[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 26 (Thursday, March 12, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S1900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE 86TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE GIRL SCOUTS OF THE UNITED 
                           STATES OF AMERICA

 Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, it is my honor today to 
recognize and celebrate the 86th anniversary of the birth of the Girl 
Scouts of the United States of America (Girl Scouts of the USA).
  Eighty six years ago, Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts of the 
USA with 18 members in her Savannah, Georgia living room. Today, there 
are over 2.6 million girl members, and a loyal corps of over 800,000 
adult volunteers. This is Girl Scouting's third highest membership in 
20 years. In my home state of Illinois, there are almost 200,000 Girl 
Scouts and volunteers. These numbers serve as strong evidence that the 
principles of honesty, service, community and self development upon 
which Ms. Low founded Girl Scouts of the USA 86 years ago are still 
relevant and meaningful to girls of all ages across our nation.
  Girl Scouts still sell cookies, earn merit badges and go camping, but 
they also participate in sports, learn science and computer technology, 
and engage in activities that promote lasting friendships, diversity, 
cultural appreciation, personal improvement, and career development. 
Additionally, Girl Scouts participate in many meaningful community 
service projects that teach participants about the society in which 
they live, and address challenging issues such as illiteracy and school 
violence.
  Most important, over the last 86 years, Girl Scouts of the USA has 
provided girls with the skills, understanding, and confidence to become 
successful women and citizens of our nation and the world. It is my 
distinct pleasure to acknowledge the incredible success that Girl 
Scouts of the USA has enjoyed over the last 86 years, and to wish them 
the best of luck as they prepare for the future.

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