The Virtual Volunteer

Each year on February 22, girls participate in activities, games and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries.

The theme for World Thinking Day 2009 is girls worldwide say "we can stop the spread of AIDS, malaria and other diseases." World Thinking Day is part of the WAGGGS Global Action Theme (GAT) based on the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which aim to improve the lives of the world's poorest people.

This year, girls voted and selected Costa Rica, Fiji, Ireland, Jordan and Kenya to represent the five regions of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)--Western Hemisphere, Asia/Pacific, Europe, the Arab region and Africa. World Thinking Day not only gives girls a chance to celebrate international friendships, but it is also a reminder that Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a global community--one of nearly 150 countries with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Visit http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/global/world_thinking_day/default.asp for great activity ideas for making 2009 Thinking Day a meaningful and empowering experience for your girls!

Auburn vs. Tennessee Men's Basketball Game on February 7.  Scouts are invited to attend for FREE; parents/friends of Scouts can attend for $5 (cash only) to sit in the Scout section.

Make a troop poster and win a prize!  Wear your Scout uniform and cheer for the best team (hint: they wear orange and blue).

You must sign up with this form, and the registration date is Jan 28 -- but it could close earlier if it fills up! 

Entry deadline February 15, 2009
Each year, in affiliation with The Library of Congress Center for the Book, River of Words conducts a free international poetry and art contest for youth on the theme of watersheds. The contest is designed to help students explore the natural and cultural history of the place they live, and to express, through poetry and art, what they discover. The contest is open to any child in the world, from 5-19 years of age, and there is no charge to enter. Learn more

Girl Scouts of the USA, Motorola Foundation Identify Three Keys to Engaging Girls in Science and Math

A study examined three keys to successful programs that engage girls in science and math concepts:
1.Make it real. Girls discover by doing, and experiential activities open girls' eyes to the ways science and math affect their everyday lives.
2.Make it relevant. Programs that use real-world examples in a project-based format more effectively engage girls.
3.Make it possible. Relationships with role models and mentors, especially females, made a significant impact on girls' perceptions of their ability to excel in STEM careers.

The article has a lot more interesting information.  Here's the link for more information: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/12/prweb1725474.htm

I was reading about a post-realignment Girl Scout council that has so many unhappy volunteers they wound up in the local newspaper.  The story goes on to note the three councils weren't financially solvent when the realignment occurred.  It was one of those moments when I was grateful to be in Alabama.

Clearly, realignment here created some difficult issues, but we have tried to work through those challenges one at a time, keeping the girls at the center of the focus of all we do.   I realize we still need to work on certain areas, but I feel like we have made significant progress.   For example, we are trying to replicate good programs from one area of the council across the remainder of the council.

When I came to Alabama, a longtime staff person told me the volunteers were the heart of the work.   I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people in this position.   Those I have met have been interested in providing the best for the girls they serve.   They know that it isn't about them; it is about shaping our future through sharing with the girls we have the opportunity to touch.   As I read this article, I was grateful for the volunteers in southern Alabama.   Most can see the larger picture of what Girl Scouts is about, where it is going and most important, have been supportive.

I want this to be one of the best Girl Scout councils in the US.  Cooperation, good ideas, resourcefulness and hard work are all part of what it takes to create one of the best councils in the US.    I was buoyed to have GSUSA send an e-mail yesterday asking if they could use some of our materials to illustrate how to shape good volunteers.  We are slowly making progress toward becoming one of the best through ideas, good programs and sharing knowledge of success with others.   I am grateful for that; sharing in this context is the highest form of flattery.

Having the wisdom, support and sharing the wealth is one of the secrets to making this one of the best councils for the girls of southern Alabama and beyond.  I am grateful for your hard work and partnership in this endeavor.   Thank you.

Sincerely, 

Elizabeth M. Brent, Ph.D.
CEO