[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 35 (Friday, March 22, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2319-S2320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity 
to recognize the 90th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the USA, GSUSA, 
this month. Girl Scouting began on March 12, 1912, when founder Juliet 
Gordon Low assembled 18 girls from Savannah, GA. She believed that 
girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, 
and spiritually.
  This excellent organization empowers girls to develop their full 
potential, to relate positively to others and their community, and to 
promote sound values and community service. GSUSA continues to expand 
its programs to address contemporary issues affecting girls, while 
maintaining its original core values. The organization's foundation is 
still premised on the original 1912 ``Girl Scout Promise and Law.''
  Today, Girl Scouting has a membership of 3.8 million, comprised of 
2.7 million girl members and over 900,000 adult members, making this 
the largest organization for girls worldwide. Moreover, this American 
organization is a member of the larger worldwide family of 10 million 
girls and adults in 140 countries.
  Through Girl Scouting, girls acquire self-confidence and expertise, 
take on responsibilities, are encouraged to think creatively and act 
with integrity, all qualities essential for good citizenship and great 
leaders. At each level of Girl Scouting, girls engage in numerous 
activities including science and technology, sports, health and 
fitness, the arts, global awareness, community service, money 
management and finance, and much more. Importantly, the organization 
has established a research institute, receiving government funding to 
address violence prevention. It is also addressing the digital divide 
with activities that encourage girls to pursue careers in science, 
math, and technology.
  In 2001, GSUSA launched a major initiative rededicating themselves to 
their founder's vision of empowering girls to grow into healthy, 
resourceful citizens. They are diligently working to ensure that Girl 
Scouting is available to every girl in every community, reaching beyond 
racial, ethnic, socioeconomic or geographic boundaries. Girl Scout 
troops meet everywhere including suburban, urban and rural areas, 
homeless shelters, migrant farm camps, and juvenile detention 
facilities. Some girls meet online via the Internet. And through one of 
Girl Scout's signature initiatives, Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, girls meet 
in prisons where their mothers are incarcerated.
  Out of the almost one million adults in Girl Scouting, 99 percent are 
volunteers. While Girl Scouts enjoys the largest adult involvement of 
all such organizations, new leaders and mentors are constantly needed 
to serve the increasing number of participants who desire to be Girl 
Scouts.
  Though the first troops met before women were given the right to 
vote, 90 years later there is a ``Troop Capitol Hill'' made up entirely 
of Congresswomen who are honorary Girl Scouts. More than 50 million 
women are alumnae. Over two-thirds of our doctors, lawyers, educators, 
community leaders, and women Members of Congress were once members of 
Girl Scouting, as were 64 percent of the women listed in ``Who's Who of 
American Women.''
  For 90 years this month, this respected organization has demonstrated 
a proven track record of empowering girls to become leaders, equipping 
adults to be positive role models and mentors for children, and helping 
to build strong communities. With the support and dedication of 
Congress, Girl Scouts will surely continue this fine tradition for the 
next 90 years and beyond.
  Mr. CORZINE. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 90th 
anniversary

[[Page S2320]]

of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Founder Juliette 
Low envisioned an organization that would encourage girls to serve in 
their communities and experience the open air. Decades later, girls and 
young women from communities across our Nation enjoy scouting 
activities that nurture their mental, physical, and spiritual well-
being in an accepting and supportive environment. I commend the efforts 
of the Girl Scouts and the outstanding volunteers who make this 
important work a reality.
  Thousands of girls across the State of New Jersey actively 
participate in Girl Scouts. I have heard heartening stories of scouts 
visiting senior residence facilities, food pantries, and soup kitchens. 
In the wake of September 11, these thoughtful young people contributed 
in many meaningful ways. These active girls and young women participate 
in anti-smoking campaigns, sports, lessons in civics and the law, 
outdoors activities, and much more. These initiatives build self-
confidence, and strong leadership and life skills. We cannot 
underestimate the importance of this positive reinforcement in the 
lives of girls and young women. Innovative leadership and tremendous 
outreach efforts in my State continue to promote the Girl Scout 
initiative For Every Girl, Everywhere. I offer my wholehearted support 
for this ambitious endeavor. Imagine the possibilities!
  Thank you, Girl Scouts, for decades of volunteerism in our 
communities and dedication to young women. As our nation affirms its 
commitment to service, the Girls Scouts shine so brightly. 
Congratulations on this very special occasion.

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