Dear Girl Scout Family, Neighbors and Friends,

I am writing this message to you today from my heart, knowing that unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. Thanks to the outpouring of calls, emails and social media posts, I understand with greater urgency that our work as a Girl Scout Movement is more important now than ever before.

It is imperative that we stand in unison and advocate together on the issues that impact girls and women around the world — this is beyond politics or party. This is about basic respect, dignity, unity and everyday leadership.

I assure you that our passion for empowering girls and supporting their individual voices has never been greater. We continue to elevate girls and women, respecting all members of our Movement, such as the time four brilliant Girl Scouts represented our council at the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women.

Our power lies within our diversity and strengthens us in all aspects. We must support our girls as they elevate their voices and take action, which builds courage, confidence and character.

We are an organization that has taken the lead for more than 100 years and we’re not backing down. The need is imminent and the time is now to ensure everyone sees our girls and women as equals. According to a recent survey, 86 percent of people believe we’re facing a global leadership crisis and I, for one, believe that Girl Scouts is the solution.

So join us today in building a better tomorrow. Because our girls are the future and the future is now.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Nancy Wright

CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana