Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 30, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast highlights the many different ways Girl Scouts are active across the country. Check it out.

• Florida's Naples Daily News reports that local Girl Scout leaders created new pathways that trade the traditional "troop" meeting method for a series of standout projects that appeal to a new generation of young female leaders. Funding from the United Way of Collier County helps the organization reach girls in high-risk areas and allows this life changing opportunity for all girls.
• Virginia's Sun Gazette reports that to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts in the United States, Association 60 of Alexandria-Arlington voted to pool their service hours as part of “100 Service Projects for Girl Scouts’ 100th Birthday.
• The Community Voice, CA, reports that Girls Scout troops from Sonoma and Marin counties hosted scouts from the United Kingdom in honor of the organization's 100th anniversary. The girls embarked in a number of activities around the Bay Area and Sonoma County.
• NorthJersey.com reports that Amanda Swajger, a 2012 graduate of Jefferson Township High School and member of Girl Scout Troop No. 1764, recently completed her Girl Scout Gold Award by giving handmade stuffed penguins and storybooks to children at Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown. Through earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, Amanda said she learned the value of perseverance and hard work.
• California's Mission Times Courier reports that local Girl Scout troops have been busy cleaning up the coast, sending care packages to military units overseas, and earning top honors along the way. The article is a run-down of Girl Scout activity benefiting the community.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 29, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast has so many great stories, it's almost unfair to afford them only one post, but we will try! Check it out.

• Michigan's WDIV TV reports that Detroit's own "America's Thanksgiving Parade" is one of the oldest and most celebrated parades in the country and second in size only to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York City. Girl Scouts had an awesome 100th Anniversary Float. Video at the link.
• What would the world be without life-saving Girl Scouts? Milwaukee's FOX 6 NOW reports that seventh-grader Arianna Carella was awarded with the Girl Scouts National Lifesaving Medal of Honor for demonstrating courage, confidence and character. She saved her Grandmother's life - video below.
• CBS Sports reports that The San Diego State women's basketball team will conduct its annual Girl Scouts Night when it faces USC on Friday, Nov. 30. All fans wearing Girl Scouts attire will be given a free general admission ticket when checking in at the Girl Scouts' table. In addition, the Girl Scouts are scheduled to present colors and perform the national anthem prior to the game.
• In New York, The Citizen reports that a half dozen Girl Scouts ranging in age from 9 to 13 were beaming with excitement and laughter over their annual Thanksgiving activity. Two Girl Scout troops gathered to help those in need and lend a hand to a local cause that they said means so much to them.
• Also in New York, the Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow Patch reports that The Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson enjoyed a memorable visit recently from Air Force Tech Sergeant, Kim Overturf, who came in person to thank GSHH for sending over cookies to the USO and their unit through Operation Cookie Drop program. Overturf is a Girl Scout alumna herself, and presented the GSHH with a U.S. flag.
• Last but not least, Forbes has an article titled, "5 Lessons Girl Scouts Can Teach Women Entrepreneurs About Social Media". It's fantastic! Also fantastic is the announcement on Yahoo! that Girl Scouts of the USA has been selected Overall Grand Champion and Category Champion in the large business division, nonprofit category, as part of the 2012 Social Media Leadership Awards, the first global competition to honor organizations that have overcome challenges through the use of social media.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 28, 2012

From a new CEO in New Jersey to an inaugural Glow Dance in Iowa, there is no shortage of Girl Scouts in the media today. Check it out!

• In New Jersey, The Star-Ledger reports that Betty Garger of Sparta has been named president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. Garger has worked for the Girl Scouts for 25 years, holding positions as assistant executive director, communications director, fund development director, product sales director and membership manager. She is currently the chief operating officer of GSNNJ.
• Ohio's Dayton Daily News reports that U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East received sweet treats thanks to the efforts of the Tipp/Bethel Junior Girl Scout Troop 30732 and Jim Mason, a pediatric dentist. The troop collected 150 pounds of Halloween candy from the fourth and fifth grade students at L.T. Ball Intermediate School. The project earned the troop a Bronze Award.
• In Missouri, St. Louis Today reports that local Girl Scouts will learn leadership skills as they begin the Fall Products Program booth sales. The Girl Scouts will sell candies, nuts and magazine subscriptions and learn skills necessary for leadership including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. They also will learn about online business as they sell products online that will ship directly to the customer or gift recipient.
• New York's Democrat and Chronicle reports that Taylor Frankenburger is on track to become a top-seller with more than 850 boxes of cookies sold, the most of any Rochester-area Girl Scout this year. Frankenburger gets satisfaction out of knowing the proceeds from her sales go a long way toward funding the troop’s activities, trips and merit badges.
• Iowa's De Moines Register reports that Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa held their first Glow Dance at the mall. Under a disco ball and sporting glow-in-the-dark bracelets, the girls enjoyed a chocolate fountain, cotton candy, popcorn and door prizes. The event celebrated the Girl Scouts’ goodwill and hard work throughout the past year.

Calling All Girl Scouts: The White House Equal Futures App Challenge

Do you know any Girl Scouts who use apps on their smartphones, tablet computers, or other mobile devices? If you do, the White House has a fun and educational challenge for them! The Equal Futures App Challenge asks girls to create an app that promotes civic education and/or inspires other girls to serve as leaders in our democracy.

Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, will serve as a judge in the White House's Equal Futures App Challenge, alongside some great people like Jack Dorsey, creator and co-founder of Twitter, Representative Barbara Ballard, Andrew Shue, co-founder of dosomething.org, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and many more. Notable apps will be highlighted on the White House website and in the White House blog. For more on the challenge, go to http://equalfutures.challenge.gov/

Building on President Obama’s challenge at the UN General Assembly in September 2011, the United States will be working with countries around the world as part of a new international effort – the Equal Futures Partnership – to politically and economically empower women.  

Individuals can submit their app on http://equalfutures.challenge.gov/ until January 12th, 2013 at 12:00am EDT.  Individuals whose app will be hosted in an app store must submit the app to the store by January 12th, 2013 at 12:00am EDT.  Individuals should submit screenshots or video of their working app as well as a link to the app itself.  Please provide continuous access to the app, a detailed description, and system requirements.

Quotable: Anna Maria Chávez in Fast Company

When asked by Fast Company's Anya Kamenetz about the role of innovation in Girl Scouts centennial year, Girl Scouts Of The U.S.A. CEO Anna Maria Chávez states:

"The biggest lesson I learned in my first full year in office was that even a 100 year old organization can innovate. Our anniversary could have been a few birthday cakes, but what we wanted to do was go external in a big way for the first time, be a convener and engage a national conversation around girl leadership. Girls continue to sit in classrooms and opt out, not raising their hands because of the perceptions it may create. They continue to get bombarded by unhealthy media messages about how they should look or act. We launched a cause campaign called To Get Her There, to create balanced leadership across all sectors in one generation of girls. We're asking adults to educate themselves on the issues impacting girls, and then advocate: stand up and volunteer, or donate. We have 59 million women alumni--70% of women in Congress, 80% of small business owners, and almost every single woman who's flown in space."

Read more here: Fast Company

Girl Scouts of Greater New York Marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Twenty-five members of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York marched near the front of the 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 22, 2012.

They were selected because the Girl Scouts of Greater New York is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013. The group included girls from across the city. You can learn more about the Girl Scouts of Greater New York here! at www.girlscoutsnyc.org.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 26, 2012

From coat drives to science workshops, Girl Scouts are active across the country. Check it out!

• In Texas, Your Houston News invites people to experience fun and amazing science at the “The World of Science” – a free Family Science Night at on Jan. 18, 2013. The event, sponsored by SMS Science and Robotics Club in conjunction with Girl Scout Kalpana Vaidya’s Girl Scout Gold Award project, aims to introduce families to science and how much fun science can be. The World of Science will feature at least 15 hands-on activities focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Activities are designed to engage children and their families in science exploration.
• In Connecticut, The Hartford Courant reports that until last month, many gravestones lay buried under dirt and grass behind the Connecticut Humane Society's headquarters on Russell Road. That's when Girl Scout Troop 10487 launched a community service project to unearth the memorials and clean up the pet cemetery.
• WNEP 16 NEWS, PA, reports that a local Girl Scout troop is doing its part to keep drivers awake and alert on the roads. Girl Scouts from Troop 1116 set up shop at a rest stop off Interstate 80 west near Danville Sunday, serving food and drinks to those who were driving home from visiting friends and family on Thanksgiving.
• Also in Pennsylvania, My Pequea Valley News reports that Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania has awarded Erika Phillips, of Gap, the Girl Scout Gold Award. For her project, Erika cleaned, sanded and refurbished 32 picnic tables and benches in the Salisbury Community Park. Read more here.
• Georgia's Newnan Times Herald reports that Girl Scout Troop #12345 of Coweta needs help in collecting new or gently used winter coats to help those in need. Coats may range in size from infants to adult sizes. The Girl Scouts will also accept hats, mittens and gloves, and scarves.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 21, 2012

Today's coast to coast is as heavy on text as it is on substance. Check it out!

• Ohio's Pickerington Sun-Times reports that each year at this time, the Violet Township Fire Department and the firefighters' union, IAFF Local 3558, through their "Annual Holiday Toy Drive," call upon the goodwill of Pickerington-area residents and businesses to help put smiles on the faces of area children in need. Girl Scout adult volunteer Rhonda van Arsdale said her troop, comprised of eighth-graders, is participating in the event as part of its requirement to-wards obtaining the Silver Award, the highest award a Cadette troop can earn at their level.
• Also in Ohio, Dayton Daily News reports that U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East received sweet treats thanks to the efforts of the Tipp/Bethel Junior Girl Scout Troop 30732 and Jim Mason, a pediatric dentist. The troop collected 150 pounds of Halloween candy from the fourth and fifth grade students at L.T. Ball Intermediate School. The project earned the troop a Bronze Award.
• Maine's WABI TV5 reports that Girl Scouts from seven central Maine troops rolled up their sleeves in a kitchen recently to help others. They met at Messalonskee high School to bake 200 pies, many from scratch. The treats will be served at the annual public Thanksgiving feast served at the high school on Thursday.
• The Northwest Indiana Times reports that Twenty-five years ago, local Girl Scouts placed a time capsule packed with memorabilia at the Hammond Public Library in honor of the organization's 75th anniversary. Now as Girl Scouting turns 100, four of the Scouts involved with the capsule project in 1987 gathered at the library Tuesday to open it.
• The Cassville Democrat reports that local Girl Scouts recently participated in a founder's day birthday celebration for Juliette Gordon Low, which included Dr. Seuss-themed activities. Girls also participated in the council-wide community service project, Birthday in a Bag." The evening ended with a viewing of "The Lorax" and treats.

Girl Scouts Selected Grand Champion of the 2012 Social Media Leadership Awards

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has been selected an Overall Grand Champion and Category Champion in the Large Business division in non-profit category of the 2012 Social Media Leadership Awards, the first global competition to honor organizations that have overcome challenges through the use of social media. The Social Media Leadership Awards, presented by Knowledge@Wharton and Social Strategy1, and supported by Ernst & Young, announced the category winners and overall grand champion of the competition, which honored 18 organizations that demonstrated success in overcoming a challenge through the use of social media, including Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, The Vanguard Group Inc., Adobe, and others.

“This award is wonderful acknowledgement of GSUSA’s increasing efforts to utilize technology and social media to further engage girls, and I am so proud of our team and their work,” said Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. “We know that girls are deeply invested in the digital space, and social media enables us to foster a greater sense of community among Girl Scouts around the country and globe.”

Not only are today's girls actively engaged online, they also aspire to someday be at the forefront of the rapidly evolving technological business landscape. According to the Girl Scout Research Institute study Generation STEM: What Girls Say aboutScience, Technology, Engineering, and Math, 74 percent of teen girls are interested in STEM subjects and the general field of study. Further, a high 82 percent of girls see themselves as "smart enough to have a career in STEM."

During its monumental 100^th anniversary year, GSUSA has committed itself to building girl leadership in the next century. This year, GSUSA launched ToGetHerThere, the largest, boldest advocacy and fundraising cause dedicated to girls' leadership in the nation's history. To match, Girl Scouts has launched a $1 billion philanthropic campaign for girls to fuel this effort and to fund opportunities that enable girls to lead.

"In 2012, we decided to step up our social media strategy," said Philip Bae, director of interactive marketing at GSUSA. "During our 100^th Anniversary year, we consolidated our efforts, expanded our engagement in the digital space, and used social media to increase membership and start a national conversation about our girl leadership program."

No Two Girl Scouts Alike in Delaware Parade

Girl Scouts everywhere have a long-standing tradition of participating in local parades! More than 200 Girl Scouts representing 28 troops from Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council recently marched with the theme "No Two Alike" and the girls sang "Here Comes Suzy Snowflake". Just like snowflakes, no two Girl Scouts are exactly alike.

Joining them as an honored guest was State Representative Bethany Hall-Long, who wore a long white cape sewn by Girl Scout Adult Volunteer Penny Hill, designed to match the white outfits worn by all the girls. The Middletown parade is a long-standing tradition and Girl Scouts have marched in this parade for decades. Check out more photos here.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 20, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast kicks off on the west coast and winds up in the east. Check it out!

• The Times Standard in California reports that following an unfortunate turn of events, the Girl Scout community in Humboldt County came together to help a fellow Girl Scout. Look here for more.
• Wisconsin's Marshield News Herald reports that The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has awarded Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL) with a $10,000 Community Action Grant. This two-year grant provides start-up funds for new projects that address needs of the community, develop girls’ sense of efficacy through leadership and advocacy opportunities and promote education and equality for women and girls.
• Pressconnects.com reports that The Discovery Center in New York is now host to an exhibit of books, photos, uniforms, patches and a variety of other items on display to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts. Books including Girl Scout Pocket Songbook, Cooking Out of Doors, Primitive Camp Sanitation and Scouting for Girls offer a look at what scouts learned more than 40 years ago.
• The Oakland Press, MI, reports that America’s Thanksgiving Parade happens in one day on Thursday, Nov. 22. But it is a celebration that takes all year to create and not only embraces yearly traditions but people from America’s past, present and future including the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, which has a special place in this year’s parade.
• In New Jersey, The Sparta Independent reports that Betty Garger, of Sparta, was recently appointed as president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. “I am honored to have been selected by the board of directors as the new president and CEO and look forward to taking on this new position and continuing the great work we do to build strong, confident young women in our community,” said Garger.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 19, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast highlights the diversity of Girl Scout activities across the country. Check it out!

• WCHS Radio in West Virgina reports that The Black Diamond Girl Scout Council wants to put a stop to bullying. Their program 'BFF,' or Be a Friend First, kicked off Friday morning at Capital High School in Charleston. Statistics show one in three girls ages 12-18 say they have been bullied at school. More than 160,000 students miss school each day around the country because they're fearful of being targeted by bullies.
• Florida's East Lake Patch reports that local Girl Scouts helped out at the recent ISPS Handa Legends Tour LPGA Legends Open Championship. The LPGA Legends golf championship benefited the Girl Scouts in a big way: All proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. The Girl Scouts organization is celebrating 100 years of scouting this year.
• The New York Times reports that The American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and local military families inked up for an event at the Red Cross National Headquarters this Saturday. The project: handmade holiday greeting cards for members of the military.
• Chicago Tribune Business reports that in Buffalo, NY, Girl Scouts are diving into the digital age with Girl Scout Cookie Sales. For the first time, this fall Girl Scout troops here are using readers that attach to smartphones and tablet computers to accept credit card payments for their cookies.

Anna Maria Chávez Celebrates One Year as Girl Scouts of the USA’s Chief Executive Officer

Since stepping into her role as Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of the USA, Anna Maria Chávez has enjoyed a monumental amount of success. Below are some highlights!

CNN caught up with Anna Maria Chávez and Girl Scouts of Nassau County to discuss a new curriculum of badges designed to teach Girl Scouts everything from good credit to budgeting to the ins-and-outs of saving and investing.

Katie Couric and Robin Roberts delivered a segment on Good Morning America celebrating the rich 100-year history of Girl Scouting while praising Girl Scouts of the USA's declaration of 2012 as Year of the Girl. "Girl Scouts isn't unique in undertaking this endeavor," writes Couric on her blog. "But the new CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, Anna Maria Chávez, who is the first Latina to head the organization, told me that Girl Scouts are uniquely positioned for this goal. After all, most women business leaders and 11 of the 17 women in the U.S. Senate were Girl Scouts."

President Barack Obama took to YouTube to discuss the importance of Hispanic business for renewing the American economy and also congratulated Anna Maria Chávez for receiving the 2012 Chairman's Award from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Fast Company reported that since taking the reins as CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, Anna Maria Chávez has been trying to put a new spark into her organization, which officially celebrates its centenary this year. "We have to be where girls are," says Chávez. "Girl Scouts was founded 100 years ago. We need to update the organization and our model, or else we're going to lose people."

Chávez was an honored speaker at Fast Company's InnovationUncensored event in New York City on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. The event embodies the ethos of brands that are at the forefront of innovation.

Forbes reported that the new CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, Anna Maria Chávez, has a bold goal. She wants to close the leadership gap between men and women within one generation. To accomplish this goal, Girl Scouts is initiating a multi-year campaign called ToGetHerThere. Anna also took to Forbes to discuss opportunities and leadership gaps.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported that Anna Maria Chávez, chief executive of the Girl Scouts of the USA, is leading the organization in celebrating its 100th anniversary this year—and looking ahead to its future.

Chávez’s appeared on CNBC’s Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo to discuss the organization’s initiative to provide girls with financial education. Check it out here!

In The New York Times Chávez reports that the Girl Scout cookie box is getting a major makeover — for the first time in more than a dozen years — to better tell the story of what girls learn from selling cookies.

“It’s a better vehicle to tell the story that we are the best leadership program for girls in the world,” said Anna Maria Chávez, the organization’s chief executive, who was appointed as head of the 2.2-million-member organization last year. Together with the first cookie box overhaul since 1999, the Girl Scouts will begin the multimedia “This Is What a Girl Can Do” campaign with public service announcements on radio and television, print ads and new and refreshed Web sites.

Cookie sales have increased more than 3 percent in each of the last three years. Last year, 214 million boxes were sold, for a total of $787 million, up from 207 million boxes and $760 million the year before.

Stay tuned for what is sure to be another fantastic year for Anna Maria Chávez!

Women Who Mean Business: Lidia Soto-Harmon

The Washington Business Journal reports that  Lidia Soto-Harmon has come a long way from witnessing poverty in Ecuador and El Salvador as the child of missionary parents.

As CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital, the second-largest council in the U.S., she has brought record membership and corporate contributions to the organization. Soto-Harmon, 49, also orchestrated a gathering of more than 250,000 Girl Scouts on the National Mall earlier this year to celebrate the organization's 100th anniversary, raising more than $2.5 million for local girls.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 15, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast is overflowing with awesome! Check it out.

• Davia Temin, first vice president of Girl Scouts of the USA's National Board and president and chief executive officer of Temin and Company, Inc., has a column in Forbes titled, "The Aftermath -- Business Communication Rules for Recovery from Hurricane Sandy". Temin is a global "reputation strategist" -- working at the highest levels to help create, enhance and save reputations for a number of years. The column is definitely worth reading.
• AOL Sporting News reports that A 700-acre campus being developed for a Charlotte area Girl Scouts council has been named after the late Dale Earnhardt after the Dale Earnhardt Foundation awarded the council $2 million for the project. The Dale Earnhardt Environmental Leadership Campus will serve as an outdoor learning retreat for the Girl Scouts Hornets Nest Council and their leaders throughout an eight-county region in the Carolinas. 
• The Cincinnati Herald reports that during Girl Scouts 100th anniversary year,  Girl Scouts of Western Ohio is excited to celebrate Girl Scout Alumnae who, through their lives and work, exemplify the leadership, diversity and spirit of the Girl Scout Movement. Gertrude McSayles was among some 70 women in Greater Cincinnati where were honored. McSayles is a groundbreaking trailblazer who believes in creating opportunities for women and girls in the community.
• In Tennessee, The Commercial Appeal reports that The Girl Scouts Heart of the South Council unveiled a commemorative piece of artwork recently in celebration of donations made to its 100th anniversary campaign. Pat Moody, lifetime Girl Scout and former Girl Scouts Heart of the South board member, sculpted the piece and calls it the "100th Anniversary Tree."
• The Post-Journal in Jamestown, NY, reports that the Girl Scout organization has moved into the digital age as troops throughout Western New York are now employing a new mobile credit card reader. The new reader, called the Sage Swiper, functions as an electronic swiper attachment for mobile devices and allows Girl Scout troops to accept debit and credit payments from their customers.

Girl Scouts Announces Winners of 'Dear Mr. President' Contest

Congrats to Hareem, a Girl Scout from Sterling, Va., and Amanda, a Girl Scout from Normal, Ill., on being named the winners of the "Dear Mr. President Girls Scouts Speak Out" contest.  The winners will have their work made into a professional public service announcement (PSA) to be released in January. 

Yahoo reports that the contest invited girls across the country to make PSAs addressed to the presidential candidates telling them how to support girls and the next generation of leaders.  Girls submitted videos, slide shows and other material that drew more than 10,000 votes.  'Dear Mr. President' is part of the "Girl Scouts Speak Out" series in which GSUSA asks girls to submit PSAs on key national or global issues.  The program helps girls to understand the elements of leadership and their own ability to influence their future.  To view finalists, go to http://speakout.girlscouts.org/finalists/.

"I've had the opportunity to do so much with Girl Scouts," says Hareem, 14, who is a member of the Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capitol. "It's been very exciting.  I think that girls should be able to tell the President what we need from him.  Girls are important in that they are the future of this country.  So many of us have so much to offer, but we still need support, Mr. President."

"I'm so excited to win the 'Girl Scouts Speak Out' contest!" says Amanda, 15, a member of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois.  "I think the PSA contests are a great way to encourage girls to express their opinions on important issues in our world.  They prove that while we may be young, we are aware of the things happening around us.  We have ideas and thoughts that can influence people, and I think it's great that we can show that!"

Hareem's PSA, titled "Girl Scouts of the USA, Celebrating 100 Years of Girls Leadership," was the top vote-getter with 3,465 votes. Her submission focused on the importance of the nation's need for leadership, the great things girls have to offer, and called on the president to support girls. 

Amanda's PSA focuses on the country's diversity and the need for tolerance. In an artwork, Amanda uses script and graphics to create positive imagery around tolerance and inclusion, set against a graduated color scheme representing the different levels of Girl Scouts. 

"Through 'Girl Scouts Speak Out,' we want to provide girls with a platform where they can make their voice heard on issues important to them," says Alison Granito, Senior Editor, Digital Program Content, Girl Scouts of the USA.  "Whatever their views may be, our greatest hope is that girls speak up and have a voice in determining their own future. Girls told the presidential candidates they care about a range of issues, from bullying, to the need for strong mentors, support for small businesses and equal pay. We're excited to work on the final PSA concept with our winners, Hareem and Amanda."

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 14, 2012

There is a lot of great Girl Scout activity to report across the country. Check it out!

• In Illinois, WTVO 17 reports that Rockford rolled out the "red carpet" Monday for the premiere of the movie called, I Am the Music: A Rock Operetta.  The movie was locally produced by Rockford filmmaker, Joseph Arco, and filmed onsite at Boylan Catholic High School.  The movie targets erasing bullying from schools and it stars local Girl Scouts.
• In Nashua, NH, The Telegraph reports that volunteers recently wrapped their 50,000th care package for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among them were members of Girl Scout Troop 10417 from Manchester. Girl Scout cookies have been an important part of the care packages – with estimations of more than 4 million cookies have been sent to troops through Moore Mart.
• Colorado's Cortez Journal reports that Cortez saw a massive crowd of supporters gather on Friday, Nov. 9, to witness the Capitol Christmas Tree’s journey to Washington, D.C. Girl Scouts from Troops 2619 and 1199 are providing decorations for this year's tree.
• Delaware's Cape Gazette reports that Girl Scout Troops 1485 and 1482 in Lewes will be offering holiday gift wrapping in downtown Lewes beginning Black Friday, Nov. 23. The girls in the troops are raising money for a 2016 trip to Europe.
• Also in Delaware, The News Journal reports that the American flag should be lighted at all times, it never should hang upside down unless to signal distress, it shouldn’t be used for advertising purposes and no part of it should touch the ground when it’s being lowered. Emma Brown knows this and is sharing her knowledge . Brown, 18, made a flag kit to help children and adults learn about the flag for her Gold Award project for the Girl Scouts.
• New York's MYFOXNY reports that Girl Scouts troops in New York City were out selling cookies for one day to give to families affected by Superstorm Sandy. Girl Scouts were stationed at 25 corporate offices and public venues on Monday, when schools were closed for Veterans Day.

Healthy MEdia Commission for Positive Images of Women and Girls Releases Recommendations to Support Healthy Media Efforts

Yahoo reports that Girl Scouts' CEO Anna Maria Chávez and the Healthy Media Commission launched The Report and Recommendations of theHealthy Media Commission for Positive Images of Women and Girls at the Geena Davis Institute’s Third Symposium on Gender in Media in Los Angeles, California. This report outlines recommendations that support a more positive and gender-neutral media environment for women, and promotes the healthy development of a girl’s social, emotional and physical well-being.   Girl Scout’s of Greater Los Angeles CEO, Lise Luttgens and several of her girls  participated in the launch event.

Recognizing the need for gender balance and positive portrayals of women and girls in the media, Girl Scouts of the USA, along with National Association of Broadcasters, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, and The Creative Coalition hosted the Healthy Media for Youth Summit in the U.S. Capitol, in October of 2010.  At the Summit, a broad cross-section of stakeholders gathered to explore this subject and chart a course to promote healthy media for the benefit of all young people.  Participants at the Summit recommended that a commission be formed to more deeply explore these issues, identify emerging and best practices, and create a sense of shared obligation and commitment to promoting gender balance and positive portrayals of women and girls. The Healthy Media Commission, which grew from an idea proposed at the Summit, comprises more than fifty leaders from the media industry, academia, youth-serving communities and the creative community. Girl Scouts of the USA has been a leader in the work of the Healthy Media Commission and the development of The Report and Recommendations of the Healthy Media Commission for Positive Images of Women and Girls.

The Healthy Media Report is unique and innovative because it provides a detailed blueprint of recommendations and strategies for four different categories of stakeholders who impact the media culture. From the media creators themselves, to parents, educators, and youth – the belief is that each player has an equal role and responsibility in facilitating change.  For each category, recommendations are organized and tailored to empower individuals with the ability to LEARN and to be aware of the depiction of women and girls in the media, to CHOOSE media that uphold high standards, and to EDUCATE others on the importance of the issue. This report is the crucial first step in creating a more positive media environment for women and girls. It identifies emerging best practices, and establishes a climate for change. To access the report and learn more about how you can make a difference, visit www.fchiase.com/HealthyMedia

Girl Scout Coast to Coast - November 12, 2012

As election season in the United States is coming to a close, many people are taking notice of Girl Scouting's presence in the democratic process. Let's take a look.

• Mother Jones reports that when the new Congress is sworn in next January, it will include a record number of women senators. Of the twenty women in the Senate: 70 percent of them were Girl Scouts. If you include the House as well, 60 percent of women in Congress were once Girl Scouts. "From the very beginning the whole mission of this organization has been to create girls who are very sensitive and in tune with their community needs," said Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. "We develop not only leaders, but leaders with a political conscience."
• "When I was in high school, I regularly woke up early on Saturday mornings and drove out to one of Massachusetts' medium-security prisons," writes Alyssa Rosenberg for Slate. "I was a Girl Scout, and these prison visits were part of the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program, where I helped lead a troop of girls whose mothers were incarcerated." Rosenberg was not at all surprised by the major presence of Girl Scout Alumna in government.
• In Georgia's Athens Banner-Herald, Myra Blackmon examines the correlation between finding middle ground in American governance and the Girl Scout Badge Program. "The purpose of the badge is to learn strategies for bringing people together to find common ground," writes Blackmon. "While designed for adolescent girls, it could be an excellent course for our elected leadership and all adults."

Celebrating Science for the Next Generation

This evening the New York Academy of Sciences in celebrating the “Science in the City” 9th Annual Gala. Tonight's attendees and speakers include renowned scientists, industry leaders, and accomplished young stars in the field, all joining together to support mentorship and innovation in STEM education. Earlier this year the Girl Scouts Research Institute and the New York Academy of Sciences released Generation STEM: What Girls Say About Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, to much fanfare and success.

This year’s gala theme “Strengthening the STEM Pipeline: Mentoring the Innovators of Tomorrow” is particularly resonant, given both the state of the U.S. economy and the increasing availability of STEM jobs. Recent studies show that there are two jobs for every STEM job seeker, as opposed to one in 3.2 jobs seen in other industries. Partnerships like those between GSUSA and NYAS aim to expand awareness of and access to STEM industries. Over the course of tonight's event, we’ll hear about the practical ways organizations and everyday people can be involved in steering the next generation towards success in STEM.

Join us here or on Facebook and Twitter over the course of the week for gala recaps and behind-the-scene insights!

Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund

 Each day this week gives us a clearer picture of the wide range of devastation and loss caused by Hurricane Sandy. Just as affected regions have been coming to terms with community needs, Girl Scouts of the USA has also gained a better sense of council needs across the region. In response, Girl Scouts CEO Anna Maria Chávez has lifted fundraising restrictions for troops:



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To ensure that councils are getting the kind of support that they need, we have lifted fundraising restrictions to enable girls to raise money specifically for Girl Scouting recovery efforts in the eight councils. Contributions may also be directed to a specific council(s) through their online giving sites. We have also established a Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund to help address the needs of councils affected by the storm."

We know that troops and volunteers are eager to help, so let’s get started! For a full list of affected councils, head to our Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund. Questions? Talk to us on Facebook or Twitter.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 8, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast takes us from Chicago to Baltimore, takes a detour to California and ends up in Madison, WI. Check it out!

• TIME reports that Girl Scout Olivia Ottenfeld applied a basic business principle to sell Girl Scout Cookies: appeal to as broad a customer base as possible. Instead of carrying boxes door-to-door to her neighbors, she sold cookies at Union Station in downtown Chicago. She texted and emailed friends and family to make sales pitches. She even used her father’s Facebook account to reach the very outer limits of her family’s social circle. By selling 2,012 boxes generating around $8,000 in revenue, Ottenfeld has certainly picked up the five skills associated with the Girl Scout Cookie Program.
• In Florida, the Clearwater Patch reports that More than 5,000 people turned out for Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s celebratory 100th anniversary event, gs fest, on October 27. It featured a unique bridging ceremony across the Memorial Causeway Bridge, symbolizing Girl Scouts’ transition into its next 100 years as an organization. There was fun and engaging activities for children of all ages at the Clearwater event, each with a special emphasis on core Girl Scout focus areas including: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Healthy Living, Arts & Culture, Financial Literacy and Outdoor Education.
• The Baltimore Sun reports that Katy Schwartzweller will step into the lead role of Clara when the Baltimore Ballet Company performs "The Nutcracker" at Goucher College next month. She is the youngest dancer from the Baltimore Ballet Company to be given the role.
• California's Orange County Social Scene reports that more than 300 guests came together during Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary year to recognize 12 extraordinary local female leaders, all Girl Scout Alumnae, and raise $218,000 for Girl Scouts of Orange County at the Third Annual Celebrate Leadership Gala on October 26 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach.
• The Girl Scouts of Colorado Blog reports that Girl Scouts of Colorado recognized Day of the Dead with a community event at Regis University. More than 100 girls and their families participated in the event, which celebrated the life of Girl Scouts’ late founder, Juliette Gordon Low, who would have been 152 on Oct. 31st. 
• The Wisconsin State Journal's food blog Table Talk has a write up on Girl Scout Cookies. "This year, the Girl Scouts have the cookies on hand when they take orders," says reporter Rob Thomas, "so we don't have to wait weeks to tear into the box of Lemon-Ades or Samoas — excuse me, 'Caramel DeLites'. And the other new thing this year is a limited edition new flavor, Mango Cremes."