As all Girl Scouts know, October 31 is Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday. That’s why it is celebrated as Founder’s Day. But how and when and why did this happen?
It happened because of the loving concern of a friend.
In 1920, Juliette “Daisy” Low stepped down from the presidency of the Girl Scouts. It was the right decision, but it was a decision accompanied by heartache and soul searching on Daisy’s part. For eight years, she had been the driving force behind Girl Scouting. The vital and vibrant organization was her vision. Daisy Low created and then spread Girl Scouting with self-sacrifice, determination, and passion. It occupied more and more of her time and thought until by 1920 Girl Scouting was not just her avocation or her career: Girl Scouting was Daisy Low’s life.
National Director Jane Deeter Rippin knew that. And it worried her. What would become of her dear friend Daisy if she no longer held the reins? How would Daisy feel about turning her “baby,” as one leader called it, over to someone else to raise?
So Jane Deeter Rippin dreamed up Founder’s Day. It would be a fitting way to honor Juliette Low’s irreplaceable actions as founder. It would be a very special day, uniquely celebrated by Girl Scouts. But it was also a friend’s thoughtful attempt to ease the enormous transition for Daisy Low, who knew it was time to step down but who was understandably conflicted about the transition.
Founder’s Day, October 31st: behind this special holiday, in the finest Girl Scout tradition, is the thoughtful kindness of a friend.
wow, that is a great story! the timing is very important to me……as this is the first year in 15 years i am not a leader. stepping down was not easy. my “girls” all graduated and i decided not to go on with a new group of girls. i can only imagine what it must have been for the founder, knowing what it is like for me.
p.s. even though i am not a leader, i am still an active volunteer,and life time member………i gave all my “girls” a lifetime membership so one day they too can lead a group of girls!!
Sheila–Congratulations on fifteen years of active leadership and on your admirable decision to continue volunteering.
There is a longer story about Daisy’s stepping down. It’s fascinating and complicated and a little bit heartbreaking. She was brave, and her friends gave her due credit for knowing when it was time to hand off. The longer story is in the book…so I hope you’ll find it interesting when you read it in February.
Thanks much your comment!
A circumstance that lots of us can relate to. Stacey, thank you for the many anecdotes about JGL that you have posted. Looking forward to Feb. release date to read lots more about our Founder.
MW
I also love this story. It’s an amazing thing that Juliette Low envisioned almost 100 years ago. @Shelia, I too am getting ready to step down after 11 years of being a leader, but will keep active and move on to other things…..So I would like to congratulate you on your years of service.
@Debbie, congrats to you also on your years of service. I feel so blessed to be a part of this great organization!! @ Stacy, I can not wait to get the book in my hands!!! I sent both you and your pr person an email about the possibility of your return to Michigan for our day camp. We would be so honored to have you come and talk to the girls and promote your new book.