Tag Archives: history

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Represent GSUSA at the United Nations

by Jessica Miano

Four remarkable Girl Scouts from Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are taking their leadership to the global stage! This March, Raina C., Zoe M., Keira S., and Charlotte W. will join Girl Scouts from across the United States at the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York City.

The Commission on the Status of Women is the United Nations’ principal global body dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls. Each year, representatives from governments, organizations, and youth groups gather to evaluate progress, discuss challenges, and develop policies that improve opportunities and outcomes for women and girls worldwide.

Meet Our Delegates

Raina C., 15 – Raina has been a Girl Scout for nine years and previously served on the GSUSA Youth Advisory Board. She has earned her Bronze Award on sea turtle awareness and her Silver Award through environmental education projects. Raina hopes to gain delegation and debate experience while connecting with passionate women and girls worldwide.

Zoe M., 17 – A 13-year Girl Scout, Zoe has completed the GirlTopia and Mission Sisterhood Journeys and is currently working toward her Gold Award with an environmental and wildlife conservation project. Serving as the Girl Representative on the GSGCF Board of Directors, Zoe also leads her school’s Model UN Club and volunteers with Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. She looks forward to exploring global approaches to gender equality and amplifying youth voices.

Keira S., 15 – A 10th grader from Florida, Keira has been a Girl Scout for over 10 years. She has served as a Counselor in Training and is part of the GSGCF Media Marvels. Passionate about filmmaking and photography, Keira hopes to learn how to create positive change for girls and women globally.

Charlotte W., 16 – A junior at Pine View School for the Gifted in Osprey, Charlotte leads her school’s Speech & Debate team and is president of the Chinese Honors Society. She is also an assistant statistician for a urologic clinical research team and an International Forensic Science Champion. At CSW, Charlotte is committed to advocating for girls’ rights and ensuring women’s voices are heard on a global stage.

The CSW Experience

During the conference, these delegates will attend panel discussions, engage with global leaders, and learn how international policies are developed and implemented. They will return home inspired to share their experiences through community presentations and projects, helping other girls understand global leadership opportunities available through Girl Scouting.

This year’s CSW70 focuses on:

  • Access to justice for all women and girls, promoting inclusive legal systems and eliminating structural barriers.
  • Women’s full participation in public life, ensuring safety, equality, and empowerment.

Through experiences like CSW, Girl Scouts gain the tools to advocate for meaningful change locally, nationally, and globally!

Celebrate Black History Month with Girl Scouts!

by Jessica Miano

Let’s all take a moment to reflect on a Black woman trailblazer and change-maker whose story has impacted you. It could be someone you know personally or someone you learned about at school. Can you picture her yet?

Now, share her story with one or more people and inspire them to celebrate the strength, originality, beauty, and resilience of Black girls and women everywhere.

In this Black History Month (and every month!), let’s acknowledge, celebrate, and commemorate the achievements of Black Americans. History is not only about the past; girls everywhere are molding the future as we speak! From phenomenal Gold Award Girl Scouts making a lasting impact on their communities to bold Black women breaking records and shattering glass ceilings—Black history is happening all around us.

In 2024, the Girl Scouts continue to uphold their commitment to diversity, pluralism, and anti-racism. At the 2023 Convention, the DEIRJ Language Amendment was adopted, amending the Preamble to the Girl Scouts Constitution. The new preamble emphasizes the dedication to advancing diversity, pluralism, and anti-racism in the Girl Scout Movement and the communities in which they live.

You and your Girl Scout can start by downloading the free activity guide for the Black History Month Celebration “I’m A Girl Scout!” Fun patch.

Here are a few ideas your Girl Scout is sure to love:

  1. Watch a movie or documentary about Black history in the United States, then share it with your friends. Kick off your list with a silver screen activity. Learn about Black stories through the eyes of notable Black storytellers, including directors, actors, and historians. Share what you learned with your friends or host a screening!
  2. Learn about famous Black women who have been a part of the Girl Scout Movement. You may be surprised to see a few of your favorite celebrities and artists on the list!
  3. Identify a book written by a Black author that you would like to read—and start reading one of them! Throughout history, Black authors and poets have shaped the ideals and imaginations of their readers. Get to know the trailblazers responsible for some of the most impactful contributions to science and beyond. Uplift and share the story of their legacy with those around you!
  4. List five major events of the Civil Rights Movement, noting the dates and two or three details about each one. We are not that far removed from the movement that shaped the world we know today. This activity proves that it is never too late to discover new information or get a refresher on the old.
  5. How did Black History Month get started? Learn more about National Freedom Day and Negro History Week. Last but not least, discover how it all came to be! Learn how the initial celebration, started by Carter G. Woodson, evolved into a month of worldwide commemoration and pride for the history, works, and achievements of the Black community.

For a full list of ideas and activities to earn your Black History Month Fun patch, download the GSUSA Black History Month Fun Patch Activity Guide.

This Black History Month, let’s fill our social media feeds with a showcase of Black women who changed our world in decades past, as well as those who continue to do so today.