The year 2012 is packed with centennials, from the 100th Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, to the century-mark of the sinking of the Titanic, to 100 years of “America’s favorite” Oreo cookie. But one centennial that many people aren’t aware of is the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, an organization that’s played a larger role in society and politics than you may think.
Girl Scouts of the USA was founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, who believed girls shouldn’t be limited in their activities due to their gender and that communication with others is essential to healthy development. In the conservative southern city of Savannah, Ga. – and at a time when acceptable “women’s” duties consisted of tending to the house and being obedient – Low was able to get together a group of girls to go on nature hikes, take camping trips, play sports and get involved in community service. Furthermore, despite legal segregation at the time, Low guaranteed membership to any girl who wanted to join, regardless of her race or economic standing.
Naturally, many considered these early scouts rebellious, but the organization gained national respect by helping with relief efforts during the first and second World Wars. GSUSA takes pride in its progressive spirit and continues to stand up for women’s rights and diversity issues; even today, they have a Public Policy and Advocacy office located in Washington that works with Congress and federal agencies to raise awareness of girls’ health issues, promote positive media images, increase female interest in technical education, encourage young women to be leaders and participants in the political process and assist girls from underprivileged backgrounds.
While the Girl Scouts’ position has always been somewhat to the left of center politically, it has recently been the target of conservative politicians in the re-emerged reproductive rights debate. As an organization dedicated to empowering women and promoting acceptance, GSUSA has ties with Planned Parenthood and LGBT organizations (in contrast with the Boy Scouts of America, a much more conservative-based organization that has historically promoted homophobia and formal religion rather than inclusion and freedom of faith). But while most people view the Girl Scouts’ associations as logical and honorable considering their mission, some right-wing politicians are skeptical. Indiana State House Rep. Bob Morris (R) refused to sign a resolution honoring Girl Scouts of America on its centennial and sent a message to his fellow GOP House members warning of increased “radicalization” of the organization. Word of this soon reached the media and Morris became a public mockery, since abstaining from recognizing the work GSUSA has done for millions of girls is just plain rude, and because anyone who’s genuinely concerned about young women realizes that these partnerships are beneficial.
While the history and politics “behind the vest” are interesting, it’s important to realize just how much GSUSA has contributed to women and girls over the past century. About 76 percent of Girl Scout alumni say that the program had a positive impact in their life and about 60 percent of the women in Congress have scouting experience; a large percentage of female business owners were also Girl Scouts growing up. GSUSA has been instrumental in raising awareness of girls’ health and education issues such as eating disorder awareness, mental health, financial responsibility and keeping girls involved in science and technology education.
Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to adopt a new outlook on Girl Scouts and see that scouting isn’t that “lame” – it empowers young women to feel comfortable as themselves and to work towards a better future. Girl Scouting has given me great experiences, great friends and great cookies – for that I’d like to say, “Happy 100th, GSUSA.”
Lauren Mendelsohn is a junior psychology major. She can be reached at mendelsohn@umdbk.com.
