Happy Holidays!

I will be away from blogging for a few days to enjoy some down time with my family! Hope everyone has a wonderful time.

Enjoy,
Josh

Weekend Run-Down

Hello - Here is one last Weekend Run-Down before Holiday madness ensues!

• The Houston Chronicle has a fantastic Op-Ed about the leadership opportunities provided to young women through Girl Scouting by Rosi Hernandez - Girl Scout alumna and volunteer - definitely check it out.
• Cookie Season has started for many!
• The Salt Lake Tribune reports on Girl Scouts attending a flag raising in memorial of wounded soldiers.
• ABC-KSFY has a great video up reporting on The Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota receiving a very special donation on Sunday.
• The Sayville News in Sayville, New York, has a story about Scouts completing the final phase of the Lead On Badge requirement by interviewing an accomplished woman leader.
• In Pennsylvania, Brownie Troop 33234, Daisy Troop 30386 and Daisy Troop 30176 filled and shipped gift boxes for soldiers stationed overseas. The boxes including donated food, clothing, other supplies and treats. Read about it in Northeastern Pennsylvania Times-Leader.

Have a great day!

Focus on Cookies: Lemonades

As a result of Wednesday's cookie post, I've found myself craving another type of Girl Scout Cookie that isn't quite as famous as the Thin Mint, but just as good: Lemonades. Well, what is a Lemonade exactly? According to GirlScoutCookies.org:

"Lemonades were introduced in 2006 and are shortbread
cookies stamped in the shape of a sliced lemon with a tangy lemon icing."

I managed to get my hands on a box of these yesterday, and they definitely do not disappoint. Needless to say, I ate the whole box! However, if you are more of a chocolate fan, be sure and check out the Thanks-A-Lot cookie. They are like Lemonades, only chocolate. Now, back to work.

Happy Eating!

World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Tackle Climate Change in Copenhagen

Today, a fantastic look into the leadership opportunities provided by Girl Scouting - stateside and abroad...

For two weeks this month, ending tomorrow, government representatives of almost all 192 member countries of the United Nations have gathered at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in the beautiful city of Copenhagen, Denmark, to negotiate and agree upon a way forward on how to tackle Climate Change.

As non-governmental members of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) along with 19 young volunteers from around the world have observed these proceedings - three of those delegates being young volunteers from Girl Scouts of the USA. Emily-GS of Heart of Hudson, Sarah-GS of Kentuckiana and Maria- GS of Black Diamond were selected to be members of the WAGGGS delegation to Copenhagen. The WAGGGS delegation ensures that the youth voice is heard in the Conference and that decision-makers are aware that it is today’s youth who will face the consequences of their decisions. In addition, Becca from Girl Scouts of the Nations Capital was selected as one of four young people to represent the United States at the Children’s Climate Conference that was hosted by the United Nations Children’s Fund from November 28 – December 5, 2009. Youth from over forty countries gathered in Copenhagen to establish an infrastructure of young global citizens who understand their role in finding solutions to global concerns, to advance young people’s understanding of global issues, and to provide a platform for them to discuss and advocate on these global issues. Be sure to check out Becca’s blog.

In related news, the 19 youth representatives have received a major boost from The UPS Foundation, who join WAGGGS as a founding partner of the Global Girls Fund. The UPS Foundation’s commitment $2 million over the next five years will support WAGGGS to carry out a range of programs, including creating platforms for girls and young women to learn, engage and have a voice on environmental issues that affect their communities, countries and the world.

Congrats to everyone involved in this excellent work!

It's a Hit: Thank U Berry Munch!

While most people I know name drop either Thin Mints or Samoas /Caramel DeLites as their favorite Girl Scout Cookies - I have recently been converted to the magical powers of our new cookie, Thank U Berry Munch. I am not alone! This morning, The Morning Journal in Cleveland, OH, has a write up about Thank U Berry Munch, while also mentioning the success of The Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio's Cookie Program - it states:

"During the 2008-09 cookie sale, Girl Scouts sold more than
2.5 million packages of cookies in 18 counties in Ohio."

My personal review of Thank You Berry Munch:

"Thank U Berry Munch tastes like an excellent pecan sandie, with cranberries and white chocolate chips to boot. By far my favorite Girl Scout Cookie - Five Stars."-Josh

What is your favorite Girl Scout Cookie?

GSRI Study Draws Diverse Coverage

As previously reported, The Girl Scout Research Institute released its latest study, Good Intentions: The Beliefs and Values of Teens and Tweens, on December 2. I'm happy now to show off some great coverage the findings have gotten all over the country. Some of that coverage includes local newspapers such as the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey, which interviewed GSUSA's own Kimberlee Salmond. A choice quote:

"There's clearly a generational change taking place," said Kimberlee Salmond, senior researcher at the Girl Scout Research Institute and lead author of the study. "These young people strongly value diversity, acceptance and civic involvement, and almost across the board they're more committed to these values than their predecessors were 20 years ago."

Next, head over to NBC Channel 13 WREX-TV in Rockford, IL, and check out some recent Good Intentions TV coverage. Also around the country, a number of councils have blogged about the study. Anna Maria Chávez, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, used her blog on the San Antonio Express-News to discuss the study. In it she states that,

"...while many youth have good intentions about making responsible choices, they
need help connecting these desires to action. It is our responsibility to help youth actualize their intentions and keep them focused on their goals, to support youth by discussing with them their decision-making process rather than placing judgment, to treat their personal struggles with respect, and to value their voices by asking questions about their lives and engaging them on issues that matter to them..."

More great blog work in Texas - Etta Moore, Chief Executive Office of Central Texas, blogged about the study on the website for the Girl Scouts of Central Texas. In her posting, Moore relates the findings to some fantastic Girl Scout initiatives:

"The Forever Green project we are piloting allows girls to take lead on environmental projects and initiate a sustainable change in our communities. The Girl Advocacy Network helps girls learn how to impact laws at the local, state and national level. And last but not least, the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards provide project road maps for girls to make the world a better place through a cause of their choice."

If you see any Good Intentions stories popping up in your communities, let us know!

Girl Scouts Team Up With U.S. Green Building Council, Work Together to Green Our Nation’s Communities

Today, I am extremely pleased to announce a really cool partnership: Girl Scouts of the USA has joined forces with the U.S. Green Building Council to help girls take action on improving the environment and their communities by promoting green schools.

GSUSA will team with the USGBC to leverage local Girl Scouts Forever Green projects as part of USGBC’s National Green Schools Campaign. Specifically, girls will work with USGBC volunteers throughout its extensive chapter network to develop and use their leadership skills to significantly impact the environment by working in schools and throughout their communities to save energy, conserve water, increase green space, improve air quality and reduce waste.

“The environment—protecting it, preserving it, and understanding it—is a tremendously important issue to today’s girls. This new partnership is a great opportunity to combine their passion and energy with USGBC’s knowhow and organization to make a significant difference in the future environmental footprint of America’s schools,”

said Kathy Cloninger, CEO, GSUSA.

Green schools cost less to operate, freeing up resources to truly improve students’ education. Across the country, school districts large and small are realizing the benefits of green schools. Students, parents, teachers and community members are making the difference, by letting decision makers know they want their schools built, operated, and maintained green. The Green Schools Campaign provides a natural way for Girl Scouts to apply their environmental lessons in their own educational community.

USGBC is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC launched the National Green Schools Campaign in 2007, with the ambitious goal to provide a green school for every child in America within a generation. Through this campaign, USGBC supports federal, state and local initiatives that advance the green schools movement.

“Through our partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA, we have the potential
to reach and inspire millions of girls – America’s future leaders – to impact
the way school buildings are designed, built and operated, enabling a healthier
and environmentally responsible built environment for future students and
teachers,”

said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC.

Tens of thousands of Girl Scouts throughout the country are engaged in environmentally friendly projects in their communities as part of the Forever Green initiative. Forever Green projects are part of a range of activities leading up the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts in 2012. Let us know how Girl Scouts in your communities are helping to make positive impacts on the environment!

Girl Scout Steps in to Save Music Program

Recently, due to lack of funding at Granite Valley Middle School in Monson, MA, the music program is in jeopardy of being dropped from the school's curriculum. Showing fantastic leadership and initiative, Girl Scout Amanda Davey has made "Monson Musical Instrument Drive" her Girl Scout Gold Award project. To date, Amanda's project has brought in over $5,000 dollars worth of monetary gifts and musical instruments to benefit the music program at Granite Valley Middle School. If that alone isn’t cool enough, her efforts also captured the attention of Do Something and VH1 Save the Music Foundation who awarded Amanda a $1,000 grant for her school's music program (and a Rock Band Video Game system, and a Fender guitar!). If only every school had a Girl Scout going for her Gold.

Do Something and VH1 Save the Music Foundation said recently in a letter to Amanda,

"...We wanted to let you know that the judging panel and the Do Something team
were blown away by what you did."

So are we. Congratulations, Amanda.

Amanda is still working on the goals of her Gold Award project. If you have a musical instrument you'd like to donate, please let us know, and we'll forward it to Amanda!

Weekend Run-Down

Welcome back to the Weekend Run-Down. It's been a while, so let's get back to it:

• In New Mexico, The Las Cruces Sun-News is reporting on three Las Cruces Junior Girl Scouts for bringing some needed Christmas cheer to area homeless and near-homeless children.
• In Binghampton, NY, Action 12 News reports that a holiday open house - including a giving tree - highlights the Girl Scouts mission this Holiday Season.
• The Kansas City Star has a story about members of Girl Scout Troop No. 110, who have completed the work necessary to receive the Bronze Award. The girls worked with the new Kansas City chapter of StandUp For Kids, a nonprofit that helps homeless children ages 12-18.
• On Nov. 14, Scouts in Bedford, NH, picked up bags full of food for this year’s "Scouting for Food Drive". In total, the scouts collected over 9,500 items of food. Read the entire story here.
• A story that's been reported on this blog previously, which still has legs - The Delaware News Journal is reporting that The US Green Building Council has issued its first "platinum" certification in Delaware to a Girl Scouts science lodge in Hockessin.
• The Pueblo Chieftan is reporting on Colorado Springs Girl Scout Nikki Saucedo. Saucedo recently received her Gold Award for her involvement in Operation Smile - an international organization that has treated more than 135,000 children and young adults with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities...

Enjoy.

Girl Scouts Gearing up for the Holidays in DC

Here is the first of many Holiday posts surely to come.

First, head over to The Washington Post to see a gallery of this year's Holiday Decorations at The White House. Keep an eye out for blue ribbons that say rejoice, renew or respect - in multiple languages no less! They were made and decorated by Girl Scouts.

Next, check out an incredibly uplifting story in The Maryland Gazette about members of a Girl Scout Troop in Rockville, MD - all of whom have varying disabilities. As a Girl Scout troop activity, the girls have been taking dance classes in the Rockville-based Metropolitan Ballet's adaptive ballet program since last spring. This year they will dance as toy soldiers in a single performance of the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre's production of The Nutcracker at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center at Montgomery College's Rockville campus.

While you're at it, please share what's going on in your communities surrounding the Holidays this season.

Girl Scouts Releases New Study on Youth and Ethics

The Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) has just released its latest study, Good Intentions: The Beliefs and Values of Teens and Tweens Today. It’s a fascinating look at how young peoples’ beliefs and values on a range of issues from lying and cheating to drinking and smoking have changed over the last 20 years. The study is nearly identical to one Girl Scouts commissioned in 1989, and a comparison of the two shows a marked shift toward more ethical and responsible beliefs and values among teens and tweens.

Nearly two out of three young people (62 percent) surveyed in 2009, for example, say they would not cheat on a test compared to about half in 1989. Fifty-eight percent say they would refuse an alcoholic drink if offered one at a party. That’s compared to fewer than half (46 percent) in 1989. And only 18 percent say they believe smoking is acceptable if a person finds it enjoyable. In 1989, more than a quarter of those surveyed thought smoking was acceptable.
And teens today appear to be quite tolerant of others and more civic-minded. Compared to 20 years ago, youth today are more likely to say they intend to vote in the future (84 percent vs. 77 percent), as well as give to charity (76 percent vs. 63 percent). Some 79 percent say they will volunteer in their communities. Make sure you check out the full study, and be sure to share your thoughts with us. Does this study reflect the attitudes and behaviors or girls in your communities?