On Wednesday, October 7, First Lady Michelle Obama was named the Honorary National President of Girl Scouts of the USA. On the same day, Girl Scouts of Colorado honored First Lady Jeannie L. Ritter as a 2009 Girl Scouts of Colorado Woman of Distinction.
Honoring First Ladies at the national and state levels is a tradition for Girl Scouts and also an opportunity for girls across the nation to learn from strong, female role models.
“It is my great pleasure to serve as Honorary National President of Girl Scouts,apostrophe said Mrs. Obama. “With their innovative new programming, ground-breaking research, and emphasis on service and leadership, Girl Scouts is preparing the women of tomorrow to be a positive force for change – in their own lives, their communities, and across the globe.apostrophe
In accepting the position, Mrs. Obama takes her place in a tradition stretching back to 1929, when Lou Henry Hoover became the first Honorary National President of the Girl Scouting movement. Since then, each successive First Lady has served in this post.
Girl Scouts plan to work with the First Lady on areas of mutual concern, such as healthy living, public service and leadership.
“From bullying to obesity to concern over the economy, our nation’s girls are facing significant challenges,apostrophe said Kathy Cloninger, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of the USA. “Girl Scouts is excited to work with the First Lady’s office to ensure that all girls can overcome the challenges they face, and that they have the skills, resources and opportunities they need to become strong, independent young leaders.apostrophe
“Girl Scouts can help girls from every background develop their self-confidence and leadership ability, and encourage them to make a difference in the world,apostrophe said Connie L. Lindsey, Girl Scouts of the USA National Board Chair. “The First Lady is a passionate, brilliant and inspirational woman – a fantastic role model for girls across the country. We look forward to an active and mutually rewarding partnership on issues important to girls’ lives.apostrophe
As a Girl Scouts of Colorado Woman of Distinction, Jeannie Ritter joins a group of purpose-driven Colorado women who are leaders in business, healthcare, education, government and philanthropic communities, who, like the Girl Scouts, are dedicated to service and leadership. These women commit to increasing the impact of Girl Scouting through their volunteer and financial contributions. At least 400 Colorado women have been named a Woman of Distinction across the state over approximately the last decade, including former First Ladies Frances Owens and Bea Romer.
“Girl Scouts, by design, gets young girls working together, which is a critical step in developing the next generation of leaders,apostrophe said Colorado First Lady Jeannie Ritter. “In fact, we should all be encouraging these talented girls to dream big and even consider running for Governor--but after the 2012 election, of course!apostrophe
About Girl Scouts of Colorado
Girl Scouts of Colorado is where girls throughout the state gain courage, confidence and character alongside a group of girls who will be their friends for life. It’s a safe place for girls to explore their world, develop an understanding and empathy for others, and take action to make the world a better place. Girls are guided by committed, caring adults who make learning fun. No other activity helps each girl achieve her personal leadership pathway like Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts has been the nation’s leading expert on girls for nearly 100 years. In addition to opportunities for girls, Girl Scouts is also a great place to enhance job skills and give back to your community as an adult volunteer. For more information on Girl Scouts of Colorado or to volunteer or donate, visit www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org or call 1-866-827-7033.