Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 30 On February 12, twenty members of the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast (GSCCC) participated in an advocacy day at the Capitol to raise awareness among legislators about how Girl Scouting benefits girls in the Commonwealth—and to advocate for more programs that support girls’ mental well-being. In addition to meetings with legislators and their staff, the group hosted a one-hour open house, Smart Cookies Raise Awareness on Girls’ Issues By MARCY GERMANOTTA Smart Cookies, where they offered samples of their iconic Girl Scout Cookies and shared information about initiatives such as the recent launch of mental wellness patches for Girl Scouts and Youth Mental Health First Aid training for adults. Recent research shows that nearly 70 percent of girls ages five through thirteen are experiencing loneliness, which can significantly impact their mental health. At a time when girls face innumerable challenges to their mental health and social development, Girl Scouts provides a safe space where they can grow, make meaningful connections, discover new passions, and engage with life-changing mentors and role models. “In this increasingly challenging world, the imperative to cultivate skills that nurture mental wellness has never been more important— particularly among our younger generation,” said GSCCC CEO Tracy Keller, who also leads the Virginia Girl Scout Legislative Coalition. “Our role as adults who care is to be champions. Girl Scout programs offer a way to guide girls through skill-building activities that ultimately equip them with the tools to navigate the demands of school, the influence of social media, the flux of emotions, and beyond. We need more support from the community and schools to extend our reach, so all girls can participate in a way that meets their needs.” After a morning of visits and welcoming guests at the open house, the Girl Scout delegation made their way to the galleries of the House and Senate, where they were introduced by Senator Christie New Craig, who serves District 19, and Delegate Marcia Price from the 85th House District. A luncheon program was hosted by the Virginia Association of Commonwealth Attorneys (VACA), where the Girl Scouts heard from prosecutors about their roles in legislation and the criminal justice system—including Mackenzie Babichenko, Hanover County’s first female commonwealth’s attorney. The afternoon continued with meetings from other female leaders from across the Commonwealth. A panel of women, led by Kelly Gee, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia, spoke to the Girl Scouts about their careers and how leadership skills learned through Girl Scouting can make a lasting impact. Panelists included Joyce Reed, Acting Secretary of Veteran Affairs; Tori Knachel, Project Manager for the Secretary of Commerce and Trade; Hallie Pence, Executive Director of the Right Help, Right Now initiative; and Stefanie Taillon, Deputy Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources. These kinds of legislative and advocacy days are crucial for empowering young leaders, fostering civic engagement, and advocating for issues important to girls and the organization— ultimately shaping a better future. If you are interested in learning more about the Virginia Girl Scout Legislative Coalition or want more information about Girl Scouts as advocates, please visit gsccc.org/advocacy. Marcy Germanotta is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast. Girl Scouts meet Delegate Cia Price. Delegate Tom Garrett visits Girl Scouts in the General Assembly Building. Girl Scouts visit Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee. V
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