Every day, we continue the cause started by generations before us. We push limits to show girls they’re strong, skilled, confident and capable. Throughout Girl Scout history, our programming has built on Juliette’s idea of offering a safe space where girls can be their best selves and learn the same skills as boys because she felt it was important to show them how to pitch a tent, hit a bullseye and manage money and that it was ok for them to do so.
Trailblazers of Women’s History
By Kaitlyn Greer, Communications Manager
Since 1912, Girl Scouts have worked hard to change the world women live in and make it a better place. Our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, created our organization to build girls of courage, confidence and character at a time when the women’s rights movement was at a turning point. Her work helps generations of girls and young women to have a voice and challenge themselves.
Our CEO Julie Dale agrees. She shared with me that Girl Scouts burst into existence at a crucial time in history. “Our entire Movement began when women were actively gaining the right to vote and at a time when so many other monumental equal rights events were happening,” she said. Julie noted this historic image of a Girl Scout holding a baby so its mother could cast her vote in an election for the first time and how it symbolizes how impactful Girl Scouts was during this era, even with such a “small” action.
As we reflect on the impact of trailblazing women during Women’s History Month, we recognize how the Movement Juliette started was ahead of its time. Girl Scouts has always accepted everyone, regardless of background or walk of life. Our program was integrated before the Civil Rights Movement even began, and our members have been involved in nearly every historical event in our country for 113 years. Girl Scouts are heard, seen and respected in society and have been for generations.
Juliette & Today’s Girl Scouts
I asked Julie what she thought Juliette would think of our Movement today. “She would see that the world is different but also that there are still strong and healthy relationships between girls and adults, and support from friends that go beyond which school you attend or what church you worship at.”
Julie believes Juliette would be proud to see the traditional aspects of Girl Scouting continue in a world where women now hold full-time jobs while also being caregivers and troop leaders. “Life was not like this 100 or even 50 years ago. But our volunteers continue to make a huge impact on Girl Scouts today. It’s very time-consuming to attend meetings, take part in training and manage cookie booths, but it’s still so rewarding for them to see the outcome. Juliette would be so happy to see these traditions of our Movement carried forward.”
Every year, Girl Scouts graduate from our program and move into a new phase of life. Our Movement prepares them for this next step, whether attending college, getting into a trade school, enlisting in the military or joining the workforce. Our alums are courageous and ready to take on any challenge they may face because of Girl Scouts.
Julie says she’s confident in the change our Girl Scouts will make for the future. She recently interviewed Rayna R., who is part of our Girl Advisory Board. “Rayna is remarkable! She’s interested in politics and advocacy because of her experiences in Girl Scouts. Seeing how our program has shaped members like her demonstrates how unique and relevant it continues to be in teaching girls to have their voices heard, take risks in challenging situations and do things outside their comfort zones.
Julie believes that now, more than ever, women need these crucial skills to continue paving the way for future generations. “Our program shapes girls from a young age, and we are there for them until they are ready to take on the world as adults.” To keep the momentum going, she constantly asks herself, ‘What are we here for? What are we trying to do?’ After talking with Girl Scouts like Rayna, Julie sees the impact. “I can say to myself, ‘Yes, that’s what we’re helping to make.’ We’re still here building girls of courage, confidence and character.”
In honor of Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate Girl Scouts, alums, volunteers and all the women who have broken societal norms to become strong and successful. Girl Scouts earn awards, become world leaders and even save lives. We must continue teaching them the importance of women’s history and the progress we’ve made. We have so much to be proud of as we look to the world of possibilities for future generations!
