dates to remember

All Girl Scout offices and shops will be closed on the following datesfor upcoming holidays.

November 28 and 29 December 12December 24 through January 1

ROC the Day Join this epic day of giving by making a donation at roctheday.org/ GirlScoutsofWesternNewYorkon December 11.

BUFFALO SERVICE CENTER, HEADQUARTERS 3332 Walden Ave, Suite 106Depew, NY 140431-888-837-6410www.gswny.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBUFFALO, NY

PERMIT NO. 4586

FALL 2013

It’s that time again, fall recruitment for the Girl Scouts of Western New York. Our membership staff

is excited to kick-off another opportunity to share what girls and adults alike can gain by joining Girl Scouts of Western New York.

There are a number of exciting opportunities occurring at the national level. The Girl Scout organization recently launched a new membership campaign called “I Can’t Wait to.” It is created based on the excitement that children experience when they can’t wait to do something fun and exciting. The campaign is appealing to girls and we’ve already seen an increase in our membership and a buzz in the community. The national campaign also included a video encouraging adults to volunteer with Girl Scouting. It was recorded by the Girl Scouts Honorary National President, First Lady Michelle Obama. The feedback on the video has been positive and we have received several television opportunities to tell our story. I’m excited to see the support that the national organization is providing to councils.

As the oldest and largest girl-focused, girl-driven organization in the United States, it is important that our stakeholders view us as the “go to” organization for insight on girl development.

Girl TalkCeo Comments

Judy Smith, America’s #1 crisis management expert, provided the keynote address at the Leadership Speaker Series in Buffalo September 26 and at the Leadership Breakfast Series in Rochester September 27. Approximately 225 people attend the event in Buffalo and approximately 300 attended the event in Rochester.

At both locations, Smith shared stories about her experiences with some of the world’s top leaders, such as former U.S. presidents, news anchors, and executives. She answered insightful questions from attendees, including Girl Scouts, and signed copies of her book Good Self, Bad Self.

The event was made possible by a number of community stakeholders who served on host committees for both events. Proceeds from this event will help GSWNY continue to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place!

Hilary Lane, right, asks Judy Smith a question during the Q&A session of the Leadership Speaker Series in Buffalo September 26.

continued on page 2 . . .

Crisis management expert inspires at Leadership speaker series

in this issuePage 2 2013 Women of Distinction Celebrates Achievements and Mentorship

Page 3 Give Girls the Leadership Advantage

Page 4 GSWNY receives grant from United Way of Greater Rochester

Special thanks to York Children’s Foundation

Cindy L. Odom Chief Executive Officer, GSWNY

happy hoLidaysAs we embark on the holiday season, GirlScouts of Western New York would like to wisheveryone happy holidays and a joyous new year! Thank you to the organizations, volunteers, and community members who make it possible for GSWNY to continue building strong girls andyoung women in our communities.

Pictured from L to R: Alison Wilcox, senior vice president of membership and program at GSWNY; Jim Fretthold, licensed manager of Fretthold Funeral Home, Inc.; Kristie Foster, chief development officer at GSWNY; Fred Lenz, salesman for Matthews International; and Gina Beam, development manager at GSWNY.

speCiaL thanks toyork ChiLdren’s FoundationGirl Scouts of Western New York received $1,250in funding from York Children’s Foundationto use toward purchasing supplies for middleschool girls enrolled in the Be a Friend First (BFF)anti-bullying program in North Tonawanda andTonawanda.

GSWNY is staying connected better than ever! Please take a moment to like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Pinterest, and read our CEO’s blog.

stay ConneCted

Judy Smith answers questions from members of the audience during the Leadership Breakfast Series in Rochester September 27.

Pictured L to R: David Fiedler, chair of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Greater Rochester; Kristie Foster, chief development officer of GSWNY; Cindy Odom, chief executive officer of GSWNY; and Peter Carpino, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Greater Rochester.

gsWny reCeives grant From united Way oF greater roChesterGirl Scouts of Western New York is pleasedto announce that the United Way of Greater Rochester awarded GSWNY a $196,100 grant to be used for the summer camp enrichmentprogram. GSWNY received the check during the Community Fund celebration July 23.

First Lady miCheLLe obama enCourages aduLts to voLunteerVolunteers are an essential component of Girl Scouting. Without their efforts, Girl Scouts would not be able to have the impact on girls that it has. First Lady Michelle Obama encouraged the community to volunteer in a recent video for Girl Scouts of the USA. There are short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities available. If you can give just 30 minutes of your time, you can make a difference in the life of a girl. Volunteer information is available at gswny.org.

1

50%Supports Programs for Girls in WNY

16%Troop Proceeds

27%Cost to

Bake Cookies

4% Other Direct Costs for the Cookie Program

3% Girl Rewards

2

give girLs the Leadership advantage

Participating in Girl Scout Cookie Program activities provides girls of all ages with a leadership experience that helps them build skills they will use today and tomorrow. The cookie program began as a way for Girl Scouts to be self-reliant and to fund their own activities more than 80 years ago. That purpose is no different today. As the largest girl-led business in the country, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is a unique opportunity for girls to become a leader in their own lives and the wider world.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a girl-led experience where girls set their cookie sale goals and work as a team to decide how group proceeds should be used—whether to fund community service projects, attend summer camp, or travel to destinations near and far. All cookie program proceeds are put to use right in the community.

Through participation, girls develop five business skills that last a lifetime:

• Goal setting • Decision making • Money management • People skills • Business ethics

The 2014 Girl Scouts of Western New York Cookie Program runs January 11 through March 30, and National Girl Scout Cookie Days will be held February 7 and 8, 2014.

3

2013 Women oF distinCtion CeLebrates aChievements and mentorshipNine Western New York women were honored during the Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony September 19 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens in Depew. Each woman was presented her award by a Girl Scout with whom the honoree met and mentored.

The Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) released a summary called The State of the Girl: Unfinished Business. You will hear more when the full study has been released. The preliminary news is promising for girls. They are doing well in school and are active in extracurricular activities, including community service. Our research is showing a reduction in risky behavior and I’m sure it comes as no surprise, but girls are digitally connected to the world. However, this is not the story for every girl. Many are still struggling in school, at home, and in other environments with issues like relational aggression, bullying, depression, and unfortunately, suicide.

According to GSRI, key implications from the research shows:

• Girls growing up in poor families confront a number of significant physical, emotional, and behavioral risks that girls living in more affluent families do not. • All girls need access to health care, better access to healthy food, and opportunities for exercise and physical activity.

continued from cover . . .

2

Dr. Melissa Neal, owner of Twenty 20 Eye Care & Aesthetic Medicine, gave a presentation and answered questions from girls at the Women of Distinction Girl Forum.

2013 Women of Distinction Honorees

Arts & Humanities: Janet Lomax, News 10 NBC

Business: Mary Ann Coulson, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Education: Dr. Virginia Schaefer Horvath, SUNY Fredonia

Entrepreneur: Lisa Kirisits, CPA, MBA, Kirisits & Associates, CPAS, PLLC

Girl Scout Volunteer: Dr. Evelyn L. Kerney, Administrator at Bryant & Stratton College

Healthcare: Cheryl Howe, HealthNow New York Inc.

Public Service: Nancy Blaschak, American Red Cross

Sports & Fitness: Felisha Legette-Jack, University at Buffalo, SUNY

STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and math): Heatherly H. Dukes, CH2M HILL B&W West Valley, LLC

How the Cookie Crumbles

girLs use take aCtion projeCt to buiLd ConFidenCe in viCtims oF abuse

After learning that girls around the world face pay inequalities and abuse, girls from troop 31233 decided to take action to assist those in need. They collected 70 pairs of flip flops and 55 sundresses and attached tags with inspirational messages. The items were donated to the Lancaster Youth Bureau. “The girls hope that a new dress and new shoes and a positive, uplifting message will help the girls feel better about themselves, reducing their chance of falling victim to abuse,” said Ruth Phillips, troop leader.

• It is imperative to promote self-confidence and mental health at young ages and be able to recognize signs of depression or other mental health issues, as research has shown that mental health issues in childhood and adolescence persist into adulthood.

• An emphasis on girls’ education, from enrollment in high-quality early childhood education programs to completion of high school and college, is key to their financial success and economic security in adulthood.

• Extracurricular activities should be readily available in all communities.

• Differences in use and access to technology should be taken into account when working with and reaching out to girls, since it cannot be assumed that technology is universally available for girls in the U.S. Adults should encourage in- person communication and create safe spaces and opportunities for girls to connect face-to-face.

• Youth developmental organizations need to work to help girls foster their interests and continue to build skills around effecting change in themselves, the community, and the world at large.

In Girl Scouting, we are actively addressing many of the issues that have been identified by our research through programs like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), bullying, financial literacy, and outdoor activities. The leadership experiences and community service that we provide are making sure that girls are given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

In closing, I want to also thank everyone for your support of our Women of Distinction event and our Leadership Speaker Series. The events were a tremendous success because of you!

Girl Scouts of Western New York was pleased to honor nine Women of Distinction, pictured here with her Girl Scout presenter, the event’s mistresses of ceremony (right), GSWNY Chief Executive Officer Cindy Odom (center), and GSWNY Board Chair Judy Maness (center). (Missing from photo: Honoree Janet Lomax)

The program is completely girl run. Cheyenne Zaremba of Hamlin and Ashley Whiteside of Buffalo served as the evening’s mistresses of ceremony. Numerous girls worked as ambassadors greeting guests at the event among other tasks. Mark your calendars for next year’s Women of Distinction Awards on September 18, 2014.

Seeking a unique gift for your favorite Girl Scout fan or looking to buy some gear of your own? Browse our shop page at gswny.org/shop!

$3.50 per package

50%Supports Programs for Girls in WNY

16%Troop Proceeds

27%Cost to

Bake Cookies

4% Other Direct Costs for the Cookie Program

3% Girl Rewards

2

give girLs the Leadership advantage

Participating in Girl Scout Cookie Program activities provides girls of all ages with a leadership experience that helps them build skills they will use today and tomorrow. The cookie program began as a way for Girl Scouts to be self-reliant and to fund their own activities more than 80 years ago. That purpose is no different today. As the largest girl-led business in the country, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is a unique opportunity for girls to become a leader in their own lives and the wider world.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a girl-led experience where girls set their cookie sale goals and work as a team to decide how group proceeds should be used—whether to fund community service projects, attend summer camp, or travel to destinations near and far. All cookie program proceeds are put to use right in the community.

Through participation, girls develop five business skills that last a lifetime:

• Goal setting • Decision making • Money management • People skills • Business ethics

The 2014 Girl Scouts of Western New York Cookie Program runs January 11 through March 30, and National Girl Scout Cookie Days will be held February 7 and 8, 2014.

3

2013 Women oF distinCtion CeLebrates aChievements and mentorshipNine Western New York women were honored during the Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony September 19 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens in Depew. Each woman was presented her award by a Girl Scout with whom the honoree met and mentored.

The Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) released a summary called The State of the Girl: Unfinished Business. You will hear more when the full study has been released. The preliminary news is promising for girls. They are doing well in school and are active in extracurricular activities, including community service. Our research is showing a reduction in risky behavior and I’m sure it comes as no surprise, but girls are digitally connected to the world. However, this is not the story for every girl. Many are still struggling in school, at home, and in other environments with issues like relational aggression, bullying, depression, and unfortunately, suicide.

According to GSRI, key implications from the research shows:

• Girls growing up in poor families confront a number of significant physical, emotional, and behavioral risks that girls living in more affluent families do not. • All girls need access to health care, better access to healthy food, and opportunities for exercise and physical activity.

continued from cover . . .

2

Dr. Melissa Neal, owner of Twenty 20 Eye Care & Aesthetic Medicine, gave a presentation and answered questions from girls at the Women of Distinction Girl Forum.

2013 Women of Distinction Honorees

Arts & Humanities: Janet Lomax, News 10 NBC

Business: Mary Ann Coulson, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Education: Dr. Virginia Schaefer Horvath, SUNY Fredonia

Entrepreneur: Lisa Kirisits, CPA, MBA, Kirisits & Associates, CPAS, PLLC

Girl Scout Volunteer: Dr. Evelyn L. Kerney, Administrator at Bryant & Stratton College

Healthcare: Cheryl Howe, HealthNow New York Inc.

Public Service: Nancy Blaschak, American Red Cross

Sports & Fitness: Felisha Legette-Jack, University at Buffalo, SUNY

STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and math): Heatherly H. Dukes, CH2M HILL B&W West Valley, LLC

How the Cookie Crumbles

girLs use take aCtion projeCt to buiLd ConFidenCe in viCtims oF abuse

After learning that girls around the world face pay inequalities and abuse, girls from troop 31233 decided to take action to assist those in need. They collected 70 pairs of flip flops and 55 sundresses and attached tags with inspirational messages. The items were donated to the Lancaster Youth Bureau. “The girls hope that a new dress and new shoes and a positive, uplifting message will help the girls feel better about themselves, reducing their chance of falling victim to abuse,” said Ruth Phillips, troop leader.

• It is imperative to promote self-confidence and mental health at young ages and be able to recognize signs of depression or other mental health issues, as research has shown that mental health issues in childhood and adolescence persist into adulthood.

• An emphasis on girls’ education, from enrollment in high-quality early childhood education programs to completion of high school and college, is key to their financial success and economic security in adulthood.

• Extracurricular activities should be readily available in all communities.

• Differences in use and access to technology should be taken into account when working with and reaching out to girls, since it cannot be assumed that technology is universally available for girls in the U.S. Adults should encourage in- person communication and create safe spaces and opportunities for girls to connect face-to-face.

• Youth developmental organizations need to work to help girls foster their interests and continue to build skills around effecting change in themselves, the community, and the world at large.

In Girl Scouting, we are actively addressing many of the issues that have been identified by our research through programs like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), bullying, financial literacy, and outdoor activities. The leadership experiences and community service that we provide are making sure that girls are given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

In closing, I want to also thank everyone for your support of our Women of Distinction event and our Leadership Speaker Series. The events were a tremendous success because of you!

Girl Scouts of Western New York was pleased to honor nine Women of Distinction, pictured here with her Girl Scout presenter, the event’s mistresses of ceremony (right), GSWNY Chief Executive Officer Cindy Odom (center), and GSWNY Board Chair Judy Maness (center). (Missing from photo: Honoree Janet Lomax)

The program is completely girl run. Cheyenne Zaremba of Hamlin and Ashley Whiteside of Buffalo served as the evening’s mistresses of ceremony. Numerous girls worked as ambassadors greeting guests at the event among other tasks. Mark your calendars for next year’s Women of Distinction Awards on September 18, 2014.

Seeking a unique gift for your favorite Girl Scout fan or looking to buy some gear of your own? Browse our shop page at gswny.org/shop!

$3.50 per package

dates to remember

All Girl Scout offices and shops will be closed on the following dates for upcoming holidays.

November 28 and 29 December 12 December 24 through January 1

ROC the Day Join this epic day of giving by making a donation at roctheday.org/ GirlScoutsofWesternNewYork on December 11.

BUFFALO SERVICE CENTER, HEADQUARTERS 3332 Walden Ave, Suite 106Depew, NY 140431-888-837-6410www.gswny.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBUFFALO, NY

PERMIT NO. 4586

FALL 2013

It’s that time again, fall recruitment for the Girl Scouts of Western New York. Our membership staff

is excited to kick-off another opportunity to share what girls and adults alike can gain by joining Girl Scouts of Western New York.

There are a number of exciting opportunities occurring at the national level. The Girl Scout organization recently launched a new membership campaign called “I Can’t Wait to.” It is created based on the excitement that children experience when they can’t wait to do something fun and exciting. The campaign is appealing to girls and we’ve already seen an increase in our membership and a buzz in the community. The national campaign also included a video encouraging adults to volunteer with Girl Scouting. It was recorded by the Girl Scouts Honorary National President, First Lady Michelle Obama. The feedback on the video has been positive and we have received several television opportunities to tell our story. I’m excited to see the support that the national organization is providing to councils.

As the oldest and largest girl-focused, girl-driven organization in the United States, it is important that our stakeholders view us as the “go to” organization for insight on girl development.

Girl TalkCeo Comments

Judy Smith, America’s #1 crisis management expert, provided the keynote address at the Leadership Speaker Series in Buffalo September 26 and at the Leadership Breakfast Series in Rochester September 27. Approximately 225 people attend the event in Buffalo and approximately 300 attended the event in Rochester.

At both locations, Smith shared stories about her experiences with some of the world’s top leaders, such as former U.S. presidents, news anchors, and executives. She answered insightful questions from attendees, including Girl Scouts, and signed copies of her book Good Self, Bad Self.

The event was made possible by a number of community stakeholders who served on host committees for both events. Proceeds from this event will help GSWNY continue to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place!

Hilary Lane, right, asks Judy Smith a question during the Q&A session of the Leadership Speaker Series in Buffalo September 26.

continued on page 2 . . .

Crisis management expert inspires at Leadership speaker series

in this issuePage 2 2013 Women of Distinction Celebrates Achievements and Mentorship

Page 3 Give Girls the Leadership Advantage

Page 4 GSWNY receives grant from United Way of Greater Rochester

Special thanks to York Children’s Foundation

Cindy L. Odom Chief Executive Officer, GSWNY

happy hoLidays As we embark on the holiday season, Girl Scouts of Western New York would like to wish everyone happy holidays and a joyous new year! Thank you to the organizations, volunteers, and community members who make it possible for GSWNY to continue building strong girls and young women in our communities.

Pictured from L to R: Alison Wilcox, senior vice president of membership and program at GSWNY; Jim Fretthold, licensed manager of Fretthold Funeral Home, Inc.; Kristie Foster, chief development officer at GSWNY; Fred Lenz, salesman for Matthews International; and Gina Beam, development manager at GSWNY.

speCiaL thanks to york ChiLdren’s FoundationGirl Scouts of Western New York received $1,250 in funding from York Children’s Foundation to use toward purchasing supplies for middle school girls enrolled in the Be a Friend First (BFF) anti-bullying program in North Tonawanda and Tonawanda.

GSWNY is staying connected better than ever! Please take a moment to like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Pinterest, and read our CEO’s blog.

stay ConneCted

Judy Smith answers questions from members of the audience during the Leadership Breakfast Series in Rochester September 27.

Pictured L to R: David Fiedler, chair of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Greater Rochester; Kristie Foster, chief development officer of GSWNY; Cindy Odom, chief executive officer of GSWNY; and Peter Carpino, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Greater Rochester.

gsWny reCeives grant From united Way oF greater roChesterGirl Scouts of Western New York is pleased to announce that the United Way of Greater Rochester awarded GSWNY a $196,100 grant to be used for the summer camp enrichment program. GSWNY received the check during the Community Fund celebration July 23.

First Lady miCheLLe obama enCourages aduLts to voLunteerVolunteers are an essential component of Girl Scouting. Without their efforts, Girl Scouts would not be able to have the impact on girls that it has. First Lady Michelle Obama encouraged the community to volunteer in a recent video for Girl Scouts of the USA. There are short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities available. If you can give just 30 minutes of your time, you can make a difference in the life of a girl. Volunteer information is available at gswny.org.