VCC Magazine Spring 2019

V irginia C apitol C onnections , S pring 2019 31 Cookies and More Girl Scout Cookies make everything better. That’s a fact. But cookies were not the only thing offered at this year’s annual Girl Scout Legislative Day that had a sweet impact. At their February 22nd Open House, held in the Pocahontas Building and hosted by Senator John Cosgrove, Girl Scout representatives offered insightful information about innovative programs that are helping to create a brighter and “sweeter” future for today’s girls. This would include programs in cybersecurity and STEM. Based on information shared, more than 30 new badges introduced last year were STEM-related and there have been new cybersecurity badges launched this year. A mix of chief executive officers and teen girls from various Girl Scout councils in the Commonwealth spoke about these new programs and shared how their Gold Award projects were making a difference in their Virginia communities. Many of the girls had earned the Gold Award, which is the highest award a girl may earn in Girl Scouts. They asked legislators to support them in the following areas: increased girls’ involvement in STEM; strengthening of girls’ entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills; expanded access to outdoor experiences and ways to prevent relational aggression; and improved ways to build healthy communications within our schools and communities While being introduced in the House and Senate from the galleries, Senator John Cosgrove and Delegate Turpin delivered similar messages in support of the Girl Scouts, “Girl Scouts remains the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place Through activities that build self-confidence, creative decision-making skills, and teamwork, girls develop real-world leadership abilities, Girl Scouts are changing girls’ lives that not only impact girls’ lives but society—because when a girl succeeds, so does society.” The day also included an afternoon reception and ceremony to unveil a new statewide Girl Scout patch, the “Explore American Evolution, Virginia to America Girl Scout patch”. Created in collaboration with the Commemoration agency, this patch helps Girl Scouts discover, connect and take action in recognition of the 400th anniversary of events in Virginia which continue to define America. “The 2019 Commemoration is thrilled to be partnering with the Girl Scouts to empower women and girls to educate themselves on our shared history and shape our future. The American Evolution Explore patch is one of the ways we are committed to telling the untold and under-told stories of Virginia history and inspiring the next generation of leaders,” said Kristin Ritchey, former Girl Scout and Statewide Engagement Coordinator with American Evolution. As part of the reception, a pinning ceremony was held to rededicate Girl Scout alum, including Delegate Cheryl Turpin, who are members of Troop Capital Square, a troop of Virginia female legislators who are former Girl Scouts. This is a mirror of Girl Scouts’ Honorary Troop Capitol Hill which is made up of female members of Congress who advocate on behalf of girls. “Just as national representatives are inspiring role models for Girl Scouts within the nation, our state legislators and policymakers can impact girls’ lives in so many ways.” Said Tracy Keller, chief executive officer for Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast said.