WHEREAS, Girl Scouts are members of the largest international organization in the world for the development of girls and young women. Despite differences in language, religion, and way of life, all Girl Scouts are united by the spiritual values of their Promise and the Law; and

WHEREAS, the principles of Girl Guiding were introduced to the United States in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low of Savannah, Georgia. While living in Scotland in 1911, Mrs. Low became acquainted with the ideas and programs of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout and Girl Guide movements. At his suggestion, Mrs. Low became active in the girls movement, and started Girl Guide companies in England and Scotland. At the time, the newly formed Girl Guides were headed by Baden-Powell's sister, Agnes; and

WHEREAS, Upon returning to the United States in 1912, Juliette Low organized the first American Girl Guides with 18 members in Savannah. The date that the group was formed, March 12, 1912, is celebrated as the Girl Scout birthday. In 1913, the name of the organization was changed to Girl Scouts, and the first Girl Scout headquarters was opened in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, At the premier Girl Scout convention, held in Washington in 1915, Juliette Low was elected president. That year, a constitution and by-laws were also adopted, and the organization was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. The organization was chartered by a special act of Congress in 1950; and

WHEREAS, Today, Girl Scouts of the USA is the largest voluntary organization for girls in the world. Since it was founded, it has been providing opportunities for girls from all segments and strata of American life to develop their potential, make friends, and become a vital part of their community; and

WHEREAS, Since it began, more than 40 million people have been Girl Scouts at some time in their lives. Members include more than 3 million girls and adult volunteers from diverse ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds. They are found in more than 300 Girl Scout councils throughout the United States and overseas; and

WHEREAS, In Girl Scouting, girls of ages 6 through 17, and of all races and creeds, are welcome. At each age level, activities for girls take place in small groups, sometimes called troops, or individually under the guidance of an adult leader or adviser. Within the small group setting, each girl has the opportunity to be an active participant -- to speak, be heard, influence decisions, and develop qualities of leadership; and

WHEREAS, Adults who serve as leaders and advisers support girls in their efforts to become responsible and self-reliant individuals. They work in partnership with the girls, providing friendship, advice, encouragement and resources; and

WHEREAS, The goals of the Girl Scout movement are to emphasize deepening self-awareness, contributing to society, relating positively to others, and developing deep-rooted spiritual values. Splendid opportunities for growth are to be found in every Girl Scout activity, and can be utilized to measure a young lady's personal development; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby honors the ideals and accomplishments of the Girl Scouting movement and is only too pleased and proud to proclaim March 8-14, 1997 as GIRL SCOUT WEEK: and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Girl Scouts of Rhode Island, Inc.