Juliette Gordon Low: A Woman with a Dream Who Founded a Movement
By Kaitlyn Greer, Communications
Manager
Every year on October 31, we celebrate Founder’s Day in honor of the birth of Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon in 1860. For 112 years, Girl Scouts from across our nation and the world have continued the traditions of this woman with a dream who we know today as our founder Juliette Gordon Low (JGL).
Also known as “Daisy,” JGL loved athletics, nature, animals and the arts. Her dream was to create a safe space for girls of any class, culture or ethnicity to develop leadership skills, advocate for themselves and others and so much more.
JGL wanted girls to see their full potential and gain confidence in a world that at the time was male-dominant in areas like science and athletics. If you don’t know by now, she did just that— she made that change!
Our Movement started with just 18 girls who joined JGL to create the first Girl Scout troop in her hometown of Savannah, Ga. On March 12, 1912, they began a revolution of change for girls to grow into strong and independent women.
It’s truly inspiring to know that this small troop started the beginning of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience while contributing to women’s history. I sit here and wonder if they ever imagined the impact they would have on generations of women to come.
As a young Girl Scout, someday you will look back and see the change YOU made for those to come after you. Don’t be afraid to be bold and your authentic self. Our mission is rooted in risk-taking and dream-making.
As you think about who you want to be—whether a scientist, dancer, veterinarian or maybe you’re already living out your dreams—remember who JGL was and what she advocated for; this Founder’s Day remember and celebrate how her values, dedication and hope molded Girl Scouts into what we are today.
