Dear GSWNY Members,
This past weekend marked the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic shut-down in Western New York.
There has been so much loss this year – loss of loved ones, missing loved ones, lost jobs, closed schools, racial injustice, financial distress, and many other hardships.
I am so proud of how you–our girls, volunteers, families, staff and community–responded in light of these many difficulties
From March 2020-March 2021, our girls, supported by caring adult mentors, dedicated themselves to service and leadership–from staying home and wearing masks, to making masks and spreading joy to others, to donating cookies to community heroes, and learning about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Mental Health professionals recommend coping tips around the pandemic anniversary including: practicing self-care; being kind to yourself and others; blessing or honoring the memory of those you have lost; and reflecting or journaling on what you can be grateful for.
I am grateful to be a part of our amazing organization as our beautiful mission has given me purpose and our strong Girl Scout community has allowed me the chance to feel connected.
I invite you to pause and reflect on what or who you are grateful for.
And we leave you with this wonderful video from our initial Trefoil TV series in spring 2020–our own staff member, Alaina Jones (formerly Cottrell), and her Motivational Moment–take a minute to watch this as Alaina will brighten your day!
Thank you for all that you do–I am grateful for you.
Alison
Please see the important announcements below and for questions, please contact Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.
Thank you for all you do!
Special Announcement
Girl Scouts of the USA is excited to announce the Becoming Me program, a special collaboration with Penguin Random House and Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama. The program follows the recent publication of Mrs. Obama’s book, Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers, and offers a unique opportunity for Girl Scouts to embark on their journeys to become their best selves. The program, which includes a virtual event with Mrs. Obama, will also walk girls through earning three badges at each Girl Scout level.
Girl Scouts’ Becoming Me program will be available to any interested Girl Scout enrolled for the 2021–22 membership year. Drawing on Girl Scouts’ programming—which includes over 300 skill-building badges—we’re thrilled to release the curated Becoming Me program series, built on 18 badges that explore key themes in Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers. The Becoming Me program will launch in early May 2021. Learn more by visiting girlscouts.org/BecomingMe.
It’s Girl ScoutThe 2020 Annual Report is out now!
Last year was a time like no other, so we created a unique Annual Report to represent the experience of our council and Girl Scouts.
Divided into two parts and designed to be flipped, each section represents a different part of the year. October 2019 to March 2020 represents the year before COVID and then March 2020 to September 2020 features more about the adjustments we made as the pandemic disrupted our normal. Read it online today!
We’re excited to announce that Early Renewal for Girl Scout membership year 2022 will open on April 1!
We are finalizing our renewal incentives – including GSWNY lunch bags, patches, and drawings for cookie-inspired K-Swiss sneakers – plus the exclusive upcoming partnership with Penguin Random House and Former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. Elements of that partnership will only be available to members who renew early. And don’t forget our signature renewal perk, SAGE Tuition Rewards – renew by 5/31 to qualify. Renewal flyer with all the details available soon.
In the meanwhile, troop leaders should discuss with their girls about using cookie profits toward renewal – a great way to reward families and get ready for the fall!
We want to hear from you about our camp properties!
Get a sneak peak of the draft Concept Maps for all four of our camp properties. During the meeting, you will hear about the overall Master Plan process and then we will be breaking out into rooms by camp for in-depth looks at the plans for the future. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions. Please join our Zoom call Tuesday, April 6, at 7 p.m.
Register in advance for this meeting using the link below:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We want your questions!
Our Cookie Jar: Virtual Food for Thought series is back! So far, we’ve covered topics with guests including mental health, being courageous, and taking care of your houseplants. For our April 5 episode, we need your help!
Major General Angelia Salinas retired from the United States Marine Corps and now serves as the CEO for Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. You can learn more about her here.
She plans to speak about her experiences and leadership, and we would love to hear from you with questions! Submit your questions using the button below!
Call for Applications: The Girl Advisory Board of GSUSA
Girl Scouts of the USA is excited to announce that a new national group of older girl leaders is forming! The Girl Advisory Board of GSUSA will work with the national office on key projects aligned with national strategy—providing critical insight and innovative ideas for serving girls in the 21st century.
Members of the board will make recommendations, contribute to key initiatives, and influence decision-making at Girl Scouts’ national office. They’ll gain valuable experience as they support and drive change at a national nonprofit organization and receive hands-on training and professional development.
All Girl Scouts who will be in grades 8–12 in fall 2021 are eligible to apply.
Click here to view the position and application information sheet and use the button below to apply today. Application deadline is March 31.
New York State’s 2021 Women’s Agenda
Thursday, March 25, 2021, from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Hosted by: Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson; Girl Scouts of Nassau County; Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY; Girl Scouts NYPENN Pathways; Girl Scouts of Suffolk County; Girl Scouts of Western New York
The 2021 State of the State proposals once again include a robust Women’s Agenda, including the transformation of the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to include all forms of gender-based violence and be renamed the Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence. Please join us to discuss this proposal as well as many others that directly impact the lives of women and girls throughout New York. The Women’s Agenda can be found on page 225 of the 2021 State of the State book.
You must pre-register using the button below.
March 2021 DEI Celebrations Round-Up
On behalf of the GSWNY Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, every month we’re highlighting different holidays and events that are celebrated by people around the world. DEI Celebrations in March include Women’s History Month; International Women’s Day; the beginning of Deaf History Month; Pi Day; St. Patrick’s Day; Vernal Equinox; Nowruz; World Down Syndrome Day; the start of Passover; and Holi.
Summer Camp 2021
Pre-registration for Summer Camp is open now! Review the camp guides and pre-register for camp (and earn that sweet, exclusive summer camp patch for pre-registered girls ONLY)!
We have every intention of operating summer camp 2021 in-person while following all of COVID guidelines and regulations. However, if the need should arise, we will be prepared to provide your girls with an amazing alternative camp program. We have set April 30, 2021, as our decision date.
Retail Item of the Week: “Get Your Girl Scout Cookies Here!” Rollabanna
This self-retracting rollup banner is easy to transport and works double-time with two messages. Use handles on either side to open the banner.
Reduced Price
Email your local Girl Scout Shop to order today!
Click here to check out more gear for the cookie season, including the Cookie Booth Kit
The Girl Scout Shop wishes to announce we will begin welcoming in-person shopping opportunities starting in March. Please visit gswny.org to see our updated schedule for all shop locations.
Brownie Dancer: Behind the Scenes with Beaverton Civic Theatre
Sunday, March 21 | 12 to 1 p.m. | REGISTRATION CLOSES SOON!
Let’s use dance to tell a story! Beaverton Civic Theatre’s production of Annie had several scenes with dancing orphans. We’ll go behind the scenes and explore how costumes, props, and acting contributed to the storytelling and dance in the production of Annie. Then we’ll get moving with warm-ups, learn some simple steps, and have a dance party!
She THRIVES: Building Positive Mental Health Practices
Saturday, April 17 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | C/S/ A
Girls asked for mental health programs and we’ve answered! GSWNY is proud to work with our sponsors The Thinkers and the Girl Scouts NY State Training Cohort to bring this exciting program to our members! Vetted facilitators from Google, NASA, Emmy Award Winners, New York University, and Georgetown University will deliver 3 sessions to participants.
Session Topics:
- Daily Self-Care Practices for Positive, Inner Growth
- Be Mindful: Tips to Prevent and Manage Anxiety & Stress
- Build Healthy and Authentic Friendships & Relationships
REGISTER NOW
Looking for more programs? Visit gswny.org today!
Girl Scouting at Home
Looking for ways to stay involved with Girl Scouts? Check out our Girl Scouting at Home page today! New resources are added regularly.
Badge in a Box Updates
Multi-Level Cookie Express Badge in a Box is 50% off now through March 31! For just $4, girls can earn the Daisy Money Counts, Brownie Meet My Customers, or Junior Savvy Shopper badge.
Badge in a Box can now be shipped right to your door!* For an additional $10, receive your Badge in a Box filled with activities, supplies, and all the Girl Scout fun you need in order to earn your badge and the badge itself! *Kits will only be shipped within the contiguous United States.
Her Voice, Our Votes
Wednesday, March 17 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Join The National Collaborative for Women’s History Sites for an exciting two-part virtual event! First, enjoy a showing of the interactive, musical film Her Voice, Our Vote, written and produced by Laura Bache, a Girl Scout and talented young actor. Then, engage in a follow-up conversation with Lucinda Robb and Rebecca Boggs Roberts, the authors of the newly released book The Suffragist Playbook, whose friendship goes back to their grandmothers, Lady Bird Johnson and Lindy Boggs. You won’t want to miss this engaging and inspirational event!
Looking for more options? Head to girlscouts.org for even more at-home opportunities for your Girl Scout.
Girl Scouts Doing Good Things
Penfield Daisy Troop 61002 had a great time doing the World Thinking Day peacebuilding activities!
We are #GirlScoutStrong! Looking forward to talking to you next Tuesday! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.
Categories: Member Essentials, Uncategorized
GSWNY Blog 