Friday, September 28, 2012

Local Girl Scouts travel to Girls World Forum 2012 in Chicago, IL



A look at one local Girl Scout Troop Leader's adventures at the Girls World Forum in Chicago, IL. Thanks to Troop Leader Rhianna Taniguchi for providing this post! 

Girls World Forum 2012 
Chicago, Illinois 

July 12-16, 2012

By Rhianna Taniguchi 
Girl Scout Troop Leader
Senior in Psychology, Oregon State University 

During the Girls World Forum in Chicago, Illinois, over 500 young women and girls from over 80 countries came together to solve global problems and learn about each other's culture. During July 12-16th of 2012, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and the girl planning team of high school Girl Scouts from the USA hosted the event which included a backstage tour of the Brookfield Zoo, a double decker bus tour of Chicago, and a tour of the Platinum LEED certified Chicago Center for Green Technology. While at the 5 day event, girls and young women were given the opportunity to practice different languages, learn new songs, dances, and foods. While on our free time, we explored downtown Chicago: The Cloud Gateway, Millennium Park, and one of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan. I do believe that Chicago is now my favorite city in the US because of its dedication to public structures (parks), fast-paced atmosphere, and architecture. 
 
Not only did I get to meet future leaders of the world, but I also got to meet the current leadership of Girl Scouts of the USA, including Anna Maria Chávez and Connie L. Lindsey, our CEO and Chair of the National Board of Directors respectively. I also got to meet WAGGGS Vice President, Sandy Thomas who is a personal inspiration to me still. These women exemplify the values of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides on a level that needs no translation. 

This experience was unforgettable and brought to light the importance of global citizenship and responsibility. I am so grateful I was able to attend and thank the sponsors and the planning team for their hard work and dedication to creating a world of girls of confidence, courage, and character who make the WORLD a better place.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Vote for Girls of Courage, Confidence and Character Today in Two Facebook Promotions!



It's time to cast your vote!!

No, we’re not entering the race for President. But Girl Scouts OSW is eligible to receive funding from two community partners, and we need your help!

CHASE Community Giving

September 6-19, 2012
We have been selected for participation in the Chase Community Giving 2012 Program, with the opportunity to receive up to $250,000! Supporters who use Facebook can participate by visiting facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving and voting for Girl Scouts OSW. Supporters who are Chase customers can also vote at www.ChaseGiving.com. The 196 charities with the most votes will share in $5 million in grants. 

You can help by voting for GSOSW and encouraging everyone you know to do the same.

Eileen Fisher

September 10- October 6, 2012
Each Facebook user can earn $5 for GSOSW’s Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program – YES, $5 per supporter – by visiting www.facebook.com/EILEENFISHERNY and posting a brief, 1-2 sentence description of why supporting women and girls is important to them. They will be given the opportunity to select GSOSW as the recipient of a $5 donation provided by Eileen Fisher. 

Eileen Fisher is donating a total of $10,000 to 26 organizations, so it's important for us to act quickly!

Shop and save! Additionally, the Eileen Fisher store at Bridgeport Village in Tigard, Oregon will be hosting a special shopping event on September 22, during which 10% of all sales go to the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program. Shoppers will receive $25 off of purchases of $50 or more. Online shoppers can enter 529100 at checkout. Girl Scout staff and girls will be present at the event to discuss the program, and Girl Scouting in general, with shoppers.