On the recordMarch 8, 2012
I rise for a very special honor to be given to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America on their 100th anniversary. One hundred years ago in Savannah, GA, Juliette Gordon Low brought together a group of 18 girls from very different backgrounds to give them opportunities to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. From that meeting, Ms. Low came to recognize the need for an organization that would help girls develop self-reliance and resourcefulness in the face of a changing society, and in their future roles as professional women. From that modest single troop in Savannah, Ms. Low's vision has grown into the largest organization for girls in the world, with 3.2 million Girl Scouts and more than 50 million Girl Scout alumnae. Despite their growth, the Girl Scouts of today have stayed true to Ms. Low's vision, focusing on topics such as leadership, science and technology, business and economic literacy, and outdoor and environmental awareness. It is admirable that the Girl Scouts throughout their 100-year history of supporting women's leadership have truly been a voice for all girls regardless of background. As Girl Scouts, young women develop their leadership potential through activities that enable them to discover and develop their values and skills, and to take action to make a difference in the world. And while we all know about the beloved American institution that is the Girl Scout cookie sale, it is not just about the cookies.…
