SUE ELSE: Girl Scout leadership is the best job in the world

I can’t wait to get to work every day because I have the best job in the world. I work at Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia.

Every day we meet all types of girls who are full of promise. We know that because of Girl Scouting they have more opportunities to become successful women. How do we know? Research done by Girls Scouts of the U.S.A’s National Research Institute measures the positive outcomes of our program.

Further research tells us that girls who enjoy positive interaction with caring adults, such as our volunteers, are more likely to pursue their goals and refrain from risky behavior. And it’s not only research that confirms the power of Girl Scouting; it is also affirmed by the girls themselves.

Take Sa’Haara-Jade Bryant, for instance. Sa’Haara-Jade is a senior at Westover Comprehensive High School Academy of Medical Arts who is working toward her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. She was a delegate to the National Girl Scout Leadership Institute and the 2012 International Girls World Forum, and was a design team member for the 100th Birthday Celebration of Girl Scouting. Sa’Haara-Jade twice received the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award and earned the coveted 2013 Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Award for the city of Albany. Here, she shares the impact a Girl Scout volunteer can have:

“Girl Scouting has made a major impact in my life. It has increased not only my leadership skills, but also my self-confidence. Through programs such as the Teen Leadership Conference and the Girls World Forum, I have been able to make long- lasting friends in all parts of the country. Girl Scout volunteers are necessary to this cause because they help make all these things happen, and can really touch the lives of girls. All of the Girl Scout volunteers I’ve met have helped boost my self-confidence and other skills. Because of them, I’m no longer afraid to speak in front of large groups of people.”

Girl Scout volunteers are women and men who choose to share their interests and gifts with girls and guide them in their development as leaders. Whether our volunteers choose to invest a little time or a lot, they share in a fun-filled adventure that brings about a positive return in the lives of girls.

Adults like Nancy Reimer, a distinguished, retired educator and active community volunteer who chairs the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia’s Legacy Circle in Albany. Here she shares her motivation for volunteering with Girl Scouts:

“From 2nd grade at Sherwood Elementary School, where I proudly wore my Brownie uniform and beanie, to my 12th-grade year at Albany High School, Girl Scouting had the biggest influence on my life outside of church and family. Girl Scouting taught me leadership and relationship skills, enhanced my love for travel, gave me lifelong memories and friendships, and taught me the importance of volunteering and being a part of my community. These values are the reasons I volunteer today. Girl Scout volunteers shape the lives of the girls and young ladies in Albany, Georgia. The rewards are priceless and alter so many lives.”

Who wouldn’t love a job like mine? Every day we positively impact the lives of girls and adults, through our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. You too can make a difference by volunteering to work with some amazing girls. We have a variety of pathways for volunteering ranging from troop leaders to more occasional roles, all tailored to your interests, abilities and time constraints.

So here are my top 10 reasons to consider volunteering for Girl Scouts:

1. Early access to Girl Scout cookies.
2. Silly songs that you’ll remember forever.
3. Being the only person in your peer group who can build a fire with twigs and string.
4. S’mores, lots of s’mores.
5. Learning something new so you can share it with girls.
6. Cheering from the ground as girls take their first ride on a zip line.
7. Travel — local, national, international.
8. Friendship with others who want to make a positive difference.
9. Big smiles on little faces.
10. Knowing that you touched the future by making a difference in the life of a girl.

When a girl succeeds, so does society. To join and volunteer, visit www.ghsg.org or call the local office at (229) 432-9188. We can’t wait for you to become a Girl Scout volunteer!

Sue Else is chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia.