By Becky Burton, CEO, Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains
As I sit and reflect on our founder’s birthday tomorrow,
October 31, I am amazed at this wonderful organization she dreamed up. She
dreamed of a world where girls had a voice and worked together, no matter their
background. She was one of the first true feminists – hoping for a better world
for girls than what she currently witnessed.
For me, the organization she built is one that has been part
of my life since I was in grade school. Growing up as a Girl Scout, I enjoyed
the outdoors, learned many new skills, and was able to be proud of who I was
becoming as I grew up in Abilene. After graduating from TCU (Go Frogs!) and
working short stints in non-Girl Scout jobs, I found myself back at Girl
Scouts. For the next 40 years, I would dedicate my life to this wonderful
organization that made me who I am today.
I’m sure Juliette did not know the influence she would have
on the girls of tomorrow. She wasn’t scared to try new things or live outside
the norms of her time. She was one of the first women to realize that girls are
the future – and she looked at them in that way.
As I embark on my future outside of an employee at Girl Scouts, I know that Girl Scouts will always be a part of who I am. I am proud of how the organization continues to believe in Juliette’s vision for girls. Over the years, I’ve seen Girl Scouts change to meet the needs of girls by looking toward the future while honoring the past. Her vision for Girl Scouts – “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight!” – founded an organization that has produced female leaders for more than 100 years.
Through the years, I’ve learned “Be curious, not judgmental.”
Juliette was curious (and so was Ted Lasso). I’ve been curious as I’ve walked
through my career, learning to lead with passion and a servant’s heart. I’ve
listened to countless Girl Scout stories from young girls to grown-up alums –
always hearing new ways that Girl Scouts has been an influence in the life of a
girl. I wish for nothing but the best for Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains
as it continues to flourish.
As the Girl Scout song goes, “Make new friends, but keep the
old. One is silver and the other gold.” My hope for each of you is that you
continue to make new friends in Girl Scouting while remembering those who came
before you.
As many of you put on your costume tomorrow to go out to Trick-or-Treat, remember the other important aspect of October 31 – the birthday of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts.
Thank you, Juliette!
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