2020 marks 100 years since the ratification of the 19^th Amendment giving women the right to vote in the United States. Given the increase in girl-led activism and women’s representation in politics and the growing national conversation on issues tackling gender equity and the women’s leadership pipeline, public interest in celebrating this landmark achievement will be at an unprecedented level. We couldn’t be more thrilled to join Girl Scouts nationwide to celebrate this historic anniversary! Check out the Centennial of Suffrage webpage for information on both Girl Scout and community events and activities as well as a wealth of resources around the suffrage movement, key suffragists, and more!

Did you know that some of the key leaders in the Girl Scout Movement were also suffragists? That’s right, suffragists included Edith Carpenter Macy and Sarah Birdsall Otis Edey. Macy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Board from 1919-1925, was active in the League of Women Voters and went to their headquarters in Manhattan early on the morning of November 6, 1917, when woman’s suffrage was on the ballot in New York. She brought coffee and sandwiches for the women working at the polls. Edey also hosted suffrage events in her New York home. Just a few of our historic G.I.R.Ls (Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers and Leaders)!

Speaking of leaders in civic engagement, Gold Award Girl Scout Nia P. showed her passion for voting through her project entitled Increasing Youth Engagement: A New Voice in Social Justice. To promote the development of opinions among her peers, Nia decided to inform them of racial equity and social justice issues. She gave presentations to students explaining the meaning of the terms, why they are important, and different examples throughout history. After her presentations she promoted discussions where students could connect and share their opinions. Nia also registered to vote and attended multicultural events and encouraged her peers to do the same. Nia hopes that her project has encouraged others to become more active in their community by advocating for issues that are important to them.

Looking to get involved?! We invite Girl Scouts of all ages to explore the history, challenges, and accomplishments of those who fought for this basic right of citizenship for women, by completing the Explore Suffrage in North Caroline council patch program. This council patch program was developed in partnership with Girl Scout council partners in North Carolina and Virginia.

To honor the women (and men, too!) who fought for women’s right to vote, we’re helping girls Rally the Vote! This year, Girl Scout Week will take place Sunday, March 8 through Saturday, March 14, 2020. The Girl Scout Birthday on March 12th commemorates the day in 1912 when Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low officially registered the organization’s first 18 members in Savannah, Georgia. Consider participating in Girl Scout Week activities as we strive to Rally the Vote to commemorate and raise awareness of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Check out the Girl Scout Birthday Week Patch Program to learn more about opportunities to show your support each day of Girl Scout week.

Learn more about the celebration of the Centennial of Suffrage and how you can get involved on our website!