SENATE RESOLUTION

                                 2000-8740

By Senators Fraser, West, Kohl-Welles, Rasmussen and Spanel

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

      WHEREAS, For more than 80 years, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. 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 Acloistered 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 United States Senator Patty Murray, 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, Girl Scouts has balanced the traditional values that it was founded upon with programs supporting the development of young women leaders as they seek solutions to challenging contemporary problems such as child abuse, youth suicide, and illiteracy; and

      WHEREAS, Former Girl Scouts, both renowned and anonymous, have contributed to the strength and character of the United States and the world by unselfishly providing assistance in times of local crisis and national emergency; and

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

      WHEREAS, The Girl Scout Law reads, AI 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 members of the Washington State Senate do hereby recognize the diligent efforts and esteemed accomplishments of the five Washington councils of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., and honor the many positive programs that the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. has provided for young Washington women; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate  recognize the services and benefits that are provided by the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. 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 Secretary of the Senate to the Honorable Gary Locke, Governor of the state of Washington; the Governor=s cabinet officers; all statewide elected officials; the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. national headquarters; and, all five Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. regional councils in Washington.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 2000-8740,

adopted by the Senate March 6, 2000.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate