Valerie Jackson, Adult Learning Director

Six years ago, I answered a newspaper ad that would forever change my life. I remember not understanding what or who Girl Scouts was, but something about the ad stood out. As I look back, I feel like it glowed — but then again, that could have been the fluorescent highlighter I was using.

At the time, I was the mother of a 4 month old baby girl and seeking a new position that offered greater work-life balance.  Having worked in the world of politics and city planning, I’d experienced things that left me waiving a white flag.  I’d recently left a very public position and was looking for an employer that could embrace this big change in my life.

Then I met the volunteers of Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines and my, oh my!

I remember being shocked that they volunteered so often and were not paid employees. It was surprising to see people this passionate about something other than money!  I’d worked with volunteers in the past, but what I discovered behind the green curtain was something entirely different.

Girl Scouts is a world of women and men who are selfless. Not only are Girl Scout volunteers dedicated to the girls that they interact with regularly, they are dedicated to our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  I am proud to see how dedicated they are to each other.

Volunteers and leaders of Girl Scouts not only change the lives of girls, but they change the lives of the adults around them. The volunteers set an example that inspires parents, gives courage to new volunteers, and revitalizes employees like me.

We may not always be with our volunteers in the trenches or working at their side with girls, but I want them to know that we notice their hard work.  We notice their passion and commitment. The light of a volunteer shines so bright at times that it brings light to those who may be operating at a flicker, like me 6 years ago.

Volunteers are appreciated by so many who often never get a chance to say thank you. On behalf of generations of girls, and on behalf of the rest of us who have benefitted from selfless dedication, I want to say thank you to our Girl Scout Volunteers. They have forever changed my life and I am forever grateful for the phenomenon that is the Girl Scout Volunteer.