Girl Scout Troops of Southern Alabama collected and donated
one pallet, 76 cases, 912 cans of Honey Roasted Nuts,
valued at $4,560
to Operation Troop Aid.
It's ALL Thanks to You and Your Girls!
This is the time of year when Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance march can be heard in the air. People are moving on, they are moving toward their future, their goals, and hopefully, achieving their dreams.
I used to sit at graduation exercises watching students cross the stage and think, I'm glad this one is moving on. While most of them provoked the thought, this one will be moving out of my daily life and existence, and I will miss them. I imagine that many of you have the same thoughts about the girls in your care. Some of you will remember the challenges, helping girls face their demons and move out of their comfort zones.
As they bridge to the next level, move to a new troop or move out into the world, there is a sadness coupled with an exhilaration that life is moving all too fast. A few weeks ago a very kind volunteer sent me the nicest note outlining the council staff that she really appreciated and thanked me for their good work. As your girls face their next adventure, move on to different challenges, and have the confidence and courage to move out of their comfort zones, it is important to know that you have played an important part in their life. You have helped make them a person with character. Remember, commencement is a beginning, not an end. Thank you for all you do.
]]>I frequently have volunteers say to me that it must be really fun working for Girl Scouts, and frankly, most of the time it is. But there are pieces and parts of the job, like any work, that is difficult. Sometimes that occurs on Monday morning after a weekend program, other Mondays our telephones are ringing with complaints from parents about other volunteers;this is no fun.
The topic usually focuses on the volunteer taking responsibility for a child, then not paying attention, resulting in something happening that might not have, had the volunteer been paying attention. I was recently at a large event where the leaders were talking to one another, while the girls were doing all sorts of things they should not have been on someone else's property. We have had girls lost at events, in a group outing with insufficient numbers of adults with them, wandering away, or asking to participate in activities for an older age girl. The majority of the guidelines for the Safety Activity Checkpoints are based on experience across Girl Scout councils across the U.S., meant to maintain the safety of all the girls involved.
After a Monday morning, with a few of these phone calls from irate parents, I always wonder, what is better -- another volunteer stepping up keep girls safe, or these close calls and near misses where their troop leader isn't paying attention. I want to applaud those of you, and there are many of you, who see what needs to be done and do it, whether it is your girls or someone else's. Thanks for taking responsibility. It happens frequently, often gently, and with the girls' best interest in mind.
Please don't misunderstand: I certainly recognize you are working with girls and attending events on your time off. You need some down time, and you have taken on the responsibility of not only your own child, but also many others. Some adult conversation during these two-day events is welcome, but I encourage you to pay attention. If your attention is drawn elsewhere, have a co-leader or parent monitor the girls while you are busy.
Often Girl Scout activities are in locations where girls can be hurt, even if you are paying attention. But if you aren't, the likelihood of something going wrong increases geometrically. If you are at a large event and have parents attending, it might help to assign each parent a small group of girls to keep track of. Thanks for all you do to shape the lives of those you pay attention to and care for.
]]>Do you ever wonder why we collect all this end of the year paperwork? Do you believe it is like some of your term papers in college and wonder if someone really read this? With the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, there were many changes made by the IRS to not-for-profit reporting for tax purposes.
Each year, we file a voluminous tax return that comes right from our audit, and last year, we were asked to voluntarily provide troop account information to our auditors. This happened at the last minute, just as you were getting started in the fall. After a voluntary request, we received about a 10 percent response with your troop account information. Thanks to those of you in that 10 percent, we appreciate it.
This year this information will be required by the IRS and our auditors. You ask yourself, why is it any of our business? Essentially, each troop account operates under one tax ID number, which is assigned to our council, as a whole. The council and the hundreds of troop accounts in this council all use the same IRS tax identification number. All of that information is now required to be reported in our financials and our audit. To assist in this process, our volunteer services team has created a Google form that you can fill out and submit. If you do this in a timely fashion, we will give you a small credit in the council shop.
Other councils are moving to an easier way for everyone to operate where individual troop accounts are authorized only by the council through a master agreement with the bank. As we work to comply with the laws Congress lays out for us, we will work on ways to make it easier for you to provide what is necessary for us to continue to operate as a recognized not-for-profit.
]]>Where did the year go? It is almost May, and you are too busy for words. There's graduation, end of the year picnics, thinking about what to do with the kids for the summer? Its spring and the lawn is calling, but who has time for that with sports back in action, consuming your Saturday morning. Then there's the Girl Scout trip with the cookie funds to be planned, coordinated and taken. Oops, camporee, too; where will it all fit in? There are too many things to do and not enough hours in the day.
Last week was National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and I want you to know that we value you, our volunteers. We value who you are, that you take the time from your busy world to work with Girl Scouts. We value your time, which is precious and insufficient most days. We value how you teach girls to become contributing citizens in your community and your world. We value that you share what you have to offer to girls so they too can become leaders. You shape our future with your gifts.
We want to take just a minute in this really hectic time of year to thank you for who you are and what you do. Thank you.
]]>This is a great time of year if you work for Girl Scouts, because you have the opportunity to get outdoors and ready for camp. It is always the highlight of my year, as I get to spend time working on things to enrich the girls' summer camp experience. Some of the projects are in the early stages, others are not quite underway, but we'll get there.
At this time of year, I like to check with the rangers to see what wildlife we have on our properties. So far this year, we have had three rattlesnakes on three of the four camps. The only camp we haven't seen a rattler on yet is Kamp Kiwanis.
Last year Kamp Kiwanis had a rattlesnake, which is fairly unusual and likely the result of their habitat being destroyed with the tornado. A few years ago, when we timbered Camp Humming Hills, the guys working on the timber project said they saw a jaguar with two cubs. Recently, Wanda Smith, the ranger's wife was on the property and saw two jaguars. They are incredibly elusive, to see them would be a tremendous gift, as their range is huge.
In an effort to document our wildlife, we will be putting in some trophy cameras. They take photos of movement, even at night. They do that with an infrared flash, so they don't spook the wildlife. I'm hoping we will have some fun and education about what lives at the camps when we aren't around.
We have one zip line installed at Kamp Kiwanis, and some of the board members took their fiduciary responsibility seriously and tried it the afternoon before the annual meeting. We are intentionally installing the zip lines at girl level, and if they enjoy them, then we will look at putting more in higher places. Right now, we have the test line in, and once we figure out how that works, we will install a few at Camp Scoutshire Woods. For girls waiting to use the zip lines, since there's always a line at such things, we have a slack line, much like a balance beam made of a narrow tape between two trees. It's the new hot thing on college campuses.
Paul Wright, the ranger at Kamp Kiwanis spent a large chunk of his time this winter clearing out the trees between the Pioneer Unit bathhouse and the lake to build a beautiful new dock for the sailing program. This will keep the sailboat traffic and canoe traffic separate. We also have more stand-up paddle boards headed to both Kamp Kiwanis and Camp Scoutshire Woods.
]]>Did you know, girls can do anything? Well, they can. I'm always stunned and amazed at what our girls accomplish.
I was talking to a leader a couple of weeks ago who told me about one of her girls who attending a military academy. After not liking the school to begin with, she has grown to love it and looks forward to her career in the military. I believe that many of the abilities she developed as a Girl Scout were put to good use because the skills girls build as Girl Scouts serve them throughout their lives.
Micha, one of our girls, participated in the "Be It" contest for "Above the Influence," a program designed to discourage the use of drugs. We were pleased to be informed recently that her slogan was selected as one of the best. Her entry was "Fly Above All Expectations." Her slogan went to a New York ad agency to have a design added to it. It will be used in outdoor advertising in our council. What a good illustration of being "girl led." When you see this billboard, know that it was a Girl Scout -- a girl who can change the world!
]]>This is the time of year when we start planning for next year. It seems way too early for that, since we are still in the midst of this year, and I'm not sure graduation is clearly in sight yet. But this is when the planning starts.
We collect feedback from volunteers on SNAP about the cookie program. We conduct evaluations at the end of programs, such as Girls Rock Mobile. Sometimes we use Survey Monkey to solicit your perception of events, like the annual meeting. We use that data and feedback, as well as staff experience, to formulate plans for the coming year.
Our strategic direction is always the same from year to year. Our board of directors, at its very first meeting four-and-a-half years ago, determined the direction; it is GIRLS FIRST. It is our task each year to serve as many girls as possible. We work to provide the best leadership experience we can through the curriculum and opportunities we have available. Each year, as we have funds available, we continue to improve properties for girls to experience more in the outdoors. It is incumbent on us to use what scarce resources wisely for the greatest number of girls.
Although we are a smaller council than many, we are
fortunate to have a number of resources that serve us well. We have had a communications strategy that
has served, as well. Over time we have
tweaked this strategy predicated on your feedback. GSSA Weekly is meant to be forward looking,
focused on upcoming opportunities.
SWAPS is a printed document meant for our constituents, including
parents, volunteers, alumnae and benefactors.
We work to leverage as much as we can on line, so you have those
materials at your fingertips. As we
work to continue to make improvements, we are interested in your feedback on
how to continue to serve GIRLS FIRST.
-- by Melinda Stallworth, GSSA Director of Advancement
Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama's 17th annual
Women of Distinction luncheon was held on Thursday, March 15, at the Montgomery
Renaissance Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center. Nearly 300 guests came
out to celebrate the accomplishments of women who are doing amazing things in
our community.
Women of Distinction honorees are role models whose
professional accomplishments, leadership and community involvement inspire girls
to reach their highest potential. This year's honoree, Liz Sutton, is president
of Alabama World Travel and Sutton & Associates. Her accomplishments,
affiliations and dedication to helping others serves as a great example of
service to family, career and community.
Highlights from the afternoon included a meet and greet
reception with guest speaker Robin Meade, anchor of HLN's "Morning Express with
Robin Meade" before the luncheon. Troop 9334 did an excellent job presenting
the colors during the flag ceremony. They also presented tokens of appreciation
to former honorees who attended the luncheon. We are grateful for the parents,
volunteers and girls who participated to make our event a success within our
council and our community. Montgomery mayor, Todd Strange, brought greetings on
behalf of the city while Robin shared messages about having self-confidence,
appreciating your uniqueness and despite obstacles, continuing to strive for
success. Participants were also thrilled to spend personal time with her
chatting and taking photos during the book signing. We are also proud to mention
that both our honoree and guest speaker were former Girl Scouts.
Special thanks to all of our sponsors and volunteers who
helped make the afternoon a success. On behalf of the more than 9,000 Girl
Scouts in Southern Alabama, thank you for your commitment to building girls of
courage, confidence and character.
To see photos from the event, click here.
After one hundred years, Girl Scouts is going strong, and why is that? Because of you! You're the best! We can't say that to you often enough. We are all glad the cookie program is over and excited about another year of a 10% increase in sales. You have managed to do that the past three years! How amazing are the girls of Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama? Well, pretty amazing!
The spoils of the cookie program go to the girls. Here's how... We signed the contract today for a new restroom at the horse stables at Camp Scoutshire Woods, which I refer to it as the pretty potty. No more port-a-potty if you go to horse camp. The dock on the island at Scoutshire is almost done. There are six stand-up paddleboards en route to our camps, three for Scoutshire Woods and three for Kamp Kiwanis. The girls that tried them last year loved these boards, so we're giving girls more opportunity to try them. The new sail loft is under construction at Kamp Kiwanis, and we are going to test some low zip lines for Kamp Kiwanis and Scoutshire Woods. We also have purchased a slack line for each camp. We have replanted Humming Hills and have been working on the buildings to ensure they will be around for a long time to come. Time for the girls to have some fun with the extra monies they earned!
We are happy to continue to have some great girl events, because that is why we all do this work. We have more 600 girls signed up for the Girls Rock Mobile event this weekend. Our fund development staff has been out getting all sorts of things to make the event a huge success. One of the events we think will be stunning this year is the 100th anniversary Centennial Bridging Ceremony at the Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery, which features a beautiful huge wooden bridge the City of Montgomery will close for us on that day for that event. Bridging has been an important part of Girl Scouting since its earliest days, so if you want to participate in a once-in-a lifetime bridging event, sign up for that one. If we're lucky, one of our Juliette Gordon Low descendents will be there!
We know that many of you will be using your cookie earnings for great trips. Rock the Mall keeps getting bigger and better. There's a large Girl Scout event at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and we have we have a number of troops attending the Mississippi council event. Thanks for all you do to make the world a better place!
As I read the many articles in newspapers, e-mails that I receive from other councils, and publicity we receive, it is clear Girl Scouts are still going and going strong! I've been entertained by the many events and activities girls are doing throughout the country for the 100th anniversary. And I'm excited about our own events and activities.
Just yesterday, I had the pleasure of enjoying the Mobile Museum exhibit of 100 Years of Girl Scouting. What a tremendous display it was! Kudos to our heritage committee for their gift of talents and time to show our girls and the community Girl Scouts through those 100 years. We will have parts of that display and more for an exhibit in Old Alabama Town in Montgomery, and we are working on finding secure locations for the exhibit in the Wiregrass and Auburn/Opelika area.
What transcends all these articles, events, news releases and programs is that Girl Scouts has taught girls to be leaders for 100 years. When you look at who was a Girl Scout, it is clear that leadership with these girls is not new. In fact, leadership comes through when you read the many stories about women and what they did with their Girl Scout experience.
Girls have been taught skill building throughout these 100 years. At first, it might have been about how to build a fire. In fact, it is still about how to build a fire, but some of the badges are about cooking and guess what; some of the badges that were popular to begin with are still popular now. With the changes in girls, there are badges on robotics, computers and a variety of other things that didn't exist when Juliette Gordon Low was alive.
One of the hidden values in being a Girl Scout is having a relationship with another adult who isn't a parent and might not be a relative. I have heard Girl Scout alumnae of all ages talk about how much their troop leader shaped their live. I've heard of troops that continue to meet, and even 30 years later that is an annual meeting they make sure they attend. It is important for you to recognize the impact a troop leader can have on the life of a girl. And as an educator, I realize that often that isn't recognized until years later.
Recently on National Public Radio, they did a piece of the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts. One of the values they discussed was the importance of girls getting along with other girls in a troop setting. For anyone that has done a cookie booth, maybe things aren't always even in life, but learning to share, understand what others are good at, and how to cope with frustration is also a valuable life lesson.
We should celebrate! Girl Scouts makes the world a better place, and now we are starting our second century! Thanks for being a Girl Scout!
]]>Girl Scouts of
Southern Alabama is honoring Liz Sutton at its annual Women of Distinction event on Thursday,
March 15, 2012 in Montgomery. Press Rep Cheyenne sat down with Mrs. Sutton
recently to find out more about our honoree. For more information
about the Women of Distinction event or to purchase tickets, click here.
Courage, confidence, character, warm, friendly and successful are a just a few of the words I would use to describe Liz Sutton, Girl Scout alumna and honoree for the Girl Scout Woman of Distinction 2012. It was a pleasure for me to interview her, and you can meet her too.
Press Rep Cheyenne: I
wanted to start out saying that I am so honored to be meeting you since you did
get woman of the year. Were you ever a girl scout?
Liz Sutton: Absolutely!
PRC: How many years?
Oh my goodness, now I realIy don't know but when I was at St. Bedes I was a Girl Scout. That is where I got to go camping. I was one of nine children so we could not spend the night with friends because there were just too many kids for mom and dad to keep up with. That's where I learned a lot of things and I loved to earn badges and I kept a spiral notebook. And I wrote down everything I learned and I still do that today. I still write down things and that is how I learn. I wrote it down and go back and read it and I tend to remember it. I attribute a lot of my success to my good foundation with Girl Scouts.
PRC: Do you think
Girl Scouts played a role in your success?
LS: Absolutely, I think what they did is they opened my eyes to the world. My world consisted of my family life and school and church. So sewing and photography and mechanics and all the things that were outside of my world I was exposed to in Girl Scouts. So I often wonder how I would have learned about them. And then meeting other people and doing fun things together but also memorizing the Girl Scout promise... Just learning, you know, that God and our country is important and that serving other people is important. You learn at school. You learn at church. But to learn it in a social environment like that with your friends was great. And then I learned to sell. I was a great cookie sales person. And I love
PRC: You have worked
with the small business resource center and chamber of commerce. What are the
must-have skills for someone aspiring to start a small business?
LS: Great question...alright Cheyenne let's think. So what I think it takes to start a business is a great passion for whatever you want to do. You have to love it so much that when times get tough it doesn't matter. To me it is not work. I love what I do. I love to serve. I love to take care of the clients. And I love the travel industry. It's great to have a career you are passionate about. Cause if you are passionate, your clients will pick-up on that passion and they will be attracted to it. And you will enjoy it more. You'll serve them better. So I think passion is number one.
Number two is a very strong work ethic. Number three is to have a good business mind. Be good with dollars and cents. Be able to keep a budget. Be able to watch your pennies. And be able to think outside the box. Everything is not just here and neat and tidy. If it was then everybody would be doing it. So you've got to find your niche. [The Small Business Resource Center is] an excellent resource. How do you know about that?
PRC: Research. It was
in your bio.
LS: Ah, very good, very impressive.
PRC: Thank you. What
classes do you think kids taking now, that they probably don't like and don't
see the use for, are going to need in the future? What do you say to those
people who actually don't think there is a job out there that you can use it?
LS: Okay, you'll laugh at this first one...but typing. I though typing was a waste of time. But you have to understand that back then we didn't have the computers. And I just didn't understand why anybody would want to take a typing class. Two weeks after I graduated from Catholic High...my dad hired me in the travel business and I was typing flight schedules with flight numbers and departure times.
The other one is math. I love math. And math teaches you good logical thinking skills and problem-solving skills. And I think because of my math background I'm very creative when there's challenges in this office. When there is a problem, I love it. Most people shy away from it and don't want to get near it. I embrace it. You have to uncover all the facts. Then I have to put the pieces together. I like to help people think logically through it and come up with creative solutions.
PRC: I am so happy to
hear you say math because right now I have an "A" in it and people say don't
need it any more.
LS: You will never believe how good math is for you 'cause it gives you a lot of good logic.
PRC: What advice
would you give to Girls Scouts and to girls in general that you think would
help them in their life and what they want to succeed in?
That's a million dollar question. Okay, I would teach them so much. One is that you are a child of God and you are every bit as important as every other person in this world. When I first started in business it was a man's world and I was an inferior person to them. I was intimidated by them when I would go to talk to them. But I had to go meet them because I needed to get their business in order to be successful. And when I got married I realized my husband is a normal guy. These guys are probably normal too. And that was when I started realizing, I may be a woman in the South but I am every bit as professional and competent as they are. I may not have as many years' experience as they do but I am still valued and should be respected. I had to respect myself and who I was. Hold myself up high
PRC: Why do you think
Girl Scouting was important to you?
I think it taught me so much about life. I learned so much being in a big family. But I think Girl Scouts opened the world to me and taught me there is so much more out there than I realized. And I learned about friendships and I learned about respecting adults. Which I learned from my parents but it was reinforced in Girl Scouts. And we would have speakers come and talk to us. And then I learned about arts and crafts. I didn't know anything about arts and crafts till then. And I started making dolls and little things. So I think that gave me some hobbies. It wasn't just about me or about my little world in this bubble. There's a great big, old world out there. So it was awesome.
PRC: I think your job
shows you love this world.
LS: I do. I do. I love people and I love this world.
PRC: And I want to
say thank you for allowing me to interview you.
Or you can click here to listen to the interview (this large file make take a few moments to load)
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