With the help of more than 14,000 dedicated adult volunteers, Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys serves 34,740 girls in kindergarten through twelfth grade, in 49 counties across southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, helping them build courage, confidence, and character to make our world a better place. Girl Scout Leadership Development Program
The Girl Scout Leadership Exper
ience model engages girls in discovering themselves, connecting with others, and taking action to make the world a better place. This model begins with a definition of leadership that girls understand and believe in: a leader, girls say, is defined not only by the qualities and skills one has, but also by how those qualities and skills are used to make a difference in the world. Recent research highlights that girls want leadership opportunities where they can learn by doing and are cooperative learning experiences. This more inclusive and empowering model of shared leadership is also the one most valued by girls. It encourages girls to take an increased responsibility for designing and implementing activities, and this results in opportunities for them to see how their actions can impact the lives of others. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience invites girls to participate in journeys to explore three “keys” to leadership:
•Discover – girls understand themselves and their values and use their knowledge and skills to explore the world.
1. Girls gain practical life skills
4. Girls seek challenges in the world
5. Girls develop critical thinking
• Connect – girls care about, inspire, and team with others locally and globally.
1. Girls develop healthy relationships
2. Girls promote cooperation and team building
3. Girls can resolve conflicts
4. Girls advance diversity in a multicultural world
5. Girls feel connected to their communities, locally and globally
•Take Action – girls act to make the world a better place.
1. Girls can identify community needs
2. Girls are resourceful problem solvers
3. Girls advocate for themselves and others, locally and globally
4. Girls educate and inspire others to act
5. Girls feel empowered to make a difference in the world
