A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AT THE CELEBRATION OF THE ORGANIZATION'S ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH ANNIVERSARY, TO SALUTE THE MORE THAN TEN THOUSAND GIRL SCOUTS IN THE PALMETTO STATE, AND TO DECLARE SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2023, GIRL SCOUT DAY IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that Sunday, March 12, 2023, marks the one hundred eleventh anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA, the largest and most impactful leadership program for girls in the world. In South Carolina alone, Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina and Girl Scouts of Mountains to Midlands serve more than ten thousand girls across the State; and

Whereas, further, today more than fifty million women - trailblazers, visionaries, and leaders - are Girl Scout alums who have made the world a better place; and

Whereas, during a time when girls are dealing with the impact of pandemic-related learning loss, Girl Scouts offers important out-of-school and after-school learning enrichment and skill-building opportunities that expand their world, allow them to cultivate their talents, and ensure they can confidently pursue their passions and make the world a better place; and

Whereas, since its beginnings, Girl Scouts has emphasized public service and civic engagement and has fostered a sense of community in girls. In a time when girls are experiencing increased levels of anxiety, stress, loneliness, and depression, Girl Scouts, serving as a safe haven in all the uncertainty, continues to provide community, consistency, and connection; and

Whereas, Girl Scouts' long-standing commitment to getting girls outdoors instills a lifelong appreciation for nature and is more critical than ever as we emerge from the pandemic; and

Whereas, at a time when civics education is missing from many schools, Girl Scouts engages girls of all grade levels in civics programming that deepens their understanding of democracy and government, prepares them for a lifetime of civic engagement, and motivates them to take action on issues that are important to them; and

Whereas, Girl Scouts offers girls 21st-century programming in STEM subjects, the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and beyond, helping girls develop invaluable life skills. Gold Award Girl Scouts take on projects with a measurable and sustainable impact on a community by assessing a need, designing a solution, completing a project, and inspiring others to sustain it; and

Whereas, as a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts is part of an international sisterhood of ten million girls and young women in one hundred fifty-two countries that offers girls more opportunities to engage with communities worldwide. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Girl Scouts of the USA at the celebration of the organization's one hundred eleventh anniversary, salute the more than ten thousand Girl Scouts in the Palmetto State, and declare Sunday, March 12, 2023, Girl Scout Day in South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Girls Scouts of South Carolina.

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