[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 2939]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING NINETY YEARS OF GIRL SCOUTS

  Mrs. CARNAHAN. Madam President, today I commend the Girl Scouts of 
America on the anniversary of its 90th year of operation.
  The objective of the Girl Scouts is ``to discover the fun, 
friendship, and power of girls together.'' Experiences such as field 
trips, community service, and working with others help them to develop 
their full potential. These actions are greatly needed in America and 
an amazing feat when you consider that 99 percent of all adults that 
participate in leading the Girl Scouts are volunteers. The effects of 
this organization extend not from one generation but to many, with the 
oldest active member being 97, and the youngest, the new Brownie, 
starting out at age 5.
  The Girl Scouts is a quintessential American institution that has 
exported its successful strategy to 140 countries, and a worldwide 
family of 8.5 million girls. The Girl Scouts participate in cultural 
exchanges that allow many to gather worldwide experiences that they 
otherwise would not have been able to attain. There is even a bi-
partisan Troop Capitol, made up of Congressional members from both the 
Senate and House. The women of the Senate have dedicated the book Nine 
and Counting to the girls of America, with some of the proceeds going 
to the Girl Scouts.
  The GSA has spent much of its time teaching young women about 
professional fields that do not ordinarily attract women. The past 
year's focus was the field of engineering. The girls not only studied 
engineering but also had the opportunity for a hands-on approach, 
thanks to the Society of Women Engineers donating their time. Girls 
succeed when we set the bar high for them. The Girl Scouts gives them 
the skills, but more importantly the confidence, to reach these goals 
and beyond.
  We must thank Juliette Gordon Low, who on this day in 1912 founded 
the Girl Scouts. Her desire and foresight to create an organization for 
young girls started with 18 girls and a budget that was funded by 
selling her pearl necklace. It has become one of the most recognized 
organizations in America.
  Though some traditions thankfully remain steadfast, notably the 
exceptional Thin Mint cookies, the GSA has evolved to address the 
events of the day. From Women's Suffrage to Civil Rights to the 
environment, this organization has not backed away from taking a stand 
on the issues. They have an amazing past and a bright future. I am sure 
they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with, a positive force 
shaping the lives of tomorrow's leaders. Congratulations to the Girl 
Scouts and thank you to all those who have contributed their time, 
energy, and love to making this organization an American success story.

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