[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 29 (Thursday, March 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              GIRL SCOUTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 2002

  Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in 
support of a world-class organization that has achieved world-class 
results.
  Founded in 1912 on the simple belief that all girls should be given 
the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually, 
Juliette Gordon Low assembled a meeting of 18 girls in Savannah, GA. 
Today, the Girl Scouts of the USA has grown into an organization with 
membership numbering 3.8 million, far and away the largest organization 
for girls in the world.
  I would especially like to praise the Girl Scouts of Chaparral 
Council, the local Girl Scout troop from my home district. Chartered in 
1958 and serving over 6,000 girls and 2,000 adult volunteers, the Girl 
Scouts of Chaparral Council have been teaching girls in my district the 
ideals of character, conduct, and patriotism for almost 45 years. 
Organizations like the Girl Scouts of Chaparral Council that make me 
proud to represent the citizens of the first district of New Mexico.
  The Girl Scouts of the USA is the world's preeminent organization 
dedicated solely to girls, where in a positive, nurturing environment, 
girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In 
partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities 
such as strong moral values, leadership, a social conscience, and 
conviction about their own potential and self worth--values that will 
serve them well the rest of their lives.
  Being involved with Girl Scouts enables girls to develop self-
confidence and expertise, take on responsibility, think creatively, and 
act with integrity. Girl Scouts learn the characteristics essential 
being good citizens and great leaders.
  The U.S. Congress chartered the Girl Scouts of the USA on March 16th, 
1950, and at present, there is a ``Troop Capitol Hill'' made up 
entirely of Congresswomen who are honorary members.
  For 90 years, Girl Scouts of the USA has had a proven track record of 
empowering girls to become leaders, helping adults become positive role 
models and mentors for children, and helping to build strong 
communities. Girl Scouts of the USA truly is a place ``where girls grow 
strong!''

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