Thursday, March 10, 2011

Girl Scout Day at the Capitol

DSCN0454Vivian here! Just dropping in to tell ya'll a little bit about the Girl Scouts' Legislative Day I had the honor of participating in at the capitol. First, I wanted to emphasize how important civic engagement is because, ultimately, our government exists to serve its people; and it can only do that if we make our opinions heard!

Our main role at the capitol was to encourage representatives of the 46 counties that GSCTX covers to support bills pertaining to GSUSA's legislative agenda. A few examples of bills are Rep. Strama's bill on expanding the definition of "bullying" to include cyberbullying as well, Rep. Alvarado's on banning sugary drinks from public campuses in order to minimize childhood obesity levels in Texas. While we as an NGO do all we can to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, it is important to make our mission heard at higher institutional levels as well!

Talking with representatives was such a great experience for me, and I encourage everyone to visit the capitol building while the House is in session! I was surprised by how accessible the representatives' offices were, and how accommodating and eager to help all the staff members were.

After visiting the offices of more than 10 representatives, we settled down for a fantastic reception. The evening's honorees were the newly inducted members of a new Girl Scout Honorary Troop, Troop 1920, led by Representative Angie Button and Senator Leticia Van de Putte. We even held an investiture for them! I was touched by their enthusiastic support of Girl Scouts and the things we stand for; and it has been so encouraging to see how much other people care about the causes I support as well. Thank you, GSCTX for this opportunity, and I hope many more of our girls will be inspired to take civic action for the causes they believe in!

-Vivian S.

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