In Advance of May Primary Election, Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington Roll Out Civic Engagement Opportunities for Girls Throughout Region
G.I.R.L. Agenda Inspires, Prepares and Mobilize Girls to Lead Positive Change Through Civic Action
PORTLAND, OR. – April 26, 2018 – Going into the May Primary Election, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington has created a multitude of civic engagement opportunities for Girl Scouts throughout the region. The events are part of a larger initiative called G.I.R.L. Agenda, a nonpartisan initiative to inspire, prepare and mobilize girls to lead positive change through civic action.
“This initiative is all about connecting girls to their role as citizens and getting them excited and engaged today,” said Sarah Shipe, Director of Communications for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “They don’t have to wait until they’re adults to learn about the voting process, make their voice heard at a city council meeting, or improve their community. We want them to see that they can make a difference now.”
Beginning on April 30 and running through mid-May, Girl Scouts will have opportunities to learn about municipal management; how to become advocates for change; and, how local elections and voting works.
MORNING AT THE MAYOR’S OFFICE WITH THE BUS PROJECT—Monday, April 30, 2018, 4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., City of Portland, City Hall
Girl Scouts will tour the Portland Mayor’s office, meet the Mayor for a Q & A, and get a backstage look at what it takes to run a city. Junior-level Girl Scouts can complete a step toward earning the “Inside Government” badge.
THE POWER OF ADVOCACY WITH THE BUS PROJECT—Saturday, May 5, 2018, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Portland, Oregon
Girl Scouts will learn how to elevate their voice and create change that matters to them. The Bus Project is hosting an advocacy workshop that will give high school age Girl Scouts the tools and the time to investigate an issue, identify VIPs who can effect change, and practice their pitch. Ambassador-level Girl Scouts can work toward completing their "Your Voice, Your World" Journey.
GIRL SCOUTS TO TOUR ELECTIONS OFFICES THROUGHOUT OREGON
Oregon is a "vote-by-mail" state. Every registered voter can mail in or drop off their ballot instead of standing in line at a polling place. But then what? On the night before the May primary election, Girl Scouts will get an up-close look at how ballots are processed in their county at their local elections office. Senior-level Girl Scouts can complete a step toward earning the “Behind the Ballot” badge and Junior-level Girl Scouts can complete a step toward earning the “Inside Government” badge.
|
Deschutes County Elections Office |
|
Multnomah County Elections Office |
|
Jackson County Elections Office |
|
Benton County Elections Office |
PREVIOUS G.I.R.L. AGENDA ACTIVITIES
GIRL SCOUT LEADERSHIP DAY AT OREGON’S STATE CAPITOL
To help mark the 106th birthday of Girl Scouts, Gov. Kate Brown proclaimed March 12, 2018 to be Girl Scout Leadership Day. "Girl Scouts empower generations of girls and women, showing you are never too young to get involved, make a difference, and have your voice heard," Governor Brown said. Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington inducted Governor Kate Brown as an honorary lifetime member of Girl Scouts at a ceremony in the State Capitol on March 12, 2018. "It's my hope that as women take on leadership roles in their communities, in the Capitol, and in service organizations like Girl Scouts, that more girls grow up knowing that women can change the world." Governor Kate Brown now joins the nation's five currently serving women governors who are also Girl Scouts. To learn more, please see: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/content/dam/oregon-sw-washington-/forms/Press%20Release_GS%20Leadership%20Day%20at%20OR%20Capitol_FINAL_03%2005%202018%209PM.pdf
Members of Girl Scout Troop 10037 in the Salem area supported legislation that became House Bill (HB) 2732, signed into law on June 22, 2017. The law provides that a person who enters a motor vehicle to remove a child or domestic animal in imminent danger of suffering harm is not subject to criminal or civil liability. To learn more, please see: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/content/dam/oregon-sw-washington/forms/Press_Release_Good_Samaritan_Law.pdf.
G.I.R.L. AGENDA—GIRL SCOUTS’ CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
In October, Girl Scouts of the USA launched the G.I.R.L. Agenda, a nonpartisan initiative to inspire, prepare, and mobilize girls to lead positive change through civic action. To learn more, please visit: girlscouts.org/girlagenda.
GIRL SCOUTS’ HISTORY OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Since its founding in 1912, Girl Scouts has emphasized the importance of being civically engaged, by teaching and encouraging girls to create positive change in their communities through advocacy and action. Girl Scouts learn to stand up for what they believe in, identify issues they care about, and develop leadership skills to make the world a better place. Girl Scouts has a century of success which is reflected in the realm of public service by the fact that 76 percent of female U.S. Senators and 100 percent of female U.S. Secretaries of State are Girl Scout alumnae.
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
Girl Scouting inspires millions of girls and women—including more than 23,000 active members in Oregon and Southwest Washington—with the highest ideals of courage, confidence, and character. Our council serves 13,955 girls in 37 counties with the help of nearly 10,000 volunteers. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Every opportunity in Girl Scouting develops these essential skills in an all-girl, inclusive, safe environment. For information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.
###
Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington Commemorate Earth Day and Celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Camp Arrowhead, April 21-22, 2018 (Photos and PDFs Attached)
PORTLAND, Ore. – April 18, 2018 – Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington (GSOSW) will commemorate Earth Day and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Camp Arrowhead, located in Stevenson, Washington—in the Columbia River Gorge area—with tree-plantings and trail restoration on April 21-22, 2018.
Three trees—a Douglas Fir, a Mountain Hemlock and a Western Red Cedar—will be planted at Camp Arrowhead to help commemorate Earth Day as well as celebrate 70 years of outdoor skill-building, friendships and appreciation for nature. There will be a special dedication of one of the trees to a longtime GSOSW volunteer and special friend of Camp Arrowhead.
“Thousands and thousands of girls have built outdoor skills and made memories here,” says Allie Roberts, Outdoor Program Manager for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Whether a girl attended camp for one summer or came back year after year, her time on this mountain had an impact. She learned to care for the environment here. She made lifelong friends here. She discovered her own strengths and leadership potential here. Those lessons last.”
That lasting impact will continue this summer, when more than 340 Girl Scouts will experience archery, climbing, canoeing, white water rafting, llama trekking, hikes up Dog Mountain and other outdoor adventures.
ARROWHEAD SPRING 2018 FAMILY/TROOP WORK PARTY—April 21, 2018 [Registration is now closed.]
On Saturday, April 21, 2018, more than 100 volunteers will help prepare Camp Arrowhead for the summer camp season. Activities will include cleaning, installing furniture, sweeping and more.
“More than 100 volunteers--Girl Scouts and their family members and friends--will work together to help prepare Camp Arrowhead for the Summer camp season,” says Eileen Skidmore, Volunteer with Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “This is a special place for many of us – 3 generations of my family have camped at Arrowhead and we love working to help preserve it.”
[Registration is now closed.]
CAMP ARROWHEAD 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—April 22, 2018 [Registration is now closed.]
WHO: 80+ community members, camp alumni, camp staff alumni, Girl Scouts and their family members and friends.
WHAT: An event to commemorate Earth Day and celebrate the Camp Arrowhead 70th Anniversary, featuring slide shows, camp sing-alongs, tree-plantings and trail restoration as well as activities such as rock-climbing, archery, canoeing and hiking.
FOOD: Sandwiches, salads, chips and refreshments will be provided and there will be cake for the celebration.
WHEN: Sunday, April 22, 2018 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE: Camp Arrowhead, Stevenson, WA 97648
[Registration is now closed.]
INTERESTED MEDIA—PLEASE R.S.V.P.
Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s Director of Program, Sarah Brown, and Outdoor Program Manager, Allie Roberts, as well as Girl Scouts, Girl Scout alumna and volunteers, will be available on-site for media interviews at Camp Arrowhead on the day of the events (April 21-22, 2018).
** Interested media should R.S.V.P. in advance by emailing communications@girlscoutsosw.org.**
ABOUT CAMP ARROWHEAD
Camp Arrowhead, located in Stevenson, Washington, is open to all girls entering grades 1-12, no camping or Girl Scout experience required. Programs range from classic camp (swimming, campfires and cookouts) to specialty programs in water sports, hiking and trekking. Families can visit www.girlscoutsosw.org/camp to see available programs or sign up. Financial assistance is available.
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING
To learn more about GSOSW’s outdoor programming, please visit: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/camps/explore_our-camps/camp_arrowhead.html
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON | GSOSW
Our council serves 13,955 girls in 38 counties with the help of over 10,000 volunteers. Girl Scouts is proven to help girls thrive in five key ways as they: Develop a strong sense of self; Display positive values; Seek challenges and learn from setbacks; Form and maintain healthy relationships; Identify and solve problems in the community. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.
###
Girl Scouts Honor Earth Day with Service Projects Throughout Oregon and SW Washington
PORTLAND, Ore. – April 19, 2018 – This weekend, local Girl Scouts will roll up their sleeves and honor Earth Day by participating in service projects throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.
“Through Girl Scouting, girls develop a lifelong respect and love for the Earth,” says Karen Hill, CEO of Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington. “Earth Day service projects, camping and other outdoor adventures with Girl Scouts help girls understand their relationship to the Earth, and the vital role they have in caring for it and conserving it for future generations.”
BEAVERTON, OR—Parks and Trails Preparation
Troop 40110 will help to inspect parks and trails throughout the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District in order to identify areas that need attention before the summer season. Girl Scouts will also complete trash pickup during their inspections.
CLACKAMAS, OR—Cemetery Clean-Up
Girl Scout Service Unit 11 (Milwaukie, Clackamas and Gladstone, Oregon) will join SOLVE for Weekend Cemetery Clean Up at Clackamas Pioneer Cemetery in Clackamas, OR. Clean up will include debris, tree branches and blackberry removal and mulch spreading.
KLAMATH FALLS, OR—Clean-Up along the OC & E Woods Line State Trail
Girl Scout Service Unit 65 (Klamath, Lake and Harney counties) will join SOLVE, along with other community organizations, to do litter clean-up along the OC & E Woods Line State Trail in Klamath Falls. Girl Scouts will focus on the portion of the trail that spans from Washburn to Altamont.
SHERWOOD, OR—Garden Preparation and Spring Nature Mandala
Together with the Sherwood Rotary Club, members of Girl Scout Troop 45496 prepared and weeded the garden at the Our Table Cooperative. At 9 a.m. on the morning of April 22 (prior to an Earth Day Celebration), girls from Troop 45496 will create a spring nature mandala around the peace pole at Our Table Cooperative. Mandala-making is an ancient art form—traditionally, mandalas are bright and vibrant mosaics representing the universe, made from colored sand or rice. Nature mandalas, like those made by Troop 45496 will be made from found items including leaves, pine cones, shells, stones and flowers from the Girl Scouts’ own gardens. The Earth Day celebration at Our Table Cooperative takes place on April 22, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
UMATILLA, OR and PASCO, WA—Improving Habitat at McNary National Wildlife Refuge
On April 21, Girl Scouts from Service Unit 22 (Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla and Wheeler counties in OR) will work with the Army Corps of Engineers to clean-up a local pond in West Park, part of the McNary National Wildlife Refuge in the Columbia Basin, minutes from the Tri-Cities of Washington (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, WA). Local Girl Scouts—from the Pendleton and Hermiston areas of Oregon—will plant Coyote Willows and Cottonwood trees, remove invasive Russian Olive trees, and help make the wildlife area more habitable for the many species of animals that live there. In addition, they will remove debris and rubbish around the wildlife park. Afterwards, the girls will get to travel to the Bechtel National Planetarium, at Columbia Basin College, in Pasco, WA, to hear a special presentation about the life of trees.
STEVENSON, WA—Camp Arrowhead 70th Anniversary, Tree-Plantings and Trail Restoration
More than 80 Girl Scouts and their family members and friends will commemorate Earth Day and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Camp Arrowhead, located in Stevenson, Washington—in the Columbia River Gorge area—with tree-plantings and trail restoration on April 21-22, 2018. Attendees are traveling from Englewood, CO; Boardman, OR; the Portland/Willamette Valley area; Westchester, CA; Seattle, WA; and Irrigon, OR to attend the celebration. Three trees—a Douglas Fir, a Mountain Hemlock and a Western Red Cedar—will be planted at Camp Arrowhead to help commemorate Earth Day as well as celebrate 70 years of outdoor skill-building, friendships and appreciation for nature.
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING
To learn more about GSOSW’s local outdoor programming, please visit: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/camps/explore_our-camps.html. Additional information about outdoor programming in Girl Scouts, including 34 outdoor skill-building badges, can be found at: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/our-program/our-program/outdoors.html.
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON | GSOSW
Our council serves 13,955 girls in 38 counties with the help of over 10,000 volunteers. Girl Scouts is proven to help girls thrive in five key ways as they: Develop a strong sense of self; Display positive values; Seek challenges and learn from setbacks; Form and maintain healthy relationships; Identify and solve problems in the community. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.
###
APRIL IS STEM MONTH WITH GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SW WASHINGTON,
SPONSORED BY FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Signature STEM Event Spotlight: OMSI Family Night, April 23,
Sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union and Epping Family Foundation
PORTLAND, Ore. – April 3, 2018 – Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington (GSOSW) kicks off science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) Month in April. STEM Month is sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union and features more than 20 STEM activities and interactive workshops featuring:
- Astronomy
- Building Robotics
- Computer Programming
- Digital Storytelling
- Ecosystems
- Engineering
- Habitat
- Math
- Ocean Conservation
- Science
- Sustainability
- Technology
- Wildlife
- Women Aviators
- Women Engineers
“First Tech and the Girl Scouts share a passion for inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders through science, technology, engineering, and math programs,” says Nicole Frisch, Community Engagement Director for First Tech Federal Credit Union. “We’re thrilled to support the Girl Scouts in building strong foundations for young women and their futures, to fuel the future of our communities.”
On April 23, Girl Scouts—as well as their family members and friend guests—have the opportunity to enjoy a signature STEM event: OMSI Family Science Night. Attendees can explore popular exhibit halls, visit the physics and life science labs and see OMSI's featured exhibit, Robot Revolution.
“What makes OMSI Family Science Night a special experience for Girl Scouts is that girls have an opportunity to interact with and learn about a variety STEM careers,” says Shannon Joseph, STEM Specialist for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Girls will have a chance to work on skill-building badges throughout the exhibits, ranging in topics from water chemistry to animal behavior to robotics. While they’re having a great time, they're also getting a chance to see a future for themselves in these exciting and far-reaching fields.”
The event also offers attendees opportunities to connect with OMSI Science Communication Fellows, discover competitive robotics teams with the Oregon Robotics Tournament and Outreach Program and star-gaze with members of Rose City Astronomers.
OMSI Family Science Night is generously sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union and the Epping Family Foundation. “We understand that girls are seriously underrepresented in the Science, Technology and Engineering fields, partly because they lack role models and mentors in those areas,” says Shawn Epping Engelberg, Trustee, Epping Family Foundation. “We commend the way the Girl Scouts introduces and inspires girls into these fields, and we believe the Girl Scout programs will help develop successful women working in impact fields.”
ABOUT OMSI FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT
WHO: Hundreds of Girl Scouts of all ages, their family members and friends; Troop Leaders | Volunteers; Staff
WHAT: Third Annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry-OMSI Family Science Night with Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington; Sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union and Epping Family Foundation
WHEN: Monday, April 23, 2018, 6 - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry–OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, Ore. 97214
REGISTRATION: Community event open to registered Girl Scouts, their family members and friends. All attendees must register for this event. Please visit: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/sf-events-repository/2018/oregon-museum-of-science-and-industry--omsi--family-science-nigh.html
PARKING: There is limited parking at the facility and street parking nearby. Parking cost is included in admission. Carpooling is encouraged.
QUESTIONS? Please email activities@girlscoutsosw.org.
INTERESTED MEDIA—PLEASE R.S.V.P.
Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s Director of Communications, Sarah Shipe; Program Manager, Lisa Gilham-Luginbill; and STEM Program Specialist, Shannon Joseph; as well as Girl Scouts, will be available on-site for media interviews at OMSI Family Science Night.
Interested media should R.S.V.P. to communications@girlscoutsosw.org.
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS COMMITMENT TO STEM PROGRAMMING
To learn more about GSOSW’s STEM programming, please see: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/our-council/news/2018/explore_science_tech.html
Girl Scouts of the USA’s STEM Pledge is a multiyear initiative to put 2.5 million girls through progressive hands-on STEM programs by 2025. Donate at: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/adults/donate/STEM-pledge.html.
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON | GSOSW
Our council serves 13,955 girls in 38 counties with the help of over 10,000 volunteers. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Every opportunity in Girl Scouting, including the Girl Scout Cookie Program, develops these essential skills in an all-girl, inclusive, safe environment. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.
###