Results tagged “Girl Scouts of the USA” from GSSA Leader Blog: The Virtual Volunteer

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In celebration of World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD), Girl Scouts can receive a free water test kit while earning credit toward the Get with the Land or Water Drop patches just by registering for both WWMD and National Public Lands Day! Registration is free for both programs.

To receive a kit, troops must register with WWMD and indicate that they are affiliated with National Public Lands Day (NPLD), or register with NPLD and indicate that they are affiliated with WWMD. Simply checking the respective boxes while registering can do this.  Kits will be shipped between July and September while supplies last.

Questions? Contact Jacqueline Connell with the Water Environment Federation at jconnell@wef.org with questions.

In 2006, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) developed a partnership with World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD). Through the WWMD program, Girl Scouts learn about the quality of their local waters by testing for dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and turbidity (or clarity). These parameters represent basic elements that help determine water quality. Girl Scouts then submit their data into the worldwide database, where it is included in the annual WWMD report produced at the end of monitoring activities performed each year.

Girl Scouts of the USA launched a national campaign with the girl-centered journey, It's Your Planet--Love It!, that includes eye-catching, interactive activities and games and information that we know your girls will explore and love. 

This is a great resource to use particularly if your troop is working on this journey.

Have your girls join in on the fun and check it out: www.girlscouts.org.  You may want to play around on it as well, we certainly did!

We all have been watching closely the events that have taken place in Haiti, and so many of us have been affected by the stories of tragedy and heroism that have emerged.  I was particularly touched when I learned of a Girl Scout who was pulled out of the rubble only to later die as a result of her injuries.  This hits close to home for those of us who feel a bond of sisterhood with our fellow Girl Scouts.

GSUSA is working to temporarily suspend the policy prohibiting Girl Scouts from raising money for other organizations. We will inform you of any action; meanwhile, please work through local community groups to assist in earthquake relief efforts. 

Read more about this brave young girl's tragic story and learn how you can help those in need in Haiti.  Please join me in keeping those affected by this devastating event in our thoughts and prayers.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Dr. Liz Brent

CEO

The Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) 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.  

Do you think this study reflect the attitudes and behaviors of our girls in southern Alabama?

GSUSA is seeking applications from young women interested in representing GSUSA at the 2010 Young Women's World Forum. The Young Women's World Forum, organized by Girl Guiding UK in collaboration with WAGGGS is the first of three events for girls and young women taking place throughout the centenary celebrations.

The Young Women's World Forum takes place between October 19 - 24, 2010 in London, England and is open to two young women ages 18-25 (at the time of the event) from each Membership Organization. E-mail globalgirlscouting@girlscouts.org with questions.

Please submit the application form to Mary Anne Brutkiewicz at the Mobile Service Center by November 25, 2009.