Monday, November 1, 2010

Discover, Connect, Take Action


You probably recognize these as the three keys to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. They are not just a slogan or a catchphrase. When put into action leadership is the outcome.

I’ve been thinking about “connect”. We connect with others all the time. We see people we know, we talk on the phone, and we text. But are we really effective at connecting? We live in a wonderful country that values freedom and has fostered the independent spirit. We are told, and we believe, we can “have it your way.” And with the speed of drive-in restaurants and technology, not only do we want it our way we want it now. Yet, we all must live in community and figure out not only what is good for us, but good for the whole. This is what Girl Scouts learn. We learn to be a sister to every Girl Scout, to respect authority, to be honest and fair, and to be considerate and caring. And, we all promise to help people at all times and to live by the values in our Girl Scout Law.

Girl Scouts have been learning to “connect” for almost 100 years. Now we are refining the ability to connect. In the new Girl Scout Leadership Experience girls develop healthy relationships, promote cooperation and team building, resolve conflicts, advance diversity in a multicultural world, and feel connected to their communities.

As adults in Girl Scouting it is our responsibility not only to help girls develop the skill of connecting effectively, but to model it. I’m sure you remember the book by Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.  Well, all we really need to know about connecting, or having positive relationships with others we learn in Girl Scouting. I challenge all of us to make the world a better place by using our “connecting” skills!