Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Girl Scouts, dedicating their time, energy, and passion to empower young girls across Florida. Their unwavering commitment not only enriches the lives of individual scouts but also strengthens our communities as a whole.

The Impact of Volunteers

Girl Scout volunteers wear many hats—they are mentors, educators, confidants, and role models. Through their guidance, girls learn invaluable skills, from leadership and teamwork to problem-solving and community service. Volunteers create safe and nurturing environments where girls can explore their interests, build confidence, and develop resilience.

Insights from the State of the Florida Girl Report

The recent State of the Florida Girl Report sheds light on the challenges faced by young girls in our state and underscores the vital role volunteers play in addressing these issues:

• Alarmingly, 52% of high school girls reported feeling sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in a row, reflecting a 40% increase in depression over the past decade.
• 1 in 4 girls seriously considered attempting suicide, showing a troubling rise of more than 60% in the last 10 years.
• 1 in 8 girls miss school due to feeling unsafe
• Girls are 1.5 times more likely than boys to stay home after experiencing bullying.

The State of the Florida Girl Report also confirms something we already knew—Girl Scout volunteers are changing and saving girls’ lives. One girl surveyed said, “My troop leader saved my life.”

Some other heartwarming facts from the report:

• 89% of Girl Scouts in Florida report that their troop leader “cares about me as a person.”
• 84% describe that their troop leader “makes me feel important.”

Donating time to build positive relationships with girls is perhaps the most simple, yet effective, way to sew more systems of support into our communities for girls.

These statistics highlight the pressing need for positive adult influences in the lives of young girls. Volunteers provide the support and encouragement necessary to navigate these challenges, fostering environments where girls feel safe, valued, and capable.

A Call to Action

In light of these findings, the importance of volunteering with the Girl Scouts has never been more evident. Whether you can give a few hours, a few weeks, or a few months, your involvement can make an incredible impact on the life of every girl.

By becoming a volunteer, you contribute to building a community where every girl is celebrated and valued.

If you’re inspired to make a positive change and support the next generation of female leaders, consider volunteering with the Girl Scouts. Your unique skills and experiences can help Girl Scouts dream big, explore new interests, and spark their imaginations.

Together, we can create a brighter future for all girls in Florida.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s volunteer page: https://www.gsgcf.org/en/get-involved.html

Thank you to all our volunteers for your dedication and passion. You are truly making the world a better place, one Girl Scout at a time.