Kara dedicated her Girl Scout Gold Award to helping pass David's Law. She spent her spring break going door-to-door at the State Capitol asking to speak to legislators and staff members about David's Law, a law that has made cyberbullying a criminal offense. She also held her head high as she testified on the Senate floor about her own experience despite knowing that her bully had never been identified. By standing up for what was right, Kara was putting herself on the line again. Her bully would maybe see her and begin their attack again. But she was determined to tell her story and change the world. “Girl Scouts empowered me to make change,” Kara said. “I testified for David’s Law on the Senate floor because I really wanted to see this change.” Kara worked with David’s Legacy Foundation, an organization dedicated to ending cyber-assisted bullying, to pass David’s Law this summer. The bill passed with bipartisan support during a difficult legislative session. This is why Girl Scouts like Kara Weld are working to make the world a better place because they know that their actions can reach beyond their communities and into the world.
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
5
WENDY KOWALIK
Leader
Wendy Kowalik, president of Predico Partners, was a Girl Scout for eight years taking on adventure after adventure with her troop. “We had unbelievable opportunities to excel,” Wendy said. “Our troop leaders allowed everything to be girl-led. Every event we did, every adventure we went on we were in charge. We had to figure out what we wanted to do, how to raise the money and figure out a plan when we got there. Our troop leader made sure we got their safely but once we were there it was up to us to take ownership of the trip.” With grit and determination her troop raised funds to go on outdoor trips from snow skiing in New Mexico to canoeing in the Rio Grande. “Girl Scouts taught me to take risks and take chances,” she said. “There were times we failed miserably but it all turned out okay. Having a Girl Scout experience, where you’re free to fail, really does make it easier later in life to take steps and leap out into the unknown. It truly builds selfconfidence.” For Wendy, the all-girl experience was instrumental in her troop finding their own leadership roles and styles. “In school you’re in a co-ed environment all day long, there’s no getting away from it but in Girl Scouts whoever wants to take on a leadership role can. Any girl who wants to make the decisions and take responsibility for the actions can do it. Everyone is on equal footing and don’t have to compete with gender roles keeping you from being the leader. That’s what gave us the ability to find our niche and find where we excelled and each become leaders in our own right.” Wendy said she attributes her leadership style to the example her troop leader set. “She spent so much time pushing us to find our own path. Everything she did was about empowering us. I don’t think we recognized that she was teaching us about leadership but I would credit my leadership style to her. If I give someone a task at work, I give them the autonomy to make it happen.” Wendy feels empowered to take on challenges, and contributes her strength to opportunities presented during her time as a Girl Scout. “Girl Scouts is about giving girls autonomy to find their own path, taking on new challenges and being responsible for yourself. You’re in a safe environment where your ideas are encouraged. You’re encouraged to think and grow. It gives you new opportunities that you can’t get anywhere else. I don’t know another organization that will give you that breadth of experience.”
Let’s Celebrate! From a small gathering of girls over a century ago, to a movement where all girls can see themselves reflected, Girl Scouts is an organization united across distance and decades by lifelong friendships, shared adventures and the desire to do big things to make the world a better place. This year’s Fiesta medal holds the trefoil at heart — designed in celebration and spirit of our organization. Available for sale at Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center and West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center shops.
6
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
7
8
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
9
Juliette’s Circle is an extraordinary group of individuals who are passionate about Girl Scouts and its mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character. Each gift is an opportunity to change the world one girl at a time. By making an investment in girls, members of Juliette’s Circle are helping them lead healthy lives and achieving their fullest potential. We know that when girls succeed, so does society. Special thanks to our founding members of Juliette’s Circle, who show their heartfelt support through their individual gifts.
We invite you to become a member of Juliette’s Circle because without you, our circle is not complete.
To join, call 210-349-2404 ext. 223 or email development@girlscouts-swtx.org
Founding Members of Juliette’s Circle William T. (Bill) Avila Carri Baker Karen Baen Sarah Baray Leah R. Bennett Nelwyn Simes Belt Yonnie Blanchette Mary Rose Brown Jelynne LeBlanc Burley Laura Burt Ella Carrasco Haley C. Carter Cece Cheever Nancy & Charlie Cheever Jean Cheever Regina Cheever Sally Cheever Deena Clausen Kelly Colotla Cariño Cortez Stephanie A. Finleon Cortez Chris Crane Beverly Watts Davis Luis de la Garza Yolanda Delgado Patricia Diaz Dennis Angelica M. Docog Lisa Drozdick Jan McCaleb Elliott Kelly Faglie Sandy Finleon Gretcha Flinn Leah D. Flores
10
Ramon Flores Lisa D. Fox Jeannie Frazier Nicki Frey Elizabeth Friedman Lisa A. Fullerton Monica Gonzalez Jackie L. Gorman Suzanne Goudge Mimi Gourley Roger Graham Carrie A. Gray Barbara A.F. Greene Christine Grogan Sondra L. Grohman Teri M. Grubb Beth Hair Mary Henrich Jody Shaw Hernandez Priscilla Hill-Ardoin Mary Hime Janet Holliday Susan Hough Janet Irwine Dr. Arcelia M. Johnson-Fannin Katie McKinney Jones Hon. Yvonne Katz, Ed.D. Estella Reyna Kierce Wendy Kowalik Rosemary Kowalski Pam Landry Madelon Yanta Leone Jane H. Macon
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
Christina Markell-Balleza Nancy F. May Charline H. McCombs Jessica Mobley Jennifer Moriarty Hon. Susan Pamerleau Priscilla Parsons Anne Parrish Janet Pedrotti Suzanne Peterson Rebecca Puryear-Jennings Linda A. Ramon Cathy Ritter Hon. Sylvia S. Romo Maj. Gen. Angie Salinas, USMC (Ret) Sandra Schlortt Sharon Jones Schweitzer Marsha McCombs Shields Blythe Simonson Cecilia M. Smith Jocelyn L. Straus Rita Sutton Marlene M. Teal Diane M. Theiss Cheryl Thorpe Jill Torbert Annie Uribe Turner Laura J. Vaccaro Suzanne Wade Teri L. Wenglein Dela W. White Jeanie Wyatt Judge Renée Yanta
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
11
Making all the difference.
Business Patch Partners What could the future workforce accomplish if all businesses — large and small — took a vested interest in advancing female leadership today? By investing in a girl’s success at an early age, each of us plays a vital role in ensuring the future of the community and the country is in good hands. With a combined contribution of $210,000 to Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, CPS Energy, H-E-B, Shining Star ENERGY, The Tobin Endowment, Valero Energy Foundation and Wells Fargo have all taken the lead in supporting innovative patch programs for each company’s area of expertise.
CPS Energy and Environmental Awareness and Conservation Through CPS Energy’s Environmental Awareness and Conservation Initiative, girls learn about environmental issues, the importance of its protection and how to be good environmental stewards. *Did you know: For girls ages 11-12, 73% reported improving the world around them as their favorite activity (e.g. activities related to the environment or helping others.) H-E-B’s Health and Wellness Girl Scouts recognizes that physical health, emotional health and self-esteem are connected. H-E-B’s Health and Wellness Initiative promotes a balanced view of body image and develops skills to keep girls healthy. *Did you know: Over the past 25 years, the percentage of overweight girls has more than doubled. Thirty-one percent of girls admit to starving themselves or refusing to eat as a strategy to lose weight. Shining Star ENERGY and Entrepreneurship Through Shining Star ENERGY's Entrepreneurship Initiative, Girl Scouts learn about the fundamental dynamics of business, the scope of planning and how to prepare for an enterprising future. Entrepreneurship creates unlimited opportunities as more young women become business leaders. *Did you know: 30% of all businesses in the U.S. are owned by women and 80% of female entrepreneurs were once Girl Scouts. The Tobin Endowment and the Arts Through the encouragement of artistic expression, girls improve their self-esteem, feel motivated to explore new interests and may even develop new talents in music, dance or visual arts. *Did you know: Girls who study art are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to be awarded for school attendance. Valero Energy Foundation and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Women continue to have a greater impact in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math than ever before. Whether they’re building robots, learning the mechanics of a car’s engine or creating a chemical reaction, girls are unlocking unexpected talents through Valero Energy Foundation’s STEM Initiative. *Did you know: When today’s girls graduate from college, America will need 3 million more scientists and engineers. However, girls tend to leave science to boys as early as the 5th grade. Wells Fargo and Financial Literacy Wells Fargo’s Financial Literacy Initiative provides girls the resources and knowledge to set fiscal goals and become financially accountable when earning and managing money. *Did you know: Women-owned funds significantly outperform funds in general, even during tough economic times. Yet women managed only 3% of hedge funds and 10% of mutual funds in the year leading to the 2008 recession.
12
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
Who We Are Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is dedicated solely to girls in grades K-12. For 106 years we have enabled girls to build character and skills for success. • Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low • More than 2.8 million members throughout the United States • GSUSA is a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) • WAGGGS is a family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries (*including U.S. territories, and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas)
TO VISIT OR CONTACT GSSWT Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center 811 N Coker Loop | San Antonio, TX 78216 Phone 210-349-2404 | 1-800-580-7247 Fax 210-349-2666 West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center 5622 W. César E. Chávez Blvd. | San Antonio, TX 78237 Phone 210-349-2404
How to Become a Girl Scout
Frequently asked Questions
• • •
Q: What happens after a girl becomes a Girl Scout? A: When a girl joins the organization, she becomes a Girl Scout member. All members may choose any one, all or some of the flexible pathways to participate in during a single year.
Be a girl in grades K-12 Accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law Pay national membership dues of $25 (financial assistance is available)
Call 210-349-2404/1-800-580-7247 or visit girlscouts-swtx.org/join to learn about Girl Scouts in your neighborhood! Participate in Girl Scouts through one or more pathways: Camp. By day or overnight, she can explore nature on two wheels, by the light of the moon or through the lens of a camera. Events. Most girls have more than one passion—maybe storytelling and acting and dancing. Choose events centered on your daughter’s favorites. Series. Everything’s more fun when you’re sharing it with others who love the same things. Our series let girls explore interests together in a way that fits their schedules. Travel. Want your daughter to go places? Girl Scouts do. When they see and experience new things, it’s always an adventure they’ll never forget. Troop. Meeting regularly, girls can share amazing experiences, learn to make a difference in their community and have lots of fun! Girl Scout Grade Levels GSUSA program at all levels emphasizes development of personal values, appreciation of others, decision-making, leadership and service. Program is adapted for each grade level and for the needs and interests of individual girls. • • • • • •
Girl Scout Daisy—grades K-1 Girl Scout Brownie—grades 2-3 Girl Scout Junior—grades 4-5 Girl Scout Cadette—grades 6-8 Girl Scout Senior—grades 9-10 Girl Scout Ambassador—grades 11-12
Girl Scouts offers more choices and more reasons than ever to join. Get started today!
14
Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA to provide program in 21 counties. We are headquartered at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center in north central San Antonio.
A SAN ANTONIO WOMAN SPECIAL SECTION
Q: How can I support my daughter’s Girl Scout journey? A: Parents/guardians should be familiar with the flexible pathways your daughter can experience. Help her identify her interests and encourage her to participate in various activities. All of the information a parent needs to support their daughter’s Girl Scout journey may be found online at www.girlscouts-swtx.org. Q: Where do funds come from to pay for books, pins and awards? A: Through participation in product programs, such as the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program, which provides troops or individual girls with proceeds to help pay for books, earned awards or uniform pieces. Proceeds may also be used to pay for attendance at camp or to travel, as well as various activities offered by the council. Parents/guardians of girls will often pay some of the costs. If a troop is newly formed, a troop leader may request a small amount from the parents to begin the program year. All of these specific troop details should be discussed at the first parent’s meeting. Limited financial assistance for books, membership pins and uniform components is available. Q: Are uniforms required in Girl Scouting? A: Uniforms are not required, but are encouraged for visibility and Girl Scout spirit. A girl is always welcome to participate in Girl Scouting whether or not she chooses to have a uniform. The Girl Scout Membership Pin can be worn with or without the uniform. Girls are encouraged to purchase a sash or vest on which to display earned awards and other official insignia. Financial assistance is available. Q: Is financial assistance available? A: Yes. GSSWT believes no girl should ever be denied the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts because of financial need. Funds are available to assist girls with council activities, membership dues, books, etc. Q: Who can be a Girl Scout volunteer? A: Anyone over the age of 18 and willing to accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law is welcome to volunteer for the organization. Adults go through the following steps when applying to become Girl Scout volunteers: application with criminal background check, appointment for one year, placement and required training. GSSWT offers adult learning opportunities online and in a live class format to provide volunteers with a solid foundation for guiding the leadership development of girls. Q: Who do I contact for information or help? A: Much information may be found online at girlscouts-swtx.org or call 210-349-2404/1-800-580-7247.