APRIL 2021
GirlFriends is a publication of Girl Scouts of Nassau County
Girl Scout Gratitude I WANT TO TAKE THIS TIME to personally thank our membership for their resilience over the last year through these unprecedented times. I was always confident we would make it to the other side of this, but I did not know how much grit and determination it would take, nor did I think it would take so long. A special thanks to all of our volunteers who quickly pivoted to virtual programs and troop meetings, service team meetings, annual association meetings, and the cookie program. There were all the outdoor troop meetings and drive-through events. There were so many follow-ups, check-ins, and “Zooming”. Without you, we couldn’t do any of this work. We appreciate you and are so proud to be on the “Girl Scout team” with you. Because of you, girls continued to develop their leadership potential through learning and discovery, continued to connect with their peers, and took action to make a difference in the world. Thank you to all of our parents. You juggled work at home, school at home, and other obligations. We know you had to prioritize things in your household and you still chose us. You knew that girls needed Girl Scouts now more than ever. During these tough times, Girl Scouts helped mitigate learning loss, supported mental health, and promoted equity. Thank you to our girls. Gosh, how I miss seeing you in person. You all showed a strength and determination that was beyond my expectations. You participated in virtual programs, you worked on the highest awards, you helped the community with your service projects, and you checked in on each other. I hope we lived up to your expectations and I can’t wait to see what your generation does to make the world a better place after this experience. Finally, thank you to the staff and board of GSNC. Without your hard work and support, we may not have made it this far. I am grateful to be on the same team as you and know that after this, everything will seem like a walk in the park. —Rande M. Bynum/CEO
GRATITUDE TIPS: l SEND CARDS/WRITE LETTERS–Everyone loves getting mail, send some thanks in a note or card. It is a great keepsake. l DO A GOOD DEED–Take on a little task that could make someone’s life a bit easier. Walk a dog, collect recyclables, plant some flowers. l SHARE A PHOTO MEMORY–Send a photo of a great moment together. It is especially touching since we all can’t be together. l CREATE AN AFFIRMATIONS JAR–Write notes to yourself and others to remind us of all the good things. Pull one out on a bad day, put one in on a good day. l KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL–Ending the day with a reflection on the good stuff will help you sleep better and remind you of all you have to be grateful for.
National Volunteer Appreciation Week: April 18–24 I credit my daughters for making me a Girl Scout leader. I have no idea what made my oldest daughter say she wanted to be a Girl Scout and wear a blue vest. But, that was what prompted me to make the call to find out about a troop for her during her early days in kindergarten. Shortly after that call, I found myself in a training class and was excited about the leadership role I just committed to. My best memory of the experience is how it became something my whole family was a part of. To this day, many of those Girl Scout families are still part of our family. I have watched these girls become young ladies and move on to college experiences and can’t help but think that I might have helped that former Girl Scout with something that they are passionate about today. At Girl Scouts, leaders/co leaders, troop cookie managers, Mags&Munchies managers, adult volunteers who assist during troop meetings, service team members, troop finance chairs, and troop chaperones—They are all recognized and appreciated. And on April 22, we celebrate Girl Scout Leader’s Day. Ask your service team how they plan to recognize and appreciate their adult volunteers. You can also show your favorite volunteer your love and gratitude during National Volunteer Appreciation Week during April 18-24. We have some great ideas for you to show your leaders and other service team members how much they are appreciated. l Write “Thank You” cards to thank them for their commitment. l Create a social media post to honor all they have done. l Nominate them for a community-level service award to be recognized at a leader meeting. l Bake something special for them. l Make a craft, paint a picture, knit a scarf, etc. Remember, volunteers are paid only through your appreciation, and for that they are grateful! —Marilou M. Owens Senior Director, Community Impact and Customer Care