As Girl Scouts, you have the power to shape the future by advocating for issues you care about. Whether it’s gender equity, education, or environmental sustainability, connecting with elected officials can make a real difference.

For Girl Scouts working on a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award project or initiating a Take Action project in your community, connecting with your elected officials can make a lasting impact. By engaging with the legislative branch, you can help ensure your project’s sustainability and drive real change.

1. Requesting the Visit: Coordinate a meeting with your local or state representatives. Whether in-person or virtual, these meetings are a key step in advocating for your cause. When working on a Highest Award or Take Action project, gathering support from lawmakers can amplify your efforts and help you address broader community needs.

2. Preparing for the Visit: Research your elected officials’ positions on the issues related to your project. Prepare talking points that explain why your project is important and how it benefits the community. Show how legislative support can help sustain and expand your initiative.

3. Making Your Voice Heard: During the meeting, clearly state your position and make a specific request. If your project aims to address a local issue, ask for support on a related policy or for help in raising awareness. Decide beforehand who will present your group’s points and who will make the ask.

4. After the Visit: Follow up promptly. Send a thank-you note summarizing what was discussed and any commitments made by the official. Sharing the results with your troop or organization can inspire others to incorporate advocacy into their own projects.

5. Tips and Tricks: Plan visits during times when legislators are likely to meet with constituents, such as district work weeks. Personalize your comments with local examples to highlight the impact of your project. By connecting your project to broader legislative goals, you’re helping to ensure its long-term success.

By integrating civic engagement into your Highest Award or Take Action project, you’re not just advocating for change—you’re laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Take the lead, inspire others, and make a lasting difference in your community.

Your voice matters. Start advocating today!

Start Making a Difference Today

Are you ready to make your voice heard and create lasting change in your community? Finding your local state representative is the first step! Use the link below to enter your address and discover who represents you in the Florida House. Whether you’re working on a Take Action project or advocating for a cause that matters to you, knowing your local rep is key to making a difference.

👉 Find Your Representative

Take the lead, Girl Scouts—your community is counting on you!

Additionally, below is the contact information for the U.S. Senators and House Representatives serving our council footprint, which includes the counties of Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier in Florida:

Federal Level

U.S. Senators for Florida

1. Senator Marco Rubio (R)
   • Washington, DC Office: 284 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
   • Phone: (202) 224-3041
   • Website: rubio.senate.gov
2. Senator Rick Scott (R)
   • Washington, DC Office: 716 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
   • Phone: (202) 224-5274
   • Website: rickscott.senate.gov

U.S. House of Representatives

Representatives Covering the Counties Mentioned:

1. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R) – District 16
   • Covers: Manatee, Sarasota counties
   • Washington, DC Office: 2110 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
   • Phone: (202) 225-5015
   • Website: buchanan.house.gov
2. Rep. Greg Steube (R) – District 17
   • Covers: Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte counties
   • Washington, DC Office: 2457 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
   • Phone: (202) 225-5792
   • Website: steube.house.gov
3. Rep. Byron Donalds (R) – District 19
   • Covers: Collier, Lee, Hendry counties
   • Washington, DC Office: 523 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
   • Phone: (202) 225-2536
   • Website: donalds.house.gov

This list includes key federal-level officials relevant to your counties of interest. For local state officials, you’ll need to refer to specific state-level resources for additional contacts​