WHEREAS,  for over a century, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America organization has inspired millions of girls to lead with courage, confidence and character; and

WHEREAS,  Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, offering every girl a chance to practice for a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success; and

WHEREAS,  through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls develop skills and learn lessons that will serve them throughout their lives, assisting them to contribute to their communities and make the world a better place; and

WHEREAS,  Girl Scouts drive positive change in their communities, contributing tens of thousands of service hours each year and earning Girl Scouts' highest awards, the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards; and

WHEREAS,  since 1916, the Gold Award, Girl Scouts' highest honor, has inspired the best and brightest Girl Scouts to find the greatness inside themselves and share their ideas and passions with their communities through sustainable Take Action Projects; and

WHEREAS,  the Girl Scout Leadership Experience helps girls develop a solid foundation in leadership through core programs in science, technology, engineering and math and programs in environmental stewardship, healthy living, financial literacy and global citizenship; and

WHEREAS,  Girl Scouts' outdoor experiences are an integral part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, with outdoor activities woven into the core leadership development program in such a way that girls feel comfortable trying new things and testing their limits in order to gain confidence and acquire new skills in a safe and supportive all-girl environment; and

WHEREAS,  Girl Scouts connects girls to a world of possibilities in a positive and inclusive all-girl, girl-led and girl-friendly environment, where girls are inspired to discover their passions and empowered to reach their full potential, guaranteeing future generations of independent female leaders; and

WHEREAS,  with more than 2.5 million current members nationwide and nearly 60 million alumnae, and with 71% of female Senators, 59% of female members of Congress and 53% of women business owners being former Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts has ample living proof of the success of this amazing movement; now, therefore, be it