I LOVE YOU!

Leadership makes all the difference in the lives of youth ... having good leaders to look up to is something I truly love when I see it in action.  I know I don't blog nearly enough.  But on a day* when there is much love expressed in the world, it's a great time to say how much I am inspired by and love every Girl Scout leader who has made a difference in a girl's life.

While I consider it a great privilege to work for an amazing organization, it's truly the volunteers - those who are working directly with each young girl as their leaders - who are the "rockstars" of Girl Scouting.  Not every girl has someone she can say "I LOVE YOU" to, and it makes my heart sad to think a young girl doesn't have someone who believes in her.  BUT ... I get to see things like this and it warms my heart.

We love our Girl Scout leaders!  And I am inspired by them every day.

*I just discovered this draft didn't post ... so those receiving the updates by email, this misses the Valentine's Day mark! But every day can be Valentine's Day in Girl Scouting, don't you think?

Some Serious Reporting

This serious group of girls had a seriously great opportunity ... and even though it has taken me a while to get up a post about it, it's still one of my favorite moments. 

Tulsa Shock graciously worked with us on a BIG event where girls had the opportunity to experience different roles through the night.  I brought in a good friend of mine who is a real reporter and journalist to lead and inspire the girls.  Not only did he do that, but he was able to get them an interview with the coach after the game!

This is what makes my heart so soft ... people who volunteer simply by sharing their skills and abilities, making a new opportunity open up for girls.  I don't know if they realized how lucky they were, but they took full advantage of the moment!  I was so impressed.  They asked not only great questions, but GUTSY questions!  One, in fact, made the other reporters in the room gasp and scribble in their notebooks, too.  But even better than that, they made the coach's day and she encouraged them as well.

One young lady submitted her story to the Girl Scout Council, so we put it up online and you can read all about it (including her gutsy question) by clicking here.

Character Is A Choice

What I think is unique about character is that it doesn't have to be an inborn trait. It can be taught, learned, embraced and expanded. There is no underlying fundamental talent that is needed for character to take root in a person's life. You don't have to have a "green thumb" to make it bloom and grow. Ultimately, it is a choice.

(For anyone really interested in my long train of thought ... feel free to keep reading. These are just thoughts that have traveled through my mind. No professional or personal platforms are intended. I was simply energized by the thoughts a book had sparked and wanted to capture it while it was fresh.)

Late last night, I started reading Delivering Happiness by the CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh. I wasn't expecting to do anything more than just enjoy another perspective. But at page 159, I had to stop and capture a few thoughts as it relates to "corporate culture" of Girl Scouts.

The first solid thought came from a discussion of core values and if they are truly meaningful. Can people name them or the company mission? Can people live them? I truly believe the Girl Scout mission is a catalyst because it's what I envision for my daughter ...

"Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place."

How about in the workplace? I had always had a blind embrace of it as an employee with more of an arm's length view - it was what we were doing for the girls. But today I started thinking. How does our mission affect the professional work environment? While all three "C's" seem like prerequisites with a view to making the world (and our work environment) a better place, character seemed to be the number one element that I see affecting our own "corporate culture."

We may be actively making the world a better place ...
We may be courageous and confident in what we are doing ...
But are we embracing character? Are we transparent? Do we own our own mistakes? Do we talk behind the backs of others? Do we disagree and sabotage? Do we bottle up frustrations? Do we circumvent due process? Do we really respect one another? Better yet, do we truly respect authority? Or are we satisfied with tolerating and venting when we come to roadblocks? Do we collaborate to solve issues? Do we put ourselves aside for the progress of our collective abilities to serve girls and volunteers? Do we have an open forum both personally and professionally? And do we still honor others with what is said behind closed doors?

Then I read an excerpt on page 158:

"Integrity was a value that had been suggested by some employees, but I made a conscious choice to leave it out. I felt that integrity would come from us actually committing to and living up to our core values in everything we did, not just referring to them when it was convenient."

I've had that thought in the Girl Scout world before when it comes to leadership and self-esteem (it comes organically through opportunities to exercise the mission) ... but I had not thought about it in terms of our mission specifically. My mind immediately went to the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Character is much like integrity ... it is a value that comes from us actually committing to and living up to the Promise and Law, our "core values" if you will.

The Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I will try:

To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times,

And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

The Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be

honest and fair,

friendly and helpful,

considerate and caring,

courageous and strong, and

responsible for what I say and do,

and to

respect myself and others,

respect authority,

use resources wisely,

make the world a better place, and

be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Let's be honest (and fair) ... we are certainly human. There are days where exhaustion can take over and it's hard to be friendly or helpful. Situations arise and depending on the reactions, one more negative outburst can drain the last reserves. Considerate and caring responses can become feigned, a burden, or simply non-existent.

So what do we do? How do we respect ourselves and our limits while respecting others and authority? Maybe it is summed up in our last three lines ...

1) Use resources wisely. Whether personal resources, company resources, material resources ... it all applies. Do I have enough internal bandwidth to address a challenging situation within the ideals of our Girl Scout Law? If not, maybe I need to evaluate my resources ... gain understanding, get a fresh perspective, identify solutions and what we have or need to address it, and when better prepared, have that open discussion to make something positive happen.

2) Make the world a better place. Am I contributing to my world? My world can be a variety of elements - work culture, family, community, etc. If I am about to tear something down, is it with the aim of making it a better? Identifying the purpose within each action is huge in my mind. And in this case it's the guideline to know if it's a candidate to be part of the mission or not.

3) Lastly ... be a sister to every Girl Scout. What does this really mean? I'm not sure that I'm the best one to even attempt a description. I never had a sister! But I always wished I had one and frequently imagined what life would be like with a sister. I wanted someone to share life with on a daily and continuing basis. So what do sisters do in my daydream? Work together, play together, help each other, be honest even when it hurts, apologize when relationships go awry, and ultimately know that we're in it for the long haul. A sister is forever.

Diversity and Legacies

It does my heart good when I hear about inspiration and encouragement that simply relies on the human experience. Neither age nor race should play a discriminating role in the impact a person's life can have on the future of a girl. And I'm proud to say that I have found Girl Scouting to truly be a place where that is demonstrated.

Take Dawn and Dorothy, for instance. Dawn (left) grew up in McAlester with Dorothy (right) as her troop leader. At a recent event to honor Dorothy, the thanks and the stories that poured from Dawn's heart brought both laughter and tears. Dawn is NOT the outdoor type and as a girl had a hard time spending time away from home. Dorothy always encouraged her and always let her go home when it got to be too much ... time and time and time again.

Because of Dorothy's open encouragement, Dawn continued to take steps as she was ready, and eventually she made it through a night, and a weekend, and she has even successfully camped. But it wasn't just about staying overnight. It was about developing those core leadership skills - courage, confidence and character. The wisdom of patient leadership is what Dawn needed. And as a result, she had more than just a successful experience as a Girl Scout. She is now a professional Girl Scout staff member along with Dorothy! And maybe even more importantly, she is guiding her own daughter on a similar path in Girl Scouting to discover her strengths and master them one step at a time.

Dawn and Dorothy are both women who embody the Girl Scout Mission of making the world a better place ... one step at a time, one girl at a time. These women make me proud to be a Girl Scout, too!

Girl Scouts ... Not Just For Girls

I remember walking into a room of incarcerated women who were waiting to meet their daughters for a very non-traditional Girl Scout troop meeting. Hidden behind the crowd of children were two - a brother and sister - there for the first time. The room quickly filled with chatter and hugs as children were reconnecting with their mothers. But one moment stood out above the others. To hear a mother's emotion filled sobs echoed by her children as they embrace for the first time in years shook me to the core. A Girl Scout, a "tagalong" sibling, and an incarcerated mother ... all joined together and working toward hope. That's powerful.

Reaching out into a girl's life affects far more than just the young girl. I'm thinking about her connections in the world ... and they are significant. Imagine being able to inject courage, confidence and character into her relationships. How would that affect her mother? Her brother? Her schoolmates? Her teachers? Her mentors?

We often talk about the change Girl Scouting makes in the life of a girl, but we don't always talk about the change it can make in the lives of those connected to her. But the impact is exponential.

I remember interviewing a Girl Scout volunteer who is a school employee. As she told stories that went from troop to camp to schoolyard, we laughed and cried together ... and I was humbled by the amazing circle of impact I heard just through one voice.

I remember being introduced to a woman who talked about how Girl Scouting was as much for her as it was for her daughter. The same courage, confidence and character that was building in her troop was also building in her, and she was able to free herself from abuse and finally found she indeed did have a wonderful future and life ahead of her.

I remember hearing about an adventure involving a Girl Scout with disabilities and her troop learning to rappel ... again laughing and crying over the trials and triumphs. And I was so thankful for the man (one of our outdoor trainers) who so gently encouraged and empowered the young girl. Yet talk to him or his wife and their dedicated scouting family (even their daughters are leaders now of troops) and you'll find story after empowering story not just about the girls, but about their families and their futures.

I remember reading a thank you card from a volunteer who never realized she'd need to use her first aid training to save her own son. And to the schoolmates of two young girls I know who have literally saved lives? It's almost beyond words. The impact is immeasurable.
Even I, who am on the lowest scale when I observe these moments from the outside, feel that impact and it changes me. Imagine how making a difference can change the rest of the world!

It Only Takes A Spark ...

This morning, six girls were out making the world a better place. I was there, I took photos, and I had my proud moments again. But you know what made me stop and think today? This young girl.

As we took photos, she had an idea for a picture. Then another idea ... and another. I offered her one of my cameras, and she told me that she liked being in front of the camera but not really behind it (quite the opposite of me). My daughter and I showed her a couple of things about the camera and how it worked. Before we knew it, the photographer had been unleashed!

There were no lack of ideas, and I think we attempted nearly every one of them. There was laughter, delighted squeals when something turned out extra special, and the animated gushing only pre-teen girls can do that makes everything feel like an adventure. So, an adventure we had! All it took was a little spark of inspiration and someone to take note and fan the flame.

(Get ready to sing ... I'm taking you back to my junior high church choir and our favorite song.)

It Only Takes A Spark ... To Get A Fire Going ... The words are more than a song in my head. At least they are when I stop to think about it! As a mom, I think I'm guilty of letting sparks die far too often. I admit it. I'm busy. We have a demanding schedule. And there are opportunities that slide by on a daily basis. I think it's that way for so many of us moms out there. It's probably that way in any realm for ANY of us out there.

I'll admit something else. This adventure was not something I did by choice. It's humbling, but I truly only made the effort because my department made a mistake in posting the information for this particular opportunity. While I probably could have waved a boss wand and sent the situation elsewhere, I decided to personally get involved and try to make it something special. I had to wrestle myself out of the house to go do it!

Roll that all together, and there are several life lessons to toss around. But you know what? I'm just glad I somehow had the patience to let the moments unfold. It really was only a spark. And out of the 441 photos we brought back with us ... less than 100 were mine! Yep, I'd say that was a fire.

Strong and Confident Hope

These girls ... beautiful. I am profoundly blessed when I get a few moments to have their energy infuse the air I breathe. I see such strength and confidence. I see bravery. I see unity. I hear infectious laughter and notice quietly hopeful moments light their eyes. Little do they know, their spirit and even their spirited antics are secretly fueling my heart.

When children are faced with overcoming great odds as they grow into young adults, my heart is particularly tuned. I'm a mother who daily feels the joy and pain of watching a child bend and turn with life's sometimes rocky road. And while every life has grit and grind of one kind or another, these girls have a common bond.

They are daughters of incarcerated women.

I do not know what that feels like to a young girl. I do not know the depth of the challenge they face. And when I stop to imagine, my heart cries out for them. But I do know this ... they are empowered. And my heart swells because they are empowered by Girl Scouting.

This is Girl Scouts Beyond Bars. Courage. Confidence. Character. The world is definitely a better place.

Dove Dialogues & Silver Linings

In a moment of inspiration this morning, I ran to get chocolate for my staff. Why? There's more change in the air, which for us means revising hundreds of documents, web pages and electronic resources. The change itself isn't big ... but the work and stress of "re-revising" what has been revised more than once in the past 2 years is pretty big.

This falls on the shoulders of one person more than others, and I not only brought chocolate when I stopped by to share the news, but a big, thermal coffee mug. I think she will need it! We shared a laugh when she emailed the message from one of her Dove chocolates. It was so appropriate: “Don’t take it personal.”

Then I get: “Be the silver lining in another’s cloud.”
Awwww! Still appropriate, maybe the chocolates were a silver lining. I pat myself on the back.

After that: “YOU are that superwoman. So enjoy!”
Hey! Mine are sounding like more work!

… So now I’m kind of afraid to open the next chocolate.
… But I can’t stand not knowing.
… So I open the next one (even though I don’t really want a chocolate): “Don’t take it personal.”

I just have to laugh.

But you know what? Like so many things, there's a message. Doing good = hard work. Some people have the perception that working for a nonprofit is a warm, fuzzy career move complete with relief from the pressure of corporate equivalents. However, I know several people who have tasted both sides and get a laugh at thinking that nonprofit jobs are "cake" jobs. We know better!

We get the pleasure of doing good as part of our job. But you know what? Being the silver lining is no easy task! Actually, like so many of the wonderful opportunities that come our way in the world, it looks like work ... and it is.

So to sum up the advice of the day, don't take it personal. Enjoy! Be the silver lining, superwoman!

'Tis the Season ...

... for camp! I can't tell you how many times I have heard adults say that they had no idea what they were learning while they were growing up in Girl Scouting. But as real life challenges start to surface in adulthood, the skills they learned as young girls with their Girl Scout troop begin to surface. Teamwork. Cooperation. Determination. Problem solving. Self sufficiency. These young girls may think they are just carrying water. But step by step they are building their future.

Zandra and the United Way

Engaging, gregarious and full of life, Zandra charms everyone she speaks to during a video shoot for Tulsa Area United Way. She spoke about what being a Girl Scout means to her. Born with a rare medical condition, Zandra has to overcome many challenges that the rest of the world never things about. She was born without ribs. While you would think that would keep most people from enjoying life, Zandra has not let it slow her down one bit. In fact, she is one of our top cookie sellers! Zandra admits it is her favorite time of the year, and she thoroughly enjoys selling cookies. But above and beyond the thrill of the sale, she talks about how Girl Scouts is her chance to be around other girls and do all the exciting things Girl Scouts do. Her troop meets weekly (led by her physical therapist) and the three nurses that provide constant care also provide "taxi service" and make sure Zandra is part of everything the troop does.

Zandra's story is heartwarming and challenging, which warms my heart in and of itself. But something surprising melted my heart while we stood in Woodward Park waiting for the shoot to begin. She looked up at me, eyes sparkling, "How is your summer going?" She asked and she really wanted to know. Her pure curiosity broke through the world of busy schedules, no-time-for-others lifestyles, and other adult and work pressures. I stopped and realized that I couldn't recall anyone asking me that question, (and I don't know that I had asked anyone else, either). "Why thank you for asking," I said, "I don't know that anyone has asked me yet!" I can't remember what I mumbled initially, but I tried to tell her what I still feel at this moment ... "My summer is definitely brighter after meeting you!"

Beth Burnett Shares Inspiration

Our Gold Award girls had a special treat ... Beth Burnett, a reporter with our local Channel 2 (KJRH). She shared her personal story and encouraged the girls to pursue their dreams. Overcoming obstacles was a way of life for Beth. She made it through some very difficult years in her youth and has become an award-winning reporter. I loved her response when she was invited to speak for Girl Scouts, "I would be glad to speak! That's why I do what I do. I want to be able to make a difference."

E-N-V-I-S-I-O-N it in D3!

The pleasure of having Dominique Dawes was all ours. She spoke to our Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon about E-N-V-I-S-I-O-N, her keys to success. If I hadn't been behind a camera, I would have been taking notes so I could have blogged what each one stood for! Maybe my Girl Scout sisters can help me out with the acronym.

My favorite reference, however, was to her "D-3" inspiration, which she first squirted on her mirror with her father's shaving cream: Determination, Dedication, Desire. It reminded me a little of my "IngShui" elements which are a visual reminder of my desires and goals. I think it is SO important to find ways that are personally meaningful to envision goals!

Two Women Who Made History

Today we had the great privilege of having Olympic Gold Medalist, Dominique Dawes, as our guest at the Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon. She had the pleasure of being introduced to our own Girl Scout "Hall of Famer" Ann Graves, the woman behind JLLS. If I have my details straight, they both have a common connection ... the National Board of GSUSA. Ann Graves has served (and I believe is on the nominating committee currently) and Dominique is hoping to serve. What a beautiful connection!

All Smiles For The Tulsa World Camera

Our Juliette Low Leadership Society held a fabulous tea in the home of Sally Hughes (seated at left). Among the notable guests is the legendary Ann Graves (pictured right), who started the society years ago. Seated between these two amazing women, our own Girl Scout, Julia, shared the afternoon with the expansive group of ladies and imparted an eloquent speech on what Girl Scouting means to her.

As always, our Girl Scouts make me so proud! We truly do have the most remarkable young women around.

And a side note ... while I have a plethora of beautiful photos of the event, this one tickles me because of Paula's reflection in the mirror. She is truly the event diva for all things Juliette Low!

Standing Ovations All Around ...

Little miss Abigayle spoke to an important crowd at the Annual Meeting for Girl Scouts of Magic Empire Council and received a standing ovation. She shared a bit about her Bronze Award, which brought her on an unexpected path that went beyond a good deed. Inspired by her cousin who is faced with immune deficiency challenges, she attempted to get 100 new plasma donors. She didn't meet her goal ... she was on her way to 300! The company that she worked with recognized her with a plaque and when the national organization found out what she had done, they flew her and her cousin to Florida to speak at their meeting as well.

Aren't our Girl Scouts amazing? This little 10 year old is already making an impact on her community and the lives within it. I'm so proud to be a Girl Scout!

Speaking of proud to be Girl Scouts ... we are all proud to become Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma! The vote to accept the plan and agreement of merger passed unanimously.

In the Words of a Girl Scout ...

My name is Hayley and I love being a Girl Scout. July, 2007, I went to Tallchief camp and had a fantastic time. When I got home, I realized there was a girl out there who wanted to go to camp but could not afford to go to camp.

For the rest of the year I felt bad for that girl and others who could not afford to join Girl Scouts or go to camp. As it got closer to my birthday, my friends asked what I wanted for my birthday. It was very hard to answer because I have so much and my family is so blessed. I remembered that girl that could not afford to go to camp, so I asked my friends and family to give money to Girl Scouts instead of presents to me. It feels good to help that girl who could not afford to go to camp. I learned the best present is the feeling of giving.

Why did I do it? Because I’m a Girl Scout.

Moments of Light

Isn't nature amazing? If I could blog every moment when something tiny caught my eye simply because it was illuminated by sunlight, I think I would be blogging for a lifetime. These moments cause me to symbolize things ... and in particular, this is a picture of what makes me so proud to be a part of Girl Scouts.

While these young girls' lives are growing and changing and experiencing a variety of seasons on their way to adulthood, I am captivated by what happens in these girls as they have opportunities shine upon them. What may have been just another stem of prairie grass in most people's eyes emerges as a work of art to those who have the privilege of spending a moment together.

I love my job ... I have a tiny part in making this experience come alive in girls.

Today another artist pointed out a rainbow of light upon the wall (unfortunately I don't have time to upload/edit/etc. today) and as I brought out my camera, he shared his vision of how the image could be created in such a way to have a young girl emerging from a pool of light bathed in color. WOW - how cool is that? Yet another moment of light to inspire beyond words.

Magical Soggy Carrots

Not everyone would think to keep a bag of soggy carrots around. At best they might end up in a compost pile. But this odd circumstance of the grocery escapee came at the opportune time ... we were about to go to camp! Instead of tossing the forgotten bag of carrots, I tossed them into the freezer in hopes of keeping them around until we could visit the horses at Core Camp.

You never know when you might have the chance to be part of something very special. Little M's friend for the weekend (Miss ML) stayed on a little later with us after camp was done. With the frozen carrots "burning" holes in our imaginary pockets, we couldn't wait to spend them on the horses. Pam picked us up and gatored us over to the riding arena. The girls jumped out ready for horse time ...

But young Miss ML was afraid. She had never fed a horse and was a little afraid of them altogether. Her brave heart reached out with a carrot, but as soon as a horse would approach, she would jump back. She tried and tried, but just couldn't bring herself to keep her hand steady and sure. I had her put her hand on top of mine and I showed her how to feed him. She was amazed! It still took a while, but after she got comfortable, she tried it on her own. A little more time and she had those horses literally eating out of her hand.

By the end of our time there, the half-frozen half-soggy carrots were long gone and the girls were running around harvesting grass with their bare hands and letting those horses slurp up every last blade. They looked like old pros. I don't know what was more magical ... watching a fear slowly melt into adventure or seeing how quickly girls can be trained by horses!

Words from Lou Tice

"I have found that the best people to associate with are those who do two important things at the same time. They act as a mirror that reflects your good points while accepting you just as you are. They also expect excellence from you and continually encourage you to use your full potential. In other words, they see the good in you that sometimes you don't even see, and they tell you about it, often.

These are the people who bring out the greatness in others and these are the people you want to make a regular part of your life."

Socks and Seeds and Dirt ...

OH MY! Like a stocking stuffed with a dirtball ready for a seed to find new life ... I'm planting myself into a new opportunity. Now I think these little character grass heads (the girls were making them during the Summer Rec program) might be more interesting to watch day-to-day than my new venture! BUT - I am honored and excited to see what sprouts up as I step up as the Chief Communications Officer of Magic Empire Council. Girl Scouting has become such a wonderful place for my purpose to flourish.

Now don't get me wrong ... I haven't been job hunting! In fact, I was very tempted to stick with my wonderful little space as it is. I have the best of many worlds this way. I can work part time in an office. I can travel and do photography part time. I can work from my home office part time. I can take on design and marketing projects at will.

But my department head is taking a step that will enable her to be a stay-at-home mom, which is such a beautiful thing for her new family. I think that is admirable, brave, and wonderful. I find it ironic that her step away from the position and my step into the position both allow us to be home with our families more. No, I won't need to travel so much. And yes, I will miss that terribly. Hopefully I will still do some here and there. But in the meantime, I can pour my passions into one place. This is where I'm taking my own leap ... and hopefully helping others fly, too!