HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4776, by Representatives Keiser, Lambert, Ruderman, Kastama, Talcott, Fortunato, Schoesler, Haigh, Skinner, Linville, Stensen, Ogden, Schual‑Berke, Wolfe, Woods, Dickerson, Kagi, Kenney, Veloria, Edwards, Romero, Scott, Reardon, Wensman, Carlson, Hankins, Esser and Thomas

        WHEREAS, March has been designated "Women's History Month" and is, therefore, a time to commemorate and honor the many contributions, both celebrated and unacknowledged, that women from all walks of American society have made to enrich our national character and enhance our cultural prosperity; and

        WHEREAS, For over 80 years, Girl Scouts of the United States of America has empowered young women from all segments of American life by promoting the self-reliance and resourcefulness that creates indispensable women leaders for our nation's communities; and

        WHEREAS, The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts has spread this empowering vision of unity throughout the world by sharing the common goals of confident independence and united collaboration with over 3.5 million young women representing more than 80 different nations; and

        WHEREAS, Juliette Gordon Low established herself as a leader in the continuing struggle for women's equality by establishing the Girl Scouts in 1912 with the vision of an organization that would bring young women out of their "cloistered home environments and experience the open air"; and

        WHEREAS, This contribution to American history has been a fundamental influence in the lives of a profound diversity of former Girl Scouts who have gone on to become great American leaders including Olympic Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, Women's Rights Activist Gloria Steinem, and others who continue to bestow their contributions in the areas of art, science, business, law, and culture; and

        WHEREAS, Throughout its history, the Girl Scouts has balanced the traditional values that it was founded upon with programs supporting the development of young women leaders as they seek to improve challenging contemporary social issues such as child abuse, youth suicide, and literacy; and

        WHEREAS, Over 32,000 young women and 12,000 adults are involved in outstanding leadership activities through Washington state's five regional councils of the Girl Scouts:  The Girl Scouts - Totem Council, Girl Scouts Mid-Columbia Council, Girl Scouts Inland Empire Council, Girl Scouts - Pacific Peaks Council, and Girl Scouts Columbia River Council; and

        WHEREAS, The Girl Scout Law reads, "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";

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives applaud the diligent efforts and esteemed accomplishments of the five Washington state councils of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and applaud the many positive programs that the Girl Scouts of the United States of America has provided for young women; and

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives encourage all agencies of state government to recognize the services and benefits that are provided by the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and support the efforts of youth organizations that are working for the betterment of our communities; and

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to Gary Locke, Governor of the state of Washington; the Governor's cabinet officers; all state-wide elected officials; the Girl Scouts of the United States of America national headquarters; and all five Girl Scouts of the United States of America regional councils in Washington state.

                I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

               Resolution 4776 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                    March 6, 2000.

________________________________                        _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk                     Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk