By Lisa Jones, Chief Executive Officer

The Girl Scout Proclamation read in the NC House Gallery on March 12, 2013.

When Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low brought together 18 girls on March 12, 1912, she believed all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally and spiritually.   For the past 101 years, Girl Scouting has helped that vision become reality.  Girl Scouts has not only helped shape girls’ personal development, but it has also helped to shape our past, present and future female leaders.

Many successful women got their start in leadership through Girl Scouting.  In fact, fifty-three percent of all women business owners, sixty percent of women serving in Congress, and virtually every female astronaut are Girl Scouts.  This is truly a celebration.

Last week, Low’s vision and these highlights were recognized in the resolutions by both the N.C. House and N.C. Senate proclaiming the week of March 10-16, 2013, as Girl Scout Week.  Recognized annually in March and centered on that first meeting date, Girl Scout Week celebrates and honors Juliette Gordon Low and the great organization she founded.  Our Council works biennially with the N.C. General Assembly to pass resolutions as a way to recognize the contributions Girl Scouting has made on our state and across the county.

It was so powerful to hear the resolutions read aloud in both the senate and house galleries, as the resolutions “honor[ed] the memory of Juliette Gordon Low for her role in founding the Girl Scouts of the USA and expresses appreciation to the members of the Girl Scouts for their commitment to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.”

GSNCCP CEO, Lisa Jones, sitting with fellow Girl Scouts as the proclamation is read.

A number of local troops and members joined Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines  at the NC State Legislature in downtown Raleigh to receive these Girl Scout Week proclamations.  A Cookies ‘N’ Milk Reception followed the sessions where members enjoyed Girl Scout cookies, of course, with their state senators and local representatives.   Girl Scouts, volunteers and staff from the Girl Scouts – Colonial Coast Council also joined us downtown for this day of advocacy.

We want to especially thank Senator Tamara Barringer, the primary sponsor of Senate Resolution 251, and Representatives Carney, Farmer-Butterfield, Howard, and Hurley, the primary sponsors of House Resolution 275, for their efforts to support and honor the Girl Scouts.  We also appreciate Representative Lewis’ amendment to the House resolution requesting an official copy resolution be sent to both our Council and Girl Scouts of the USA’s headquarters.

For a complete list of sponsors for Senate Resolution 251 and Sponsors for House Resolution 251, see Bill Information on the N.C. General Assembly website.