“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion” (Paulo Coelho).
Today, as we celebrate International Day of the Girl, I ask that we all consider what role we play in supporting, believing in, and advocating for ALL GIRLS, everywhere. Just like the United Nations, I know that girls MUST be at the table when it comes to addressing the issues that impact them.
As CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, I stand at the forefront of one the largest Girl Scout councils in the world. Through my work with our staff, volunteers, and the girls we serve, I have seen firsthand how Girl Scouts prepares girls for a lifetime of leadership. Every girl already has what she needs inside to make the world a better place, and Girl Scouts provides a safe space that allows girls to tap into their potential, take risks, and persist through any fear of failure.
Girls hold the power to tell their stories, speak their truths, and believe in the value of their experiences. Time again, Girl Scouts demonstrate the courage, confidence, and character to lead by example. They take action to seize the future for themselves, their families, their communities, and beyond. It is our collective duty—myself, Girl Scouts, society, and YOU—to show young women how important they are today and as the resilient leaders of tomorrow.
The voices of girls and women matter and so does our work. It is a critical time for every single one of us to fight gender inequality. Help girls speak loudly and proudly, and rest assured that you can take it beyond just listening.
I encourage you to get involved with your local youth focused organizations and VOLUNTEER!
I encourage you to DONATE what you are able, to ensure that these organizations have what they need to help keep girls moving forward.
I encourage you to let the girls in your life know that organizations like Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana provide a place and community JUST FOR THEM, led by them and that they can JOIN today.
I encourage you to STAND WITH GIRLS like I do. I BELIEVE IN GIRLS. I SUPPORT GIRLS. Do you?
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Nancy Wright