girl scouts of the colonial coast
Throughout Girl Scouts’ nearly 107-year history,
the organization has accumulated a strong knowledge base and significant
expertise on girls’ development and needs. This expertise has been used to
create innovative programs that provide girls with a rich and meaningful Girl
Scout experience. While being the best leadership experience for girls is of
prime importance, Girl Scouts also take on the responsibility of sharing this
expertise with a larger community – locally, on a state level and federally,
helping ensure that all girls have the support they need to succeed and that
girls’ voices are heard.
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| GSVS CEO Nikki Williams, Del. Cheryl Turpin, GSCCC CEO Tracy Keller, American Evolution Statewide Community Engagement Coordinator Kristin Ritchey, GSCV CEO Molly Fuller. |
That’s why Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast
(GSCCC) joins other councils who serve girls in Virginia to host the Virginia
Girl Scout Legislative Day in Richmond, Virginia annually. Select members that
include Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Board Chairs, along with girls on
leadership tracks, travel to meet with legislators and share information from
our legislative
agenda. Our goal is to have Girl Scouts viewed as the expert on girl policy
issues and bring attention to the need for: increased girls’ involvement in science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM), strengthening of girls’
entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills, expanded access to outdoor
experiences and ways to prevent relational aggression, and improved ways to
build healthy communications within our schools and communities.
In addition to speaking with legislators, members
were invited to be seated in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate galleries for
introductions. The GSCCC members were introduced by Delegate Cheryl Turpin, a
Girl Scout alum. Senator John Cosgrove hosted Girl Scouts for the open house in
the Pocahontas building and introduced Girl Scouts from the Senate floor. After
introductions, all viewed the remaining proceedings via broadcast in a House
committee room while having lunch. A tour of the Capitol ended the day for most
of the guests, with CEOs and Board Chairs, joined by a few staff, staying to
attend a late afternoon Troop Capitol Square reception.
This special troop mirrors the Girl Scouts’
Honorary Troop Capitol Hill, a troop comprised of all female members of
Congress who advocate on behalf of girls. Just as national representatives are
inspiring role models for Girl Scouts within the nation, our state legislators
and policymakers can impact girls’ lives in so many ways.
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| GSCCC CEO Tracy Keller, Del. Marcia Price, Girl Scout Cadette Emily, Girl Scout Cadette Elsa, Girl Scout Senior Kai, Girl Scout Ambassador Lily. |
As part of the Troop Capitol Square reception
agenda, a pinning ceremony was held to rededicate Girl Scout alum and a new
statewide Girl Scout patch was launched, Explore American Evolution, Virginia
to America Girl Scout patch. The statewide Engagement Coordinator for the
American Evolution 2019 Commemoration, Kristin Ritchey, was invited to speak as
a representative of the agency. Created in collaboration with the Commemoration
agency, this patch helps Girl Scouts discover, connect and take action in
recognition of the 400th anniversary of events
in Virginia which continue to define America. These events have shaped the
democratic process, cultural diversity, historical traditions, and the
entrepreneurial spirit of the United States. The patch details and requirements
can be found on each
Council’s website. Patches will soon be available for purchase in Council
shops.
Find information on the American Evolution Commemoration here.
Click here to view more photos.
