Girl Scouts Recognize Domestic Violence Month

Domestic Violence is a problem that knows no age, social boundaries or class distinction. It affects thousands of women and families. Children and teens are just as much at risk for domestic violence as adults. Most children in homes with domestic violence know about the violence. They can feel helpless, scared and upset. They may also feel like the violence is their fault. Children who live with domestic violence in their homes are afraid for their parents and themselves and often feel bad that they cannot stop the abuse. If they try to stop the fight, they can be hurt. Children can also be physically hurt by things that are thrown or weapons that are used.

Children who live in homes with domestic violence can have many problems. They can have trouble sleeping, have self-esteem issues, trouble in school and getting along with others. These problems can get worse as the child gets older and create a cycle of abuse and violence.

As recent studies by the Girl Scout Research Institute have revealed, girls believe that both physical and emotional health are important. In Feeling Safe: What Girls Say, approximately 35% of teen girls say they are most concerned about "being attacked with a weapon" and “being forced to do something sexual." A 16-year-old says she feels unsafe when "someone I trust shows me that I was mistaken about them.”

For teens, domestic violence can include being in a relationship with someone who is very jealous and/or spies on/stalks you, someone who will not let the relationship end, someone who hits, slaps, kicks or hurts you in any way, forces you to participate in sexual activities, or someone who abuses drugs or alcohol and/or pressures you to use drugs or alcohol.

During the month of October, the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama encourages the community to educate themselves on how to recognize the signs of domestic violence and how to cultivate healthy relationships.

Girl Scouts believes all girls have a right to a life free from violence, whether in their relationships, homes, schools or communities. Girl Scouts has developed and implemented strong age-appropriate violence prevention initiatives for girls. The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama has hosted several programs where teenage girls participate with their parents/guardians to learn about different types of violence and other forms of aggression that teens most often encounter. Programs geared towards younger girls educated them on how to form healthy relationships with people of all ages and also learn conflict resolution skills.

If you are in danger or need to seek help, call your local hotline, or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. If you suspect a child has been a victim of domestic violence, you may also call your local Department of Human Resources.

Michelle Obama Becomes National Honorary President of Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA is pleased to announce that First Lady Michelle Obama has agreed to serve as its Honorary National President.

“It is my great pleasure to serve as Honorary National President of Girl Scouts,” said Mrs. Obama. “With their innovative new programming, ground-breaking research, and emphasis on service and leadership, Girl Scouts is preparing the women of tomorrow to be a positive force for change – in their own lives, their communities, and across the globe.”

In accepting the position, Mrs. Obama takes her place in a tradition stretching back to 1929, when Lou Henry Hoover became the first Honorary National President of the Girl Scouting movement. Since then, each successive First Lady has served in this post.

Girl Scouts plan to work with the First Lady on areas of mutual concern, such as healthy living, public service and leadership.

“From bullying to obesity to concern over the economy, our nation’s girls are facing significant challenges,” said Kathy Cloninger, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of the USA. “Girl Scouts is excited to work with the First Lady’s office to ensure that all girls can overcome the challenges they face, and that they have the skills, resources and opportunities they need to become strong, independent young leaders.”

“Girl Scouts can help girls from every background develop their self-confidence and leadership ability, and encourage them to make a difference in the world,” said Connie L. Lindsey, Girl Scouts of the USA National Board Chair. “The First Lady is a passionate, brilliant and inspirational woman – a fantastic role model for girls across the country. We look forward to an active and mutually rewarding partnership on issues important to girls’ lives.”

“We’re pleased with the role that the First Lady of the United States traditionally plays in Girl Scouting,” Hilary Perry, Director of Public Relations and Marketing for the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, states. “Their involvement raises awareness about and reiterates the importance of our programs.”

PHOTO: First Lady Michelle Obama, accepting her role as Girl Scouts Honorary National President, with Kathy Cloninger, CEO, and Connie L. Lindsey, National President, Girl Scouts of the USA, at an October 7 White House event on astronomy. Since its founding, Girl Scouts has encouraged girls’ interest in science and technology, and has enjoyed a longtime partnership with the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA).

Adopt-a-Campus

Troop 182 volunteered to begin its Adopt-A-Campus cleanup campaign during the Summer of 2009 to remove litter and debris from the high-traffic campus of Thompson Intermediate School, where most of the girls attend school.

The clean-up project included picking up trash, pulling weeds and pruning trees around the campus with a concentration on two court yards and front and side flower beds.

Members of Troop 182 include Salem, Kiera, Marlana, Mikyla, Jillian, Jasmine, Lindsey and Samantha.

That's Art-Rageous!

Girls recently had the chance to let their creative side show! They discovered ways to create new colors and learned about different kinds of art techniques and created their own piece of outrageous, funky art! For more photos, click here!

Spanish Workshop for Lawyers and Let’s Learn Espanol

Heather recently earned her Gold Award by hosting a Spanish workshop for attorneys to educate them about the Hispanic culture. Speakers addressed a wide range of issues, barriers, struggles and provided a different perspective of the Hispanic community. Her project also included a Spanish/English curriculum that she created for the early Learning Center at the Church at Brookhills. By organizing her project, Heather realized there are many things she can do to benefit her community. She also learned that the amount of resources have an effect on a project, and the organizer must find ways to complete the project by using alternate means. According to Heather, “you must do what you can to make a difference.”

She graduated from Spain Park High School and now attends Samford University.

The Gold Award is highest level of Girl Scout achievement. This award recognizes the Senior & Ambassador Girl Scout’s commitment to herself, her community, and her future. The girl who goes for the Gold embraces challenges, achieves excellence, and works diligently to make the world a better place, in her own unique way. Her leadership, vision, and boundless energy is an inspiration to all Girl Scouts. Each girl earning her Gold Award demonstrates excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours. Girls who earn their Gold Award are also recognized by the President of the United States, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Armed Services, state legislatures, colleges and universities for admission and scholarship opportunities, and the American Legion.