This Friday morning I am in Houston, Texas, at the 52nd Biennial Girl Scouts Convention. There are literally thousands of Girl Scouts and Girl Scout leaders here, including several celebrities such as Katie Couric, Robin Roberts, Sara Bareilles, Marlee Matlin, and Maj. General Patricia McQuistion. It’s all happening here: the History Conference, Girl Scouts University, the Girl Scouts Leadership Institute, “Conversations of Consequence,” National Council Session meetings, awards ceremonies, and more. Topics of study include everything from “Building a Culture of Philanthropy,” to “Moving Beyond Diversity to Inclusion,” to “Surviving and Thriving in a Thin-Is-In World,” to the Juliette Gordon Low Bowl where I’m going to be a special judge.
The energy is palpable. If we weren’t all identifiable by our green lanyards, we would be easy to spot from our smiles.
My talk concludes the History Conference, where the attendees–Girl Scout archivists and historians–have been discussing the importance of making sure that Girl Scout archives are available for research. When they say available they mean it: open for elementary school students to scholars with Ph.D.s. My talk will explain, from my perspective as a woman’s historian, how we can work toward getting Juliette Gordon Low and the Girl Scouts their well-earned place in the history books.
As her biographer, I cannot help wondering what Juliette Low would think if she could materialize here to ponder the similarities and the differences between the first convention she called together and this remarkable gathering. I think she would be thrilled–especially to see so many girls present and actively involved.
Houston’s Convention sounds fantastic. To have so many like minded people all together must be amazing. And it sounds like your contribution went down well. Congratulations.
Have you learned anything new about “Daisy” Low? I’d be surprised given all your own research for the book but you can never know everything……
Clive
Clive–Thanks for your comment! Mostly what I learned at the Girl Scouts convention in Houston was how strong and vibrant Juliette Low’s organization is today. It was quite a remarkable experience.
I hope your talk went well–wish I could be there!
Margaret–thanks for writing. Keep an eye on the Appearances section of this website or go to my Facebook page (Stacy A. Cordery, Author) where I will be posting upcoming appearances.
It was so nice to meet you at the Girl Scout History Conference and to hear your speech. And, yes! thank you for your “mission” to give Juliette Low the recognition that she deserves. You now have 150-200? more people who understand why and how this needs to happen. Thank you.
Thank you for all your comments and stories of Juliette. It was great listening to you and meeting you in person in Houston at the History Conference. I’m looking forward to reading your book!
Linda & Beverly–thank you so much for your kind words! I can’t tell you how I appreciate your taking the time to write!