May 11, 2018
Dear Members and Friends of Girl Scouts,
Given Boy Scouts of America’s recent decision to admit girls as members and change the name of its older division from “Boy Scouts” to “Scouts BSA,” you may be hearing more questions than usual about Girl Scouts. I’m writing to you today to respond to these questions and clear up some common myths and misperceptions that may be circulating in your community.
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are two separate organizations, with distinct cultures, programs and histories. We are not merging with Boys Scouts of America, and we are not part of the same organization.
For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts has invested in creating a strong pipeline of female leaders that includes 50% of female business leaders, 80% of female tech leaders, 76% of female US Senators and every female Secretary of State. Only Girl Scouts are part of the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world: the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Only Girl Scouts is working to put 2.5 million girls through a progressive STEM pipeline by 2025 with new badges in computer science, engineering, design thinking, and cybersecurity. These are experiences girls get only through Girl Scouting!
Boy Scouts is marketing the recruitment of girls into their program on the basis of "convenience" to families. We think girls' leadership development should be based upon more than just convenience, and that girls should be more than an afterthought or a tagalong.
These developments present a great opportunity for Girl Scouts to tell our story, and this is our time. Movements like #metoo demonstrate that the need for female leaders has never been more urgent or more necessary, and only Girl Scouts has the experience and expertise to address this leadership crisis.
Here are a few ways you can help address the confusion about our program and strengthen our Girl Scout community:
Most importantly, continue to spread the word that Girl Scouts is the BEST girl leadership experience in the world. Period. Thank you for being a champion for girls and Girl Scouting!
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Amy S. Dosik
Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
P.S. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out [email protected] or call our customer care line at 800-771-1139.
Dear Members and Friends of Girl Scouts,
Given Boy Scouts of America’s recent decision to admit girls as members and change the name of its older division from “Boy Scouts” to “Scouts BSA,” you may be hearing more questions than usual about Girl Scouts. I’m writing to you today to respond to these questions and clear up some common myths and misperceptions that may be circulating in your community.
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are two separate organizations, with distinct cultures, programs and histories. We are not merging with Boys Scouts of America, and we are not part of the same organization.
For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts has invested in creating a strong pipeline of female leaders that includes 50% of female business leaders, 80% of female tech leaders, 76% of female US Senators and every female Secretary of State. Only Girl Scouts are part of the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world: the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Only Girl Scouts is working to put 2.5 million girls through a progressive STEM pipeline by 2025 with new badges in computer science, engineering, design thinking, and cybersecurity. These are experiences girls get only through Girl Scouting!
Boy Scouts is marketing the recruitment of girls into their program on the basis of "convenience" to families. We think girls' leadership development should be based upon more than just convenience, and that girls should be more than an afterthought or a tagalong.
These developments present a great opportunity for Girl Scouts to tell our story, and this is our time. Movements like #metoo demonstrate that the need for female leaders has never been more urgent or more necessary, and only Girl Scouts has the experience and expertise to address this leadership crisis.
Here are a few ways you can help address the confusion about our program and strengthen our Girl Scout community:
- Keep the "Girl" in "Girl Scouts." Always use “Girl Scouts” or “Girl Scouting” when talking about our organization. When we use the word "Scouts" or "Scouting," it plays into the confusion that Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are the same organization. We are not. “Girl” is the first word in our name, and always will be, because we put girls first!
- Be a myth buster! There are a lot of misperceptions out there about Girl Scouts, particularly related to camping and outdoor adventure. We know first-hand that girls can do anything, and Girl Scouts offers them the opportunity to get out there and do it! From archery and horseback riding to geocaching and adventure camping, Girl Scouts has fostered a love of the outdoors in millions of girls. Here are resources to help you bust the myths, take action, and advocate for Girl Scouts with the facts.
- Participate in Girl Scout Spirit Day on Wednesday, May 15. Girl Scouts all over the country will show their Girl Scout spirit next week on May 15. Share your Girl Scout stories about your camping adventures, the badges you’ve earned, the places you’ve traveled, or the ways you’re helping to make the world a better place through community service on social media and tag us (@GirlScoutsATL) on Facebook and Instagram. Plus, wear your Girl Scout gear from Badge & Sash. These seemingly small acts make a huge impact!
Most importantly, continue to spread the word that Girl Scouts is the BEST girl leadership experience in the world. Period. Thank you for being a champion for girls and Girl Scouting!
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Amy S. Dosik
Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
P.S. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out [email protected] or call our customer care line at 800-771-1139.