he Girl Scouts are more than cookie hawkers in cute uniforms. They are future leaders.For nearly 100 years, the organization founded in the United
States by Juliette Gordon Low has provided girls an avenue to have fun, learn about the world and themselves.
The Hornet Nest Council of the Girl Scouts is participating in an ad campaign to change the
view of the organization from passive and rooted in tradition to reflecting passion, pride and excitement.
"We are trying to refresh our brand in the public eye. The Girl Scouts have always been for
all girls, regardless of socioeconomic, ethnic or religious group. However, the way we are isn't not always how we have been perceived," said Donna Emmary, director of
communications. "We aren't changing who we are. We are just putting more of an effort in getting our message across. "
According to the group's newsletter, the new "branding" will highlight the Girl Scouts strength in leadership, fun, character and inclusiveness. It will also play up the modern options offered
to the Scouts in terms of encouraging excellence in sports and technology.
It will also play up the list of leaders who have benefited from the Girl Scout experience. The
list includes U.S. Rep. Eva Clayton (D-N.C.), Elaine Jones, head of NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and U.S. Labor Secretary Alexis Herman.
The inclusion of African Americans who have been enriched by Scouting plays into the group's recruiting efforts. On the local level, the Scouts have established a pluralism
coordinator in the form of Angeles Ortega-Horksy, who works with the Hispanic and Asian communities. Melissa J. Haithcox, director of general and community outreach program, also
works to represent the face of Girl Scouts through programs which recognize the diverse backgrounds of troupe members.
"We are willing to change as Girl Scouts to fit the needs of the girls instead of having them
change to fit our needs," Haithcox said. "Our goal is to make the girls stronger to have them become successful women."
The Girl Scout program is open to all girls 5 to 17 and adult volunteers. There are 2.5 million girls who participate in five different Scout programs. The Hornet's Nest Council includes
more than 11,400 girls in eight counties. Symone Peterkin, an 8-year-old second-grader at Allenbrook Elementary School, is an example of the inclusion of minorities in Girl Scouts.
She has been a member of Brownie Troop 810 for a month.
"I had never been involved in Scouting and I wanted to try it out. It's pretty cool," she said.
"We get to make pictures and we have snacks. One of my friends is in Scouts and I want my other friends to do it to. It's really fun."
Because of increased interest in Scouting, there is also a need for more leaders. The Hornet's Nest Council recently held a series of adult recruitment nights across the area. But there is
still a need for more volunteers.
Symone's mother, Litonda Peterkin, is a junior troop leader and she said she sees the impact Scouting makes on girls.
"I think that it is important for African Americans to get involved as leaders and participants," she said. "A lot of times we get so caught up in our busy lives that we forget to stop and give
back. But I really think it makes a difference in the girls' lives to see someone up there who looks like me getting involved and being a role model."
For more information about Girl Scouts, call 537-7974 or (800) 868-0528.
