Celebrate! Thoughts from our CEO

Spring is coming soon (perhaps not soon enough as today is cold and windy day!) and when this time of year rolls around, our Council becomes focused on a highlight of our year – Celebrate!, our annual Council meeting and adult recognition event.

This year’s event will recognize the amazing contributions of volunteers all across our Council.  Volunteers are the engine of Girl Scouting, and without your commitment and dedication of time to our mission and girls, we would not be able to accomplish all that we do – and girls would not have the opportunities to learn, grow and succeed.  I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at this year’s event!

Recently, we had a unique opportunity to be part of change that’s needed so that girls can thrive.  Last month, GSCSNJ joined with the American Association of University Women NJ Chapter, Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt (District #6), Congressman Donald Norcross (District #1) and other community leaders at a press conference to raise awareness about the issue of pay equity.   Financial literacy is a core component of Girl Scouting, as the 5 basic skills girls learn through the cookie program teach foundational money management and business skill.  As I said in my remarks that day, our success with girls is predicated upon the notion that the playing field is equal, and that girls will have equal opportunity to earn equal pay when they enter the workforce.  Sadly, the statistics show us that this isn’t the case and that means the future of our girls is at risk.  I believe it is our responsibility to shine a light on this issue to raise awareness and to show girls that speaking on issues can start a ball rolling to make meaningful change.  Isn’t that what Girl Scouting is all about isn’t it? 

Our volunteers help girls discover the gifts, talents and interests that make them special.  As adults, we show girls by our example how to lead; how to make choices that honor our individual values, beliefs and goals while at the same time respecting those of others; how to advocate for our ideas and passions while being a sister to every Girl Scout; and how to take action to make our communities better.  And, we show them how learning can be fun – through the variety of activities and adventures Girl Scouting provides. 

It’s truly an honor to work with so many dedicated volunteers.  On behalf of all the girls of our Council, thank you!