Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Host Roundtable on Girls and Media

In Kansas, The Hays Daily News reports that the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland has been one of the major advocates against this marketing, which uses sexual images and thinner models, arguing the practice leads to low self-esteem and eating disorders, especially among young girls.

On Thursday, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland hosted a roundtable discussion with four panelists from the Hays community in the Robbins Center at Fort Hays State University.

Jill Arensdorf, chairwoman of the FHSU leadership studies department, moderated the panel, as they took questions from the audience.

Mary Martin, who is an associate professor of marketing at FHSU and has researched the effects of advertising on children, was the keynote speaker.

"I try to get (my students) to think about how to be a responsible marketer," Martin said.

Martin said low self-esteem is a major problem for girls, noting one in five girls between the ages of 12 and 18 can't stand to look at themselves in the mirror.

Girl Scout Gold Award Project Highlights the Importance of Family in All Forms

New York's Long Island Herald reports on Kaitlyn Seager, a 17-year-old High School senior, who recently organized a family-friendly learning experience about foster care and adoption, en route to earning her Girl Scout Gold Award.

Seager set out to prove that family is an unspoken bond between individuals beyond just sharing DNA, a message that rang strong at Family Fun Day. Seager’s younger sister, Kristen, now 11, was adopted at just 9 months old from China. She also knows more than 10 families who have adopted children.

“I am really excited because this is a great cause,” Seager said. “It is something very near and dear to my heart.”

Seager started the event planning in April. She had to first submit an application, then undergo an interview to explain her project to Girl Scout leaders. After her idea was approved, she had to obtain a school permit to use the gym.

Susana Isaacson, treatment services coordinator with the county’s Youth Board, contacted Nassau County Department of Social Services Commissioner John Imhof on Seager’s behalf. Seager invited an adoption attorney, several social services agencies, businesses, family members and friends to come, with more than 50 people attending throughout the day.

Miss Long Island 2012, Jessica Pinckney, shared her story of being adopted at birth from a family in Texas. She said her parents never hid the adoption from her, and has always felt lucky and fortunate to become part of a new family.

Businesses donated snacks and products, purchased advertisements, and offered arts and crafts for children. There was also a photography section for those who wanted some snapshots. What was once Seager’s vision had become a reality, recognized by several officials like Assemblyman Brian Curran. “Kaitlyn is a very impressive young lady,” Curran said. “She put together a huge event that looks to highlight foster care and adoption services in our area. She did an incredible job, and I look forward to attending her Gold Award presentation.”

Seager still has tasks to tend to after the fair. She has to submit an event report to her troop counselor, reconcile her project budget, and complete some volunteer work, including shopping for pajamas to donate to teenagers ages 12-18.

Girl Scouts Reaching for the Stars in Florida

In Florida, Centro reports that Mari Hernandez was one of six national winners of the national rocket competition Reach for the Stars, presented by Helping Kids Reach for the Stars Program. The cadets are girl scouts who attend sixth, seventh or eighth grade.

Mari, who attends sixth grade at Orange Grove Middle School magnet, had the opportunity to launch her own rocket in the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which was later signed by astronauts Winston Scott and Jon McBride.

A year ago, Mari came to the competition by chance when her mother wanted her to attend a summer STEM program.

Two New CEO Announcements in Girl Scouting

Missouri's News Press Now reports that The Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri announced that Karen Grode, an 11-year Girl Scout veteran, officially began her duties as the new CEO for the 47-county council with a welcoming reception on Tuesday. By taking her first steps into the St. Joseph community, Ms. Grode said she can see growing the current council into a larger, more influential community for young girls.

“This is a very exciting time to be in Girl Scouts, and I’m excited to be a part of this community,” she said. “I think we are going to be in a growth stage right now, and I think we’ve got some great new Girl Scout leadership."

Cincinnati.com reports that Roni Luckenbill has been named chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Western Ohio. Luckenbill, who will succeed retiring CEO Barbara Bonifas in April 2012, has over 30 years of experience as a Girl Scout executive. She has previously worked in five councils and has experience in every phase of the operation. Prior to the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio merger in 2008, she was with the Great Rivers council for 18 years, overseeing fund development, membership, communications, human resources, finance, technology, business services and product sales.

Celebrate Juliette Gordon Low's Birthday With Birthday-In-A-Bag

A troop of Girl Scouts in Kansas started a service project that’s gone nationwide! It’s called “Birthday-In-A-Bag” in honor of Juliette Low’s birthday. So far, troops from Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, Virgina, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey, North Carolina, Indiana, Idaho, California, and Washington D.C are participating!

What exactly is it? A Birthday-in-a-Bag is a self-contained gift bag with everything you need to have a Happy Birthday party. Every person needs some recognition of their birthday. However certain circumstances occur that might not make that possible. A Birthday-in-a-Bag can make a birthday more special.

Each Birthday-in-a-Bag should be delivered to your local food bank. The goal is to deliver no later than October 31st, 2011, Juliette Low’s birthday.

Each troop can undertake the Birthday-in-a-Bag as a community service project by putting together one or more Birthday Bags. This project is a way of showing that Girl Scouts care and Girl Scouting is an important part of your community. It is also a wonderful tribute to Juliette Low, founder of Girl Scouting. For information on how you can get involved, look here!

How do you plan on celebrating Juliette Gordon Low's Birthday?

Virginia Girl Scouts Become Scientists for a Day

Virginia's WAVY TV 10 reports that local girl scouts got the chance recently to be 'scientists for a day' at Norfolk State University. The 'Science Alive' event was designed to encourage young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

NSU leaders say the percentage of women in STEM fields is statistically lower than that of their male counterparts.

"We do things that are fun, exciting and really are an 'aha' moment for some girls," said Dr. Sandra DeLoatch, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at NSU. "They're able to be successful and they like it."

Dr. DeLoatch hopes to make 'Science Alive' an annual event.

Are there similar STEM focused programs for girls in your community?

Girl Scout Swap Focuses on International Friendship

In Marine City, Michigan, Girl Scouts made tokens of friendship to trade with Girl Guides to promote international friendship.

The Times Herald reports that more than 800 Girl Scouts and 500 Girl Guides turned out at the International River Crossing recently. While exchanging swaps was the main activity, girls also could visit various booths around the park to get their face painted, build bird houses or create crafts.

Jan Robertjohn, of Macomb Township, a volunteer director on the International River Crossing Committee, said the event began with a chance meeting 44 years ago when a troop of Girl Scouts ran into a Girl Guide unit at a park in Point Edward, Ontario. The annual event has grown since then, Robertjohn said.

Do you have any friends abroad?

Girl Scouts Pledge to Promote the Need for Sustainable Palm Oil Practices

Girl Scouts of the USA will soon be using its famous Girl Scout cookie boxes to raise awareness about the global need to develop stronger sustainability practices within the palm oil industry. Beginning with the 2012-13 cookie season, each cookie box will include a GreenPalm logo as a symbol of Girl Scouts’ commitment to address concerns about the deforestation of sensitive lands currently caused by the production of palm oil. This is just one of several steps Girl Scouts is taking to address this issue:

 Effective immediately, GSUSA will purchase GreenPalm certificates to support the sustainable production of palm oil. The certificates offer a premium price to palm oil producers who are operating within the guidelines for social and environmental responsibility set by the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil.

 GSUSA has committed to working with our licensed bakers in plans to join other industry leaders in making a pledge to move to a segregated, certified sustainable palm oil source by 2015, based on market availability.

 GSUSA will work to build a coalition of respected environmental organizations that support sustainable palm oil and to carry that message to industry leaders across the globe.

 GSUSA will become an affiliate member of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), an organization of growers, buyers, manufacturers, conservationists and interested parties who are striving to develop and follow best practices to ensure sustainability.

 And GSUSA has directed its bakers to use as little palm oil as possible, and only in recipes where there is no alternative. GSUSA estimates that of all the palm oil used globally, Girl Scout cookies account for less than one-one-hundredth of one percent (.001%).

“Girl Scouts’ palm oil use is very small, but our voice is big,” says Amanda Hamaker, GSUSA’s Manager of Product Sales. “Palm oil is an important product to the world’s food supply, so we believe promoting sustainable manufacturing principles is the most responsible approach for Girl Scouts.”

This action follows a five-year campaign by two teenage Girl Scouts from Michigan to make Girl Scout cookies rainforest-safe. The girls, Madison Vorva, 16, and Rhiannon Tomtishen, 15, learned as part of their Girl Scout Bronze award project that the habitat of the orangutan is threatened by deforestation caused by palm oil production.

“Madison and Rhiannon have done exactly what Girl Scouts teaches girls: find a cause you care about, connect with others, and take action to change the world,” says Hamaker. “They are shining examples of leadership in persuading a 99-year-old American icon to take on a serious global issue.”

Celebrate 100 Years of Girl Scouts in Ohio!

This Saturday, Girl Scouts of North East Ohio will Cross the Bridge to the Next Century of Girl Scouting Girl Scouts is celebrating its 100th birthday, and everyone invited to the party! Admission is free! Free concert by country music singer Veronica Ballestrini. Radio Disney Road Crew will be there too! For more information look here.

Girl Scouts of North East Ohio CEO Daisy L. Alford-Smith, Ph.D. promoted the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts on WKYC-TV's Good Company.

Las Vegas Bronze Award Project Aims to Cure Boredom

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada Troop 607 helped solve the puzzle of boredom for children and their families receiving care at Sunrise Children's Hospital, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway.

Troop 607 gathered and donated more than 300 games as part of its Bronze Award, a community service award for Junior Girl Scouts . It is the highest recognition Girl Scouts in the fourth and fifth grades can achieve.

The troop, based in Centennial Hills, dubbed its campaign Board No More and set a goal of collecting 500 games. Although the group received 309 games, the number of hours that young patients spend thinking of something other than illness is immeasurable, said Wendy Fought, certified child life specialist for the medical center.

"Being a children's hospital, we are based solely off donations," she said. "These troops and people really help us to make the children's day at the hospital better."

Girl Scouts of the USA Convene African American and Hispanic Leaders in Washington D.C.

Last week, Girl Scouts of the USA led two major events in Washington, D.C. to help connect with African American and Hispanic leaders from across the country. These events were part of Girl Scouts’ long-standing tradition of advancing diversity and pluralism and engaging like-minded organizations to help promote Girl Scouting for all girls.

The centerpiece of both of these discussions was a report by the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI), The Resilience Factor, which examines how African American and Hispanic girls define, experience, and aspire to leadership. The Resilience Factor found that African American and Hispanic girls are more likely to view themselves as leaders, and also more likely to aspire to leadership than their Caucasian peers. Specifically, the research revealed that societal problems – such as racism or economic disenfranchisement -- can cause African American and Hispanic girls to become resilient and as a result, develop stronger leadership skills. This research is one of several reports that GSRI has published on how girls aspire to leadership, and ensures that Girl Scouts is designing and delivering contemporary, meaningful program that resonates with a diverse range of girls.

Armed with this research, Girl Scouts joined with BET Networks and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) to host a luncheon panel discussion on African American girls and leadership. The program featured GSUSA national board member and Chair of the Coca-Cola Foundation Ingrid Saunders Jones, BET Networks Chairman and CEO and former Girl Scout Debra L. Lee, teen Gold-Awardee Jillian Ross, former GSUSA board member and Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration Marie Johns, Girl Scouts of Connecticut CEO Jennifer Smith Turner, Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) and other business and media leaders. Congresswomen Donna Edwards (D-MD), Frederica Wilson (D-FL) and Laura Richardson (D-CA) also attended and offered brief remarks.

During the event, panelists shared their leadership journeys, and discussed ways to increase leadership among African American girls. Additionally, Girl Scouts was able to connect with leaders from African American sororities, faith-based organizations, businesses, other non-profits, and leaders from across the country to discuss ways to promote Girl Scouting with African American girls.

Also, Girl Scouts of the USA’s CEO-designee Anna Maria Chavez spoke at a plenary session of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s Public Policy Institute. Ms. Chavez was introduced by former Chair of the National Board, Patricia Diaz Dennis, and spoke before 600 Hispanic business, policy, and community leaders. She shared information from The Resilience Factor, highlighted Girl Scouts’ commitment to increasing Latina membership and emphasized the need for greater collaboration between the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and Girl Scouts.

Texas Girl Scouts Share Experiences and Skills With Senior Citizens

In Texas, the San Angelo Standard-Times reports on the mutually beneficial relationship senior citizens can share with youth through storytelling and skill sharing. Area Girl Scouts recognized this decades ago, and created programming around girls visiting senior living facilities.

"They make a connection in their community across generations, which makes a difference in the person's life," said Stacy McGuire, member services-regional lead of San Angelo Girl Scouts' El Camino Service Center.

Different programs have been in place throughout the past few decades. McGuire said that currently, Girl Scouts can earn a "Community Caring" patch, which centers on a positive nursing home experience for the girls. Girls are encouraged to visit nursing homes, retirement homes, and senior centers, and participate in activities such as singing, games or crafts.

"I like to see their faces," said Charlotta Robinson, 15, a Cadette Girl Scout in Troop 5115. "They tell us they're having fun when people come to visit."

Robinson said that she's visited retirement homes four or five times over the past three years, both with Girl Scouts and her church youth group. She said the visits have taught her how important it is for seniors to have family nearby.

"Some of the people there don't have family, and they miss seeing them," she said.

Do Girl Scouts in your area interact with the Senior community?

BET Teams Up With Girl Scouts of USA for Black Female Leadership Panel

The Root reports that for this week's Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, Beverly Bond, the DJ and founder of Black Girls Rock! -- a movement that was first conceived as a T-shirt slogan. brought the movement to D.C. On Thursday she appeared on the panel "African American Girls: Leadership and Resilience," sponsored by Girl Scouts of USA and BET, and hosted the Black Girls Rock! & Soul Tour, presented by Chevy, featuring singer Melanie Fiona and DJ Spinderella of Salt-N-Pepa. The panel was based on a recent study, The Resilience Factor: A Key to Leadership in African-American and Hispanic Girls, a report by the Girl Scout Research Institute that examines how African-American and Latino girls view, experience and aspire to leadership.

The Root caught up with Beverly and asked for her take on the findings.

"I think it's fortunate that a lot of African Americans do aspire to lead because they're often affirmed by their parents, black mamas and other stakeholders in the community," said Bond. "Sometimes that confidence also needs the tools to make their goals come into fruition. Even though our girls are confident, we have to look at whether their aspirations are being realized. We have to look at the numbers in education, where we see that African-American girls' graduation rate is lower than that of other girls. We have to look at the health disparities. We have to look at what's happening in leadership roles in corporate America, where only 5.3 percent of all management professionals are African-American women. Where is that disconnect happening? How are our girls being led astray?"

BET reports that Debra L. Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Networks, along with Rep. Karen Bass of California, Essence magazine Editor-in-Chief Constance C.R. White and other media, took part in the panel along with youth and business leaders.

"Growing up in a community rooted in achievement, making a difference and having a positive impact on African-Americans is something that has always been important to me," said Lee in a statement prior to the panel. "At BET Networks, empowering our young people for a brighter future is at the core of who we are and certainly a big part of the work we do on air and in our community with organizations like the Girl Scouts."

How do you think one's leadership aspirations are affected by being a minority?

Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio’s Scout House has Been Vandalized, Help Needed

The Desert Independent reports that the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio’s scout house has been severely vandalized.

“The damage was immense,” said Erin Stout, vice president of business operations for the council. “We’ve been slowly working towards scout house renovations for several months, and had hoped to be able to reopen it for the girls by next spring. This is going to push our timeline back considerably.”

The vandals broke into the scout house Monday evening, September 19. They smashed the kitchen window and climbed into the house where they proceeded to desecrate the property with graffiti and excrement before finally setting fire to the place.

“It’s heartbreaking to have something like this happen,” said Michele Penn, membership and community development manager for the council’s low desert region. “We have three troops in that area who have been waiting for the scout house to reopen so that they can hold their meetings there.”

If you are in the area and would like to help restore Blythe Scout House, please contact the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council.

Maine Representative Emily Cain Honored by Girl Scouts

Maine's WABI TV 5 reports that The Girl Scouts of Maine gave House Minority Leader Emily Cain the Juliette Award at a luncheon on Thursday. The award is named after the Girl Scouts' founder, Juliette Gordon Law. It's bestowed upon a woman who demonstrates leadership and determination.

Representative Cain says she was honored to be recognized by an organization that meant so much to her.

"When I look back at my childhood, the Girl Scouts is really the first place I can remember in an all girl environment, devoid of cliques from school or socioeconomic stratification and classes, that you really were there just to learn how to become just the best person you can be," said Cain.

She says the lessons and values she learned as a Girl Scout are ones she carries with her to this day.

"Girl Scouts and the Girl Scout Gold Award has Helped Me get to Where I am Today"

Emily Walters takes to the Girl Scouts of Colorado Blog to illustrate how the Girl Scout Gold Award helped her gain success in life. Walters recently worked on the GRAIL satellite project at Lockheed Martin. GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) is a two satellite system that will orbit the moon to analyze the internal structure and lunar gravity. They are relatively small compared to other satellites, about the size of a washer and dryer, and launched toward the moon on September 8, 2011.

Walters was a part of the team that assembled the spacecraft, tested each component of the spacecraft as it was added, and tested the fully integrated system. Prior to the launch, she worked in Cape Canaveral, Florida to do final testing and integrate the GRAIL satellites to the rocket.

"In school and growing up, I was always interested in math and science," writes Walters. "When it was time to decide what I wanted to do for my Gold Award project (one of Girl Scouts most prestigious awards), I knew that I wanted to do something to share my love of math and science... What helped me the most with earning my Gold Award were the team building experiences that I had through Girl Scouts. I had an opportunity to learn about leadership and eventually take the lead. I also had to go outside of my comfort zone while working on my Gold Award, which helped me push my boundaries. I use these skills at work by asserting myself with a team to make sure that GRAIL was ready to go to the moon. On September 8th, I sat in front of a monitor in the Mission Control Center as the rocket counted down to take GRAIL to the moon."

Do you have a similar experience with Emily? How has Girl Scouting helped you in life?

Girl Scouts of the USA and BET Networks Host Panel Discussion: Building African American Girl Leaders

Together with BET Networks, Girl Scouts of the USA and NCTA are sponsoring a panel discussion featuring Debra L. Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Networks, Representative Karen Bass (D-CA), Essence magazine Editor-in-Chief Constance C.R. White, Beverly Bond, founder of Black Girls Rock! Inc and other media, youth and business leaders. The event will explore African American girls’ leadership development following the release of The Resilience Factor, a report by the Girl Scout Research Institute examining how African American and Hispanic girls define, experience, and aspire to leadership.

“Growing up in a community rooted in achievement, making a difference and having a positive impact on African Americans is something that has always been important to me,” said Debra L. Lee. “At BET Networks, empowering our young people for a brighter future is at the core of who we are and certainly a big part of the work we do on air and in our community with organizations like the Girl Scouts.”

In its research, the Girl Scout Research Institute found that African American and Hispanic girls are more likely to view themselves as leaders, and also more likely to aspire to leadership than their Caucasian peers. Specifically, the research revealed that societal problems, like racism or economic disenfranchisement, may actually cause African American girls to become resilient and develop leadership skills.

Fifty-three percent of African American girls desire to be leaders. African American girls want to be the kind of leader who stands up for her beliefs and values (88%), brings people together to get things done (87%), and tries to change the world for the better (83%).

In addition, African American girls in touch with their ethnic identity and religion who maintained positive relationships with parents and family had higher levels of self confidence and greater leadership aspirations than girls who did not.

Hillary Clinton: World Leader, Girl Scout

Joshua Hersh at the Huffington Post reports that on the eve of high-level meetings for the United Nations' General Assembly, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attended an event designed to highlight the importance of women's participation in public life.

Together with a selection of major female world leaders, including Catherine Ashton, the European Union's top diplomat, and Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile and the head of U.N. Women, Clinton put her name to a document calling for developing countries -- especially in the changing Middle East -- to clear the way for women to hold leadership roles.

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is the 67th United States Secretary of State, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama. She was a United States Senator for New York from 2001 to 2009. As the wife of the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, she was the First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001. In the 2008 election, Clinton was a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.

As a child, she participated in swimming, baseball, and earned numerous awards as a Girl Scout! How do you think the next generation of Girl Scout Alumnae will impact the world?

Cleaning up the New Hampshire Coastline with Girl Scouts Coastal Rompers

New Hampshire's Union Leader Correspondent reports that a group of Girl Scouts collected more than 430 pounds of trash along a short section of New Hampshire’s coastline. They joined hundreds of other volunteers Saturday for the annual N.H. Coastal Cleanup, organized by the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation.

Cleanup was conducted at more than 25 sites along the coast and Great Bay. Volunteers not only cleaned the beach but also recorded their findings on data cards to help study marine pollution trends.

The 2010 cleanup in New Hampshire welcomed a record 1,316 volunteers, who collected about 6,489 pounds of trash. The No. 1 item collected each year is cigarette butts. Last year, 23,059 butts were collected, and Girl Scouts said it was definitely the most pervasive item they found this year as well.

The Blue Ocean Society was awarded a grant from the New Hampshire Coastal Program to coordinate the event in the state, with major sponsorship from Waste Management. It is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, the largest volunteer, one-day event of its kind, started by the Ocean Conservancy 25 years ago. Neil Savage, a volunteer with the Girl Scouts Coastal Rompers program, referred to the trash as “animal-choking refuse.”

Mammals, birds and fish die every year from entanglement or ingestion of dangerous debris. Cleanups decrease the threat of debris to marine wild-life, by removing items such as fishing line, nets, plastic bags, balloons, ribbon and six-pack holders that are potentially fatal to wildlife when not disposed of properly. According to the Ocean Conservancy, 62 percent of debris collected comes from recreational activities on or near the water.

Do you have any examples of Girl Scouts helping the environment?

Andover Girl Scouts Meet Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, Discuss Environment

In Massachussetts, Brendan Lewis of the Andover Patch reports that three Andover girl scouts were able to meet Congresswoman Niki Tsongas on Saturday during the River Walk Festival. The girls scouts discussed the importants of the rivers and the enviornment with Tsongas and ideas for community service projects.

WOW! Wonders of Water, from the Girl Scout Leadership Journey It's Your Planet—Love It!, encourages girls to become aware of the many ways they use and enjoy water. As they begin to understand the science of water and its importance in the world, they will also make a personal commitment to protect it.

L'Oreal Awards Five Fellowships for Female Scientists

On September 15, five of America's most promising post-doctoral female scientists received the L'Oreal USA Fellowships For Women In Science Award. This national awards program was created in 2003 to support the advancement of women in science and rewards the most promising post-doctoral female scientists from across the country. This year's awards presentation ceremony was held at the Kennedy Caucus Room in Washington, D.C. The program featured speeches from key congressional supporters of science, technology, engineering and math. These include, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX), Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ).

The 2011 Fellowship recipients are working on breakthrough scientific research, which address critical global challenges that could aid millions around the world. Their research fields include stroke rehabilitation, therapeutic prevention for Alzheimer's, robotics that will improve prosthetic fittings and function, LEDs and colored light creation, and the spread of influenza and other viruses. Each Fellow will receive up to $60,000 to continue their post-doctoral research.

Congratulations to Dr. Trisha Andrew, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA – organic chemist in the field of organic electronics, Dr. Karlin Bark, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA – mechanical engineer in the field of haptics, Dr. Sasha Devore, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY – neuroscientist examining health sciences and technology, Dr. Tijana Ivanovic, Harvard Medical School, with work to be carried out at the University of Colorado at Boulder – virologist in the research field of virus entry into cells and Dr. R. Blythe Towal, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA – biomedical engineer in the field of computational neuroscience.

L'Oreal USA's passion and commitment to science was validated by a nationwide survey conducted earlier this month that found 'Science' is the field that most people (42%) want to see women take a more dominant role in, even more so than 'Finance' (25%) or 'Law' (22%).

How do you see the world changing with more women and girls actively engaged in science, technology, engineering and math?

Girl Scouts Bridging in New Mexico

New Mexico's Cibola Beacon reports that Girl Scout Troop 10252 was busy at their Bridging Ceremony recently. Family and friends joined them in celebrating their achievement. The young ladies sang Girl Scout songs and recited the flag salute and history for the crowd at Milan’s Community Room.

Bridging is an important transition in a Girl Scout's life. It's a defining moment when a girl becomes aware of her achievements and is ready for new adventures and responsibilities. Celebrating this change should be fun, personalized, and memorable for everyone involved. And most of all, it should be designed by the girls in true partnership with adults.

Do you have any fond bridging memories?

New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte Joins Discussion on Girl Scouts

In New Hampshire, The Hollis Brookline Journal reports that Patricia Mellor, CEO, and past president Anne Edwards of Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, joined U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte and U.S. Representative Frank Guinta to discuss issues of concern to girls and Girl Scouting as part of a national initiative known as Girl Scout District Congressional Advocacy Days.

Ayotte, a former Girl Scout, thinks Girl Scouting is important for girls because it teaches them teamwork and to work hard, self-reliance, and civic responsibility and community service.

In recent years, Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains focused its advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., and on the local level on a range of issues affecting girls’ healthy growth and development, including raising awareness about bullying, eating disorders, and advocating for healthier media images of girls and women.

Through Girls Rock the Capitol, a Girl Scout legislative internship, high-school age girls work side-by-side with women legislators to learn about the democratic process from inside the State House.

Last year, Girl Scouts helped advocate for the passage of HB 1523, which updated state laws requiring schools to have policies against bullying, and added cyberbullying.

Death By Chocolate Fundraising Event Coming to Hilton Head, SC

The Island Packet, SC, reports that The Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina's Death by Chocolate will be held on Hilton Head Island. The evening brings together chocolate lovers with those who make the sweet treats. In the past, the delicacies have ranged from chocolate fondue to ribs in a chocolate glaze.

The evening is more than just chocolate. Appetizers will balance out the sweet treats and champagne is poured to wash it all down. A silent auction will offer up restaurant gift cards, movie passes, massage discounts and more.

The goal is to raise more than $10,000. Proceeds go to benefit Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina. For more information go here.

Do you have any creative fundraising event ideas?

New York's Greene County Girl Scouts Helping Out After Irene

New York's Greene County News reports that resulting from Tropical Storm Irene, Girl Scouts in Greenville decided to take matters into the own hands to help their neighbors and fellow Girl Scouts in their time of need.

From August 30 to September 2, Scouts collected everything from food to bedding to cleaning supplies and more to help their mountaintop neighbors who were hit so hard by the storm, and then they loaded up trucks to rush the donations to the shelters.

And with the initial shock of the damage now waning, Scouts are not done yet – they plan to continue their collection effort over the coming weeks.

“The girls called the shelters for daily reports of what was needed and put a call out for those items,” Adult Volunteer Kelly Fagan said. “They even got a breast pump and feeding items for infants. I made sure our girls had the opportunity to lead and learn from this experience and they did a fabulous job.”

For many of the girls, they mobilized their efforts and took action even before electricity was restored to their own homes. Do you have any examples of Girl Scouts helping their communities following natural disasters?

Washington Girl Scouts Earn Silver Award Through Robotics

Four Girl Scouts were awarded the organization's second highest award for helping younger scouts learn about robotics.

Washington's Columbia Basin Herald reports that the four girls, who are members of Moses Lake's First Lego League team, decided to pass on their enjoyment of the competition and have received the Girl Scout Silver Award for helping start a group of second and third grade girls set up a junior First Lego League. The First Lego League is a competition where the girls create a robot using Legos, and program it to complete a set of tasks.

"When we went to competitions for First Lego League they actually got to see other junior teams there at the time and they were asking about it," Adult Volunteer Carol Hohn said. "The biggest core value that fits with Girl Scouts is, 'It's not about how well you did. It's about what you learned.' That part they loved and they wanted to share their love of the league with younger girls."

Each of the girls needed to put 40 hours toward the project to receive the Silver Award, Hohn said. Do you have any examples of Girl Scouts earning the Girl Scout Silver Award?

Lidia Soto-Harmon, CEO, Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital, Talks to CNN en Español

Lidia Soto-Harmon, Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital discussed our organization's successful outreach to Latina girls on Notimujer on CNN en Español. Lidia was selected as the Notimujer Woman of the Week for her work to grow the GSCNC's outreach into the Latino community. Lidia also talked about the successes of Encuentro de las Chicas Latinas de las Girl Scouts, a conference focused on reaching out to area Latinas.

If you watch the clip your Spanish will improve! The program Notimujer is currently available to 25 million cable and DTH households throughout Latin America, and more that 4 million households across the United States. Are you fluent in any languages outside of English?

Slate Defends Girl Scouts Relevance and Reputation

In an article posted on Slate, Amanda Marcotte defends Girl Scouting's continued relevance in the face of misconceptions. She reports that more than a decade ago, Kathryn Jean Lopez of the National Review wrote: "The Girl Scouts' leaders hope to make their youthful charges the shock troops of an ongoing feminist revolution."

Marcotte reached out to Girl Scouts of the USA and was reinsured that Girl Scouting is a beloved American institution which offers millions of girls an invaluable experience. Girl Scouts of the USA takes no stance on matters that we feel are best decided by girls and their families.

"For years, such suspicions swirled in a disorganized cloud, until in the spring of 2010, they coalesced around an urban legend that the Girl Scouts were working with Planned Parenthood to secretly distribute sex manuals to young girls," writes Marcotte. "Almost the moment the myth began to spread last year, the Girl Scouts' national organization circulated a statement debunking it."

Although the statement made little difference with people perpetuating false accounts, Girl Scouts of the USA's position has not once swayed.

Girl Scouts of the USA does not have a relationship with Planned Parenthood on a national level and does not plan to have one.

Scholarship Set up in Honor of Girl Scout

In California, the San Diego Union Tribune reports that a scholarship fund to benefit San Diego County Girl Scouts has been established in honor of Sabrina Keller, a San Marcos teen who died in June.

The Anthony W. & Delores J. De Sio Foundation, a private nonprofit organization, is sponsoring the Sabrina Keller Scholarship Fund. The first goal is to raise at least $5,000 to award $500 scholarships to 10 high school senior Girl Scouts in June, said Darcy De Sio-Rouse, the foundation’s executive director and a Keller family friend.

To be eligible for a scholarship, the Scout must have earned the Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts, De Sio-Rouse said.

Sabrina, 14, collapsed June 9 at a graduation dance at Woodland Park Middle School in San Marcos and died at a hospital. Sabrina’s father, Brian Keller, has said officials told him that toxicology test results were negative and that further tests were being conducted to look for potential causes, such as a heart ailment.

Our condolences are with the family and friends of the late Sabrina Keller.

'Women and Girls Lead Launches'

The Independent Television Service announced the rollout of major national PBS broadcasts for its Women and Girls Lead campaign today. This three-year public media initiative will educate, focus, and connect viewers with more than 50 acclaimed documentaries and with nationwide community and educational events through leading partner organizations including Girl Scouts of the USA, CARE, and others.

Women and Girls Lead will launch its broadcasts on October 11, 2011 with "Women, War & Peace" on PBS. A five-part series executive produced by Abigail Disney, Pamela Hogan, and Gini Reticker, the documentary series examines how women have been disproportionately affected by modern conflict and their unique role in brokering peace.

Jennifer Merin writes for Women's eNews that "September, it seems, began in retrograde: not one of the films opening on Labor Day weekend was directed by a woman. Meanwhile the holiday's big femme-centric feature, the French thriller "Love Crime,"has an older and younger woman--formidably portrayed by Kristin Scott-Thomas and Ludivine Sagnier, respectively--pitted against each other in mortal competition. No siree, sisterhood was not this month's starter."

"However," writes Merin, "September does see the launch of "Women and Girls Lead," a multiyear, multiplatform, global femme-centric cinematic initiative intended to raise consciousness about issues and empower women to take action against gender bias and other social injustice."

How would you like to see the entertainment industry's portrayal of women and girls change?

Do You Have a Favorite Girl Scout Cookie Dessert?

In Texas, The Rancher reports that The Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is inviting people to submit their favorite dessert recipe that features Girl Scout cookies for its 100th Anniversary Just Desserts Cookbook. The special-edition cookbook will commemorate the centennial of Girl Scouts!

Do you have any favorite Girl Scout Cookie Dessert recipes?

Texas Girl Scouts Infuse Fun Into Water Conservation

As the state of Texas experiences a major drought, San Angelo residents are gearing up for a festive tradition — the annual Race on the River. Featuring canoe races and other attractions, the event, sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Central Texas, is now in its 21st year. The San Angelo Standard-Times reports that this year's race has been given a special theme to reflect the times.

"This year, for the first time ever, will be focused on water conservation," said James Pidgeon, community events development executive for the Girl Scouts of Central Texas. "Before it rained recently, the committee said, 'We need to get girls to do the Johnny Appleseed song.' It's a group prayer asking for rain. From there it kind of exploded into, well, we can teach girls how to do this, and ask other partners to get with us. It was an apple seed that sprouted."

The Upper Colorado River Authority and the San Angelo Water Conservation Department will hand out educational materials and prizes at the race. Each sponsor of the event will commit to adopt at least one water conservation method for a year.

James Pidgeon is hopeful for the future of water conservation. "We hope that those who come here walk away with something bigger than racing in the water; we hope that they will become good stewards of the water they have," Pidgeon said.

This year's guests include Angelo State University President Joseph Rallo, San Angelo City Council Single Member District 6 representative Charlotte Farmer, broadcasters from local television and radio stations and other prominent residents.

WOW! Wonders of Water, from the Girl Scout Leadership Journey It's Your Planet—Love It!, encourages girls to become aware of the many ways they use and enjoy water. As they begin to understand the science of water and its importance in the world, they will also make a personal commitment to protect it.

Houston Chronicle Celebrates Girl Scout Adult Volunteers

The Houston Chronicle, TX, has an article about the Girl Scouts' White Oak Service Unit. The volunteer unit comprises six women dedicated to providing the Girl Scout troops it serves with information, resources and support.

"What I've gotten out of it is friendship," said Debra Lewis of the service unit, in which she has been serving for two years. "I love the relationships I've formed with these leaders. You're sharing your talents." White Oak Service Unit serves 44 Girl Scout troops in the areas served by Jersey Village High School, Cook Middle School and Post, Gleason and Bang elementary schools. As of last May, the unit's troops had 471 girls and 180 volunteers.

These days, the Girl Scout experience is not limited to participating in a troop.

Girls can do that, but they also have the option of choosing other Girl Scout Pathways, according to Mariana Almanza, a membership manager with the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. "The Girl Scouts really want to engage girls of all ages, kindergarten through 12th grade, and of all backgrounds; so we're offering a more flexible experience."

A Girl Scout can try one or more of any of the organization's Pathways: camp, troop, event, travel program, series - which could include a class or multiday workshop - and online. Girls also can choose the Pathways' program opportunities, including horseback riding, sailing, drill team, archery, backpacking, rifling and health and safety.

"If they want to be in Scouts, girls and volunteers can do it for a weekend, or for a lifetime," Almanza said. "I like that it is girl-focused," she said. "For me, that really was the selling point. The whole point of the program is to guide girls."

Girl Scouting could not exist without adult volunteers. Do you have an adult volunteer you would like to give a shout out to?

Help First Lady Michelle Obama and National Geographic Kids Break the Record for the Most People Doing Jumping Jacks

Join First Lady Michelle Obama--the official Jumper in Chief--as she kicks off National Geographic Kid's attempt to break the record for the Most People Doing Jumping Jacks. Kids and adults can help break the record by doing one minute of jumping jacks. To gear up for the October 11-12 attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record for the most people doing jumping jacks, National Geographic Kids created a video of people, including Girl Scouts, from around the planet jumping. Take a look and find out how you can join the jump, too!

Let's Jump! is the National Geographic Kids movement to get kids outdoors and live an active, healthy life.

Between 3 p.m. ET October 11, 2011, and 3 p.m. ET October 12, 2011, join National Geographic Kids and First Lady Michelle Obama to break the record for the most people doing jumping jacks. All you have to do is one minute of jumping jacks!

Horse Camp in California Inspires Generations of Girl Scouts

The Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council Blog reports that since its inception in 1940, several generations of Girl Scouts have grown up with horse camp at Camp Azalea Trails.

Most of the girls who attend the camp don't have any other access to horses. Twenty percent of them are foster children for whom the horses are an invaluable form of therapy. The relationships they build with these beautiful creatures helps them to overcome their shyness and uncertainty and mature into confident, responsible young women.

Unlike private luxury camps, where it's just about putting on a saddle and going for a ride, the girls at Camp Azalea Trails must care for each horse's needs, from feeding and grooming to mucking and raking. They learn what it is like to be completely responsible for the well-being of these animals on a much deeper level. It's a unique experience they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Thirty-four-year-old Meridith Rhea attended her first horse camp at Azalea Trails when she was in 5th grade. Today Meridith is a professional in the field of necropsy and works closely with the California racing board. She diagnoses illnesses and injuries suffered by racehorses and works to prevent them from spreading to others.

How have your earliest Girl Scouting experiences shaped the person you are today?

Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Kicking off Nut and Magazine Program September 30

The Dispatch, KY, reports that Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont will kick off its annual nut and magazine program September 30.

From September 30 through October 16, Girl Scouts from local troops will ask families, friends and community members to place an order for nuts and magazines. Products will be delivered between November 9-30.

All proceeds support local Girl Scouts and provide start-up money to new and existing troops in the community. Approximately 3,500 girls participate in this activity. The money earned will allow girls to take trips, support troop activities, attend camp, participate in regional, national and international destinations and conduct community service projects.

This year, the nut and candy varieties include chocolate-covered pretzels, almonds, raisins and peanuts, as well as whole cashews, cranberry nut mix, fruit slices, salsa mix, peanut butter dreams, deluxe pecan clusters, honey roasted peanuts and hot cajun crunch. Prices range from $5 to $7.

Anyone interested in purchasing products who is not contacted by a Girl Scout can email contact information (name, address, ZIP code and phone number) to fallproduct@girlscoutsp2p.org.

The Resilience Factor: A Key to Leadership in African American and Hispanic Girls

Today, Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Designate, Anna Maria Chavez, addressed the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and released key findings about Hispanic girls by the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI). In “The Resilience Factor: A Key to Leadership in African American and Hispanic Girls,” Girl Scouts found that African American and Hispanic girls aspired to leadership more than Caucasian girls and had more frequent and more positive leadership experiences.

“For 100 years, Girl Scouting has built girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place,” said Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Designate Anna Maria Chavez. “With five million Latinas age 5 to 17 in the US, Latinas are the fastest-growing demographic group. This research will help Girl Scout indentify the best way to serve all girls in the Latina community. ”

According to GSRI, African American and Hispanic girls not only aspire to leadership more than Caucasian girls and have more frequent and more positive leadership experiences, but also rate themselves higher than Caucasian girls on key leadership indicators such as overall self-confidence. They also appreciated qualities such as creativity, caring, and problem solving.

Interestingly, many of the social and cultural challenges facing African American and Hispanic girls – racism, inequity, and injustice – are the very factors that increase their resilience and capacity for leadership. Many Hispanic and African American girls overcome difficulties and excel. Girl Scouts’ research identified three main factors that affect Latina girls’ resilience - the girl herself, her family, and the community that provides her support.

Understanding that not all African American and Hispanic girls are resilient, the GSRI research further explores the family, school, community, and cultural protective factors that help develop girls who are considered resilient in the face of stressors, assisting youth-serving organizations in engaging African American and Hispanic girls and young women in leadership development.

Japan Marks 6 Months Since Earthquake, Tsunami

Up and down Japan's devastated northeast coast, survivors prayed and communities came together Sunday to mark six months since the massive earthquake and tsunami struck on March 11, a date that changed everything for them and their country.

New York's Times Union reports that as the world commemorated the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks, Japanese parents hung colorful paper cranes for their lost children and monks chanted in front of smashed buildings. Thousands also marched in the streets to demand that the country abandon nuclear power because of damage to the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant.

The magnitude-9.0 earthquake produced the sort of devastation Japan hadn't seen since World War II. The tsunami that followed engulfed the northeast and wiped out entire towns. The waves inundated the Fukushima plant, triggering the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl. Some 20,000 people are dead or missing. More than 800,000 homes were completely or partially destroyed. The disaster crippled businesses, roads and infrastructure. The Japanese Red Cross Society estimates that 400,000 people were displaced.

In March, Girl Scouts of the USA encouraged girls to make origami cranes (Sadako) to send to their sister Girl Scouts in Japan as expressions of friendship after the devastating earthquake and tsunami. In Florida, Girl Scout Senior Troop 457 took the call to heart, and made 1,000 cranes to send to Girl Scouts in Japan. They started making the cranes in June and continued during each meeting over the summer.

Do you have any examples of Girl Scouts reaching out to those whose lives have been disrupted by disasters.

A Message on Behalf of Kathy Cloninger - Remembering 9/11

Today marks the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Ten years is a long time in the Girl Scout Movement; many of our current members had not been born when 9/11 happened, and many others were too young to have retained any solid memory of the event. It seems appropriate, on this anniversary, to take a moment to consider these millions of girls and ask ourselves what is important for them to know about this event they cannot remember.

We teach our girls that they matter, that each of them has a place in the world that is hers alone. Through Girl Scouting, they learn what it means to make the world a better place through their actions. It would be good for girls to know about the sheer goodness and bravery this horrific event brought out in everyday people. Within minutes of the fall of the World Trade Center, for example, a swarm of tugboats and ferries and pleasure craft converged on the tip of Manhattan Island to rescue people from the site and carry them to safety. It was the largest peacetime waterborne evacuation in American history.

No one told the masters of those boats to do that. No one told passersby on the street to drop what they were doing and rush to try to help, and no one had to tell the police and the fire fighters on the scene to do their duty. They did it, all of them, because they saw what needed to be done and took action.

Our thoughts today are with all of you, with our nation, and in reverence for those who passed away as a result of 9/11. Our thoughts, as well, are with those continuing to support those affected by 9/11, those defending our democracy, those who keep the light and the memory of the fallen alive—and those everyday people who opened their homes and their hearts and risked life and limb, whose names we may never know.

This is courage, confidence, and character. May we and our girls remember that even at the worst of times, it is possible—and very important—to make the world a better place.

Kathy Cloninger, National CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts Offer Aid to Central Texas Wildfire Victims

Girl Scouts of Central Texas reports that Girl Scouts, volunteers and staff are responding to the massive wildfires that ravaged through Central Texas this past weekend. Donations are currently being accepted at the Kodosky Program Center in Austin and Camp Texlake is open to evacuees who may need shelter.

Starting next week, Oak Hill Service Unit will show thanks to more than 100 firefighters by providing dinners to their local firehouses. Established in 2002, the initiative - known as the Firehouse Challenge - sets to feed every firefighter in the Austin, Round Rock and Georgetown area. The challenge will honor the memory and service of the 9/11 first responders and recognize the work of the Central Texas wildfire firefighters.

The 2011 Texas wildfires are an ongoing series of wildfires that have burned over 3,582,000 acres across Texas. The fires have been particularly severe due to the ongoing 2011 Southern US drought covering the state. Exacerbating the problem is a unusual convergence of strong winds, unseasonably warm temperatures and low humidity. On Labor Day, 500 homes were destroyed in and around Bastrop, TX, by a particularly lethal wildfire. Firefighters from more than forty-three states have been involved in the operation to combat the fires.

Our thoughts go out to anyone impacted by the Texas Wildfires.