Message from the CEO

 

One of the many benefits of Girl Scout membership is that we have access to GSUSA's advocacy efforts to help demonstrate to lawmakers that Girl Scouts is a resource and an authority on issues affecting girls. Based on almost 100 years of experience and developed from extensive research, the Girl Scout Public Policy and Advocacy Office:

1. Encourages girls' healthy living through combating Relational Aggression and promoting girl-positive media images;
2. Ensures girls feel emotionally and physically safe;
3. Promotes girls' involvement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM);
4. Develops financial literacy skills; and
5. Gives a voice to girls in underserved communities.

GSGCF, with our sister councils in Florida, participates in the Florida Legislative Network. Through this alliance, we annually visit with lawmakers and in the past few years we have received funding from them, for special mentoring programs for girls in our area.

The Girl Scout Research Institute's new study is titled "Who's That Girl? Image and Social Media."  This nationwide survey, which included more than 1,000 girls ages 14 through 17, finds that girls downplay several positive characteristics of themselves online, most prominently their intelligence, kindness, and efforts to be a positive influence. In person, girls say they come across as smart (82 %), kind (76 %) and a good influence (59 %), whereas online, girls consider themselves fun (54 %), funny (52 %) and social (48 %). Girls with low self-esteem are more likely to admit their social networking image does not match their in-person image (33 % vs. 18 % of girls with high self-esteem) and are also more likely to claim that the image they portray online is sexy (22 % vs. 14 %) and crazy (35 % vs. 28 %).

In contrast, the vast majority of girls prefer face-to-face communication. Ninety-two percent would give up all of their social networking friends if it meant keeping their best friend. The study also finds that social networking provides an avenue for girls to maintain better relationships and feel more connected to causes they care about. Fifty-six percent of girls agree that social networking helps them feel closer to their friends, and thirty-six percent think that social networks have increased the quality of their relationships. Fifty-two percent of girls have gotten involved in a cause they care about through a social network. Read all of the findings here.

Have you read the findings yet? They sure make a case for the importance of  being part of  Girl Scouting: girls lead, girls learn by doing, and girls work cooperatively.   Do you find the research interesting? Let me know what you think and how GSGCF can continue our active role in developing girls of courage, confidence and character. 

Happy Holidays,
Sue

 

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Drop off donated clothes and accessories for infants, girls, and women only for the clothing swap at any GSGCF facility during regular operating hours until January 7th.

 

• Clothing and accessories must be laundered, smoke and pet free.
• NO undergarments will be accepted.
• All remaining items will be donated to a local charity in need. 

Questions?  Contact Megan Fasig  or 236-561-1800 ext 408.  

  

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Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Online registration is now available for November and December trainings.

Service Project Opportunity

 

Lee County

Reaching a 90th birthday is a reason to celebrate, however, many elderly people in our community unfortunately spend the day alone.  Senior Friendship Centers of Ft. Myers would like to invite you to join our Birthday Club, bringing cheer and happiness to people in their homes, turning 90+ on their birthdays.  We provide the food - you bring the song and merriment!  For as little as a few hours a month you can make a difference in a senior's life.  This is a great service project for troops. Call Liz at 239-275-1881 or email lcorrea@friendshipcenters.org to sign up and for more information!

 

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Octoberwas a phenomenal month for sales in our Girl Scout shops; both shops had increases.  Sarasota had an 86% increase, and service center in Ft. Myers had a 4% increase.  There were many reasons our sales were so good but it all boils down to our members supporting our shops.  Thank you for your support and remember... every time you purchase from the GSGCF Girl Scout shops or the GSGCF Online Shop, the proceeds earned remain in our council helping to support programs and initiatives that benefit our girls.

 

November sales continued brisk.  We saw increased sales in badges and fun patches.  The uniform basics were still strong but nothing like September and October.  We also saw increased sales in our Girl Scout Profile and Shorthand Logo tees, refreshed logo jewelry, and gifts.  Webkinz, Kids Tag Jewelry, our various PEACE motif items were HOT sellers.

 

December brings the need for GREAT Gift ideas, last minute gifts, and stocking stuffers.  Your Girl Scout Shops would like to be your one stop shop.  We have just received NEW Logo Baseball caps, Fall Fashion apparel, 100th Anniversary Ornaments and Window Catchers.  Check out our new Girl Scout watch that retails for $16.  It has been a HUGE hit.

 

Coming Soon...(Sometime in December) - The next Journey, "It's Your Story - Tell It!"  If you'd like to be one of the first to purchase - "It's Your Story - Tell It!" Journey products; please contact your local Girl Scout Shop.  We will place your name on a waiting list and once the product arrives, YOU WILL be able to purchase your items prior to product being merchandised on the sales floor.  If you would like to pre-purchase the newest Journey products, we will SHIP YOUR ORDER "FREE" once the items arrive.

 

Contact Information:

Sarasota Girl Scout Shop - shopsrq@gsgcf.org

800-232-4475 or 941-921-5358 x 313

941-923-5241 (fax)

 

Service Center -Fort Myers Girl Scout Shop - shopfm@gsgcf.org

800-586-3186 or 239-561-1800 x 401

239-561-1906 (fax)

 

Saturday Shop Events 

As we head to the end of 2010, we have a few more Saturday Shop Events scheduled.

 

SARASOTA ONLY- 12/4/10- We will open immediately following the ACTION Rally.  We will remain open as business dictates.  

 

12/18/10 - 10:00 AM-2:00 PM - Both shops will host a Holiday Shop Event.  There will be music, refreshments, raffles, and FREE Gift Wrapping on all purchases made that day.  We are looking for individuals and/or troops that would like to help with the festivities.  Each shop assistant will receive a FUN patch for helping the shops on that day.  If you are interested, please contact your local Girl Scout Shop at the numbers listed above.  Spend an hour, spend the day.  Shifts are scheduled in 1 hour increments.  Space/Tasks are limited so First Come, First Served. 

 

GSGCF Online Shop Update

We re-launched our GSGCF Online Shop in mid-October and your response was amazing.  We received over 30 orders in the first three weeks and sales continue to arrive daily.  If you don't have time to shop our stores this holiday season, we invite you to shop online - any time - 24-7.  No lines, no waiting!

 

You may access our site from www.gsgcf.org.  Click on "Council Girl Scout Shop" tab then click on Green "Shop Online Now".  The last day for order processing for Holiday Delivery will be Saturday, December 18th by 4:00 PM.  Express shipping rates may apply.

 

Product Preview - 2011

Product has started arriving now in preparation for 2011 Cookie Point Redemption period.  Many items will be showcased at the Region Meetings throughout December.  We will be unveiling a few items to help with cookie booth set up too.

 

Also at the region meetings, we will be showcasing the newest products from Precious Moments.  In October, Precious Moments released two Girl Scout figurines entitled, "Girl Scout Brownies Warm the Heart" and "Girl Scout Juniors Bring Friends Together".  Each figurine is designed to depict time honored Girl Scout traditions - bringing friends together and the great outdoors. 

 

In February 2011, Precious Moments will introduce two new figurines as well.  These items make great gifts for the Precious Moments collector and/or avid Girl Scout.  Contact your local Girl Scout shop today for more details.