tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32839203281568619662024-03-15T09:35:53.338-07:00Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-82493162273077512272024-03-15T09:30:00.000-07:002024-03-15T09:35:20.123-07:00Ways To Explore Astronomy With Your Girl Scouts During the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscoutsatl-redesign/images/content/events/2024/2024-Total-Solar-Eclipse.png" border="0"/></p>
<p>April 8, 2024, is a big day here in the US. A total solar
eclipse will cross North America! This
eclipse is especially important because it is the last time a solar eclipse
will pass through North America until 2098 - 74 years from now. This eclipse allows
us to learn more about space science and <i>light up </i>our Girl Scout’s
interest in the solar system and universe.
</p>
<p><b>We’ve highlighted some information and resources below to
help Troop Leaders and parents prepare for this extraordinary event:</b></p>
<h2 style="color: #004987;">What is a solar eclipse? </h2>
<p>A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the
Earth and the Sun. The moon temporarily
blocks out the sun, creating a shadow on the surface of the Earth. From our
perspective, the sun is blocked out and it becomes completely dark. <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscoutsatl-redesign/documents/April2024-Solar-Eclipse-Info-Sheet.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">For
more info and helpful pictures, check out our free eclipse info sheet.</a></p>
<h2 style="color: #004987;">How do we view the eclipse safely? </h2>
<p>First, you need to get a pair of eclipse viewing
glasses. These glasses are NOT normal
sunglasses- they are much darker. When
you put on a pair of eclipse glasses, you won’t be able to see anything except
for the sun. <b>You should wear these glasses at all times when you are viewing
the sun</b>, except for the few minutes when the sun is totally dark in the
path of totality. <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/sf-events-repository/2024/solar-eclipse-fun-patch-kit.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">If
you order the GSGATL eclipse kit, you’ll receive a pair of eclipse glasses!</a></p>
<p>If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you’ll need to view the
sun indirectly. You can easily create a
pinhole projector, <a href="https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14391/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">like this one
from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">NASA
also provides extensive safety information!</a></p>
<h2 style="color: #004987;">What will we see in Georgia? </h2>
<p>When talking about solar eclipses, scientists often
reference the “path of totality.” This
is the path that the moon’s shadow falls on the earth. People standing in this path will see a total
solar eclipse. If you are outside this
path, you’ll see a partial eclipse; the sun won’t be completely blocked at any
point. </p>
<p>The April eclipse’s path of totality will pass through
Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, upstate New York, and
Maine. <b>Here in Atlanta we’ll see 75-80%
totality</b>, which is enough to notice a darkening of the sky in the middle of
the day. Northern Georgia will see
closer to 85%, while southern Georgia is closer to 70%. <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">You
can download NASA’s map to find out more.</a></p>
<p>In Atlanta, the partial eclipse will start at 1:45 p.m. The moon will gradually move to cover the sun
until about 3:04 p.m., when it will be at its maximum. Then the sun will slowly be uncovered until
4:20 PM. </p>
<p>Be sure to keep a close eye on the weather forecast- seeing
the sun on a cloudy day is difficult! If
it is partially cloudy out, you might be able to catch glimpses through the
clouds. The eclipse will be streamed
online from various locations, just in case the sky is cloudy here. </p>
<h2 style="color: #004987;">How is this eclipse different from the one in October? </h2>
<p>October’s eclipse was an Annular Eclipse. This type of eclipse happens when the moon is
at its furthest point (apogee) from Earth and appears much smaller than the
sun. This is a little complicated, but
we explain it in detail on our eclipse info sheet.</p>
<p>In April, the moon will appear to be about the same size as
the sun and will cover it fully. This is
a strange astronomical coincidence! The
sun is about 400 times larger than the moon, but the sun is also about 400 time
farther away. Because of that, they
often appear to us to be the same size! </p>
<h2 style="color: #004987;">How should we celebrate this eclipse? </h2>
<p>There are so many options and opportunities for your Girl
Scouts to celebrate and learn more!
First, consider planning a few different space science activities in the
weeks prior to the eclipse so that your Girl Scouts know what to expect and why
its so cool. Check the Space Science
badges for your Girl Scout level on the VTK for some ideas or use GSGATL’s
eclipse kit for inspiration! </p>
<p>If your Girl Scouts are out of school on Monday, April 8,
you can host a viewing party! This is
another opportunity to do some badge activities (or fun experiments), while
observing the eclipse with your solar glasses. Consider some extra ways to
celebrate, with space-themed snacks, decorations, or games! </p>
<p>If your Girl Scouts are in school during the eclipse,
reflect and wrap up on their experiences afterwards. Ask them to think about the next eclipse in
74 years. How old will they be, and what
will the world be like? This could be a
fun creative activity- draw a self-portrait or make a collage in response to
these questions! </p>
<h2 style="color: #004987;">How can we incorporate badges into our eclipse viewing? </h2>
<p>The <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/badges-journeys-awards/badge-explorer.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Space
Science badges</a> are the obvious ones to earn, and there are activities for
these badges in the GSGATL Eclipse Kit.
If your Girl Scouts have already earned these, think outside the
box! We’ve dropped a few hints below: </p>
<ul><li>Automotive Design (Daisy, Brownie, Junior): Have your Girl Scouts design a vehicle for use on the moon. What special features will it need?</li>
<li>STEM Career Exploration (all levels): Explore different jobs that support missions to space, or research space science! Mission Control, NASA engineers, astronomers, astrophysicists- all of these professions are busy learning things during a solar eclipse.</li>
<li>Outdoor Art (all levels): create eclipse-inspired artwork! Notice how your local environment changes during the eclipse and use that to create artwork.</li></ul>
<h2 style="color: #004987;">How can we incorporate badges into our eclipse viewing? </h2>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscoutsatl-redesign/documents/April2024-Solar-Eclipse-Info-Sheet.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Free eclipse info sheet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/sf-events-repository/2024/solar-eclipse-fun-patch-kit.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">GSGATL Eclipse Kit</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/sf-events-repository/2024/thinklikeacitizenscientist.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Camp Timber Ridge Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey Day April 6</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/sf-events-repository/2024/allthingsastronomy.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Camp Meriwether All Things Astronomy April 5-7</a>
</li></ul>
<h2 style="color: #004987;">Partner Activities and Programs</h2>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/sf-events-repository/2024/creating-space--space-science-with-morgan-stanley.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Creating Space with Morgan Stanley</a></li></ul>
<h2 style="color: #004987;">Resources and References</h2>
<ul><li><a href="https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">NASA Eclipse Page</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/april-8-2024" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Great American Eclipse</a></li></ul>
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-4215079169018023792023-12-04T07:33:00.000-08:002023-12-04T09:32:50.992-08:005 Stressbusters to Help Your Girl Scout During the Holidays*<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscoutsatl-redesign/images/blog/120423/120423-Blog-Image1.png" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px 15px 10px 10px;">December is here and with it all the fun that holidays bring. It’s also a time of family and friend get-togethers, final exams, and college application deadlines. These along with colder weather and shorter daylight hours might leave your Girl Scout feeling blue or anxious. Check out the following five ideas to bring a little more harmony to their holiday.</p>
<p style="font-size: 20px; margin: 15px 15px 10px 10px;"><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscoutsatl-redesign/images/blog/120423/120423-Blog-Image2.png" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-right: 5px;" valign="top" /><i><b>Get outside.</b></i> Days are shorter and getting colder, but fresh air and exercise is good for physical and mental wellbeing. <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/activities/event-calendar.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Get details here on activities</a> happening this winter with Girl Scouts. Take part in the Oakland Cemetery scavenger hunt or register for a Girl Scout weekend at either Camp Meriwether or Camp Misty Mountain. Girl Scouts can enjoy winter trail riding or even a wellness weekend of yoga, hiking, and journaling. Need something closer to home? Go for an evening walk in the neighborhood and enjoy holiday light displays or snuggle down with some blankets and stargaze. You might catch a glimpse of the Geminid Meteor Shower activity on December 13/14.</p>
<p style="font-size: 20px; margin: 15px 15px 10px 10px;"><i><b>No forced hugs.</b></i> Family events can be fun but steer clear of telling your Girl Scout to hug others. From an early age, kids need to understand they are in control of their bodies. If they are uncomfortable hugging Uncle Dan or Aunt Sarah, don’t force it. Talk with your Girl Scout ahead of time about how they like to greet others: shaking hands, a high five, or maybe a wave. If an adult relative says something like “Come here and give me a hug” redirect with a “We are doing handshakes now.” Don’t back down but also don’t make it a big deal or your Girl Scout may feel embarrassed. <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/happy-and-healthy/happy/what-is-consent.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Read the GSUSA blog post</a> on no forced hugs for more information.</p>
<p style="font-size: 20px; margin: 15px 15px 10px 10px;"><img align="right" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscoutsatl-redesign/images/blog/120423/120423-Blog-Image3.png" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 5px;" valign="top" /><i><b>Limit College Talk. </b></i>As stressful as you find the process, your child is feeling it even more. Adults mean well when they ask teens questions like “Where did you apply” or “Have you gotten in?” The reality might be the teen wasn’t accepted or is waitlisted to their top choice, maybe their college decision is based on whether or not financial aid comes through or maybe they aren’t sure if their post-high school plans include college. At holiday gatherings, head off stress-inducing questions by letting friends and family know it’s a long process and the family should know something in the next few months.</p>
<p style="font-size: 20px; margin: 15px 15px 10px 10px;"><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscoutsatl-redesign/images/blog/120423/120423-Blog-Image4.png" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-right: 5px;" valign="top" /><i><b>Lend a helping hand. </b></i>Studies indicate helping others makes us feel good about ourselves. December is a perfect time to work on a community project. <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/activity-zone/national-service-projects.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Check out the Girl Scouts Give Back National Service Project activities here</a>. They include sending greeting cards to seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and ideas on conducting a neighborhood food drive. Earn the Girl Scout Gives Back patch either as a troop or an individual. Your Girl Scout can keep her acts of kindness even closer to home by volunteering to bring in a neighbor-in-need’s garbage cans on trash pick-up day or helping our feathered friends by making a peanut butter pinecone bird feeder. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=kSQpAaPBpOU" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Here’s a Girl Scout video guide to help you get started</a>.</p>
<p style="font-size: 20px; margin: 15px 15px 10px 10px;"><img align="right" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscoutsatl-redesign/images/blog/120423/120423-Blog-Image5.png" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 5px;" valign="top" /><i><b>Don’t overschedule.</b></i> There’s lots to see and do during school holidays, but being constantly in the car and on the go can raise anxiety in some kids. Check-in with your Girl Scout to see how they are feeling and be willing to scale back plans, if necessary. Staying home and reading a good book, playing with a family pet, listening to music, or even taking a nap may be something your child needs to decompress.</p>
<p style="font-size: 20px; margin: 15px 15px 10px 10px;">Here’s to the final stretch of 2023! From all of us at Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, we send our best for a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 15px 10px 10px;"><b>*NOTE:</b> These suggestions do not take the place of medical advice. If your child is exhibiting signs of depression and anxiety, please speak with your family physician and/or a school counselor.</p> <p></p>Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-66670536208279198932023-06-14T10:07:00.001-07:002023-06-14T10:44:18.502-07:00Just G.O.! <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/061623/Blog-061623-MainImage.png" /></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Get Outdoors with 7 Amazing Girl Scout Activities...<br />
Just the Way Juliette Gordon Low Intended</h3>
<p>The experts agree – getting outdoors is good for your mental, emotional, and physical health. This summer, encourage your girl to change her screen time to green time and GO (get outdoors) with Girl Scouts’ fun, free, and low-cost outdoor experiences.</p>
<p>Our founder, Juliette Gordon Low was considered radical for thinking girls as well as boys, should spend time outdoors. She believed hiking, studying plants and animals, and boating led to improved physical fitness, an appreciation of the natural world and would encourage conservation.</p>
<p>Early badges were earned by girls who could steer a boat by the stars, identify trees by their leaves and bark, and find and purify water for drinking. Talk about trailblazers!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/061623/Blog-061623-Image3.png" /></p>
<p>Today, we carry on Low’s mission to get girls outdoors. The following five activities will have your girl excited and inspired about the environment. And they aren’t just for her. Friends and family (including little brothers!) can join in.</p>
<ol type="1"><li><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/061623/Blog-061623-Image4.png" style="margin-right: 10px;" valign="top" />Download the free <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/activities-for-girls/for-every-girl/girl-scouts-love-the-outdoors-challenge.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors guide</a> for more than 44 hands-on activities that show your love for Mother Nature. Art to Atmosphere, Bikes to Bugs, you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find to jump-start conversations and dig into environmental extras. For grades K-12 and each level may earn the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors patch.</li><br /><br /><br /><br />
<li><img align="right" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/061623/Blog-061623-Image5.png" style="margin-left: 10px;" valign="top" />Juniors can earn the <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/go-fish-georgia-junior-badge.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Go Fish Georgia Badge</a>, created by local Girl Scouts. Join the estimated 1 million plus Georgia anglers who enjoy the hobby. Learn about native fish, visit a fish hatchery, and cast a rod at one of the state’s many streams, lakes, and impoundments.</li><br /><br /><br />
<li><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/061623/Blog-061623-Image6.png" style="margin-right: 10px;" valign="top" />Ready to rodeo? <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/events-repository/2022/rodeo_weekend.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Registration is open</a> for troops to join this exciting September weekend program at Camp Misty Mountain which focuses on roping and maneuvering your horse through the barrel racing pattern. The weekend ends with a mini rodeo for girls to show off their new skills.</li><br /><br /><br /><br />
<li><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/061623/Blog-061623-Image8.png" style="margin-right: 10px;" valign="top" /><img align="right" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/061623/Blog-061623-Image7.png" style="margin-left: 10px;" valign="top" />Take the <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/activity-zone/national-service-projects.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Girl Scout Tree Promise</a> and help protect the earth from climate change. Download the free toolkit and help Girl Scouts reach their goal of planting 5 million trees nationwide. The kit will help your girl choose the best tree for her neighborhood, offer how-to’s on planting, and ways to honor a loved one with her planting. Many municipalities offer free or reduced-cost saplings. <a href="https://www.treesatlanta.org/yardtree/#treeselection" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Be sure to check your area for opportunities like this one</a>.</li><br /><br />
<li><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/061623/Blog-061623-Image9.png" style="margin-right: 10px;" valign="top" />Become a <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-gsusa/forms-and-documents/our-program/Camp%20&%20Outdoors/GSUSA_PlayInThePark_GirlScoutRangerProgram_2017.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Girl Scout Ranger</a> through the <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/ways-to-participate/camp-and-outdoors.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">National Park Service</a>. Bike, hike, paddle, and explore local NPS sites like Georgia’s Cumberland Island, the close-by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or even the national historic site Andersonville Cemetery. Girl Scouts can earn fun patches, work towards a Girl Scout Journey, or even plan a service or Take Action Project. <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-gsusa/forms-and-documents/our-program/Camp%20&%20Outdoors/GSUSA_PlayInThePark_GirlScoutRangerProgram_2017.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Check out our step-by-step guide</a>.</li><br /><br /><br /><br />
<li><img align="right" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/061623/Blog-061623-Image10.png" style="margin-left: 10px;" valign="top" />Are you looking for area adventures? Check out our <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/our-program/anytime-activities.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Anytime Activities</a> where you can find links to our many outdoor partners and explore hundreds of miles of trails, nature preserves, and outdoor education centers. From outdoor art to water conservation to building a solar oven, you can find activities for an afternoon, a day, or a weekend. Programs are suitable for your girl, her troop, or her family.<br /><br />
Want to try your hand at outdoor cooking in your own backyard? <a href="https://my.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-vtk2019/local/aid/meetings/J18B36/How-To-Make-A-Solar-Box-Cooker.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Follow these instructions to make your own solar cooker</a>. With a little help from the sun, you'll be serving up s'mores for the 4th of July celebration.</li><br /><br />
<li><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/061623/Blog-061623-Image11.png" style="margin-right: 10px;" valign="top" />Finally, don’t forget to check out Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend September 9, 10 for a variety of activities hosted by <a href="https://gastateparks.org/GirlScouts" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Georgia State Parks</a>. Keep your eye on <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/ways-to-participate/camp-and-outdoors/love-state-parks.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">GSUSA’s site</a> for information on patches, passports, and more. More info coming soon.</li></ol>Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-50187727185155816272023-06-05T07:48:00.003-07:002023-06-05T11:45:01.909-07:00Girl Scouts' Commitment to DEI is a Thread Running Through the Fabric of Our Council<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/060523/Blog-060523-MainImage.png" /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">History books often miss the hidden figures involved in events that shaped our lives. You probably won’t be surprised that many of these unrecognized history makers are women and frequently women of color. Here in Atlanta, this is no exception.</span></p>
<p><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/060523/Blog-060523-Image1.png" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" valign="top" /><span style="font-size: medium;">Eighty years ago, noted Atlanta educator Bazoline Usher, the first Black woman to have an office at City Hall, had a dream to bring Girl Scouting to Black Girl Scouts. Through her efforts and the volunteer work of almost 30 area Black school teachers, the first troops formed in the fall of 1943 and became known as District V Girl Scouts.</span></p>
<p><img align="right" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/060523/Blog-060523-Image2.png" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" valign="top" /><span style="font-size: medium;">Over the next 20 years, these girls and their leaders embraced the ideals of Girl Scouting: being prepared, helping others, acting in service, and taking steps towards early activism in a city divided by segregation.</span></p>
<p><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/060523/Blog-060523-Image3.png" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" valign="top" /><span style="font-size: medium;">In the 50’s the Georgia councils chose District V Girl Scout Roslyn Pope to represent the state at a national event. She was the only Black girl in attendance, making this one of her earliest experiences in a desegregated environment. <a href="https://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/life-with-gracie-they-couldn-believe-georgia-sent-black-girl-scout/j0rMzBLFXrEeaNFTqxj8oJ/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">You can read the AJC article about her experience here</a>. A few years later, Roslyn Pope was a student leader at Spelman, involved in the beginnings of student activism. She penned An Appeal for Human Rights, the manifesto credited with launching the student sit-in movement in 1963.</span></p>
<p><img align="right" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/060523/Blog-060523-Image4.png" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" valign="top" /><span style="font-size: medium;">Another Girl Scout, Madelyn Nix, was a senior in high school when she applied to become one of the first nine Black students to integrate Atlanta public high schools. With the memory of the harassment of a young Ruby Bridges in many minds, Atlanta held its breath as the Atlanta Nine began attending four whites-only schools. <a href="https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/blog/courage-and-perseverance-atlanta/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Learn more about the Atlanta Nine</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Other Girl Scouts like Vivian Welch Brinson and Celestine Bray Bottoms worked passionately, often behind the scenes, editing speeches, creating protest posters, and holding meetings in their homes or churches as students responded to the call of Civil Rights leaders.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, we celebrate these unsung heroes and are honored to work with Gene Kansas, Gene Kansas Real Estate, and the Loss Prevention to bring a mural to the side of the former Atlanta Daily World building, where the District V troops met. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmnedZ3INsU" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Click here to learn about it</a> and if you know of someone who was a Girl Scout in District V, please reach out to our archives committee at <a href="mailto:archives@gsgatl.org" style="color: #00b451;">archives@gsgatl.org</a>. We would love to keep you updated on the progress of the mural, an upcoming exhibit, and offer an opportunity for you or a loved one to share any District V Girl Scout memories.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">In 2020, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta recommitted to our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and procedures. Since then, we’ve seen many successes in these efforts in both obvious and behind-the-scenes ways.</span></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><li><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/060523/Blog-060523-Image5.png" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" valign="top" /><span style="font-size: medium;">Last summer we launched our inaugural Girl Scouts Destinations Camp, <a href="http://metroatlantaceo.com/news/2022/08/national-civil-rights-camp-hosted-girl-scouts-greater-atlanta/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Journey to Justice</a> which follows the Civil Rights trail in Atlanta and beyond, working with older girls in honing their social justice voice. We have a few spaces available for the June 25 - July 1 camp. Email <a href="mailto:cgarden@gsgatl.org" style="color: #00b451;">cgarden@gsgatl.org</a> for more information. The deadline is June 11, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.</span></li><br />
</span><li><span style="font-size: medium;">With support from the Department of Labor, we implemented an outdoor job skills program, introducing young minority women to careers in camping and outdoor recreation.</span></li><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br />
</span><li><img align="right" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/060523/Blog-060523-Image6.png" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" valign="top" /><span style="font-size: medium;">This followed a <a href="https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/home-depot-girl-scouts-workshop-introduces-young-women-construction/DHSWZJYMOBAYLCEED7I2DS3YTQ/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">partnership with Home Depot</a> to engage older girls, especially those who identify as Black or Latinx in construction trades.</span></li><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br />
</span><li><span style="font-size: medium;">For our employees, we offered Juneteenth as a paid day off, before it became an official state holiday in Georgia, and we offer support for employees through six Employee Resource Groups. In addition, our staff continues to undergo trainings to best serve our wonderfully diverse membership.</span></li><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br />
</span><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Our teen event, Girls Night Out, included a silent disco and other supportive activities for neuro-diverse Girl Scouts while our ongoing <a href="https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/local/girl-scout-teen-summit-gives-gwinnett-scouts-a-seat-at-the-table/article_3b6aaed4-d2c5-11ec-9542-471b9cfe137a.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Teen Summit</a> helps middle school Latinx girls develop the tools for a successful future.</span></li></ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/060523/Blog-060523-Image7.png" /></p>Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-70876563880131961722023-05-19T08:08:00.021-07:002023-05-19T08:41:29.338-07:004 Ways to Support Your Girl Scouts’ Mental Well-being for Summer and Beyond<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/Strong.png" /></p>
<p>Recent CDC studies reveal 57% of high school girls have “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” nearly twice as high as males. And while May is officially Mental Health Awareness Month, here at Girl Scouts, we consider a girl’s mental well-being a top priority all year long and our programs reflect that.</p>
<p>Though most troops may be on pause for the summer, the next few months can still be filled with friendship-building and self-confidence-boosting activities that positively impact their mental health. Here are 4 ideas to help your Girl Scout stay connected to what matters this summer.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/gsusa/forms-and-documents/activity-zone/all-ages-levels/GSUSA_Resilient-Ready-Strong_Activity-Guide.pdf" target="_blank"><img style="margin-left: 10px;" align="right" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/Resilient-Ready-Strong-Patch.png" valign="top" /></a><b>1. Connect with Herself</b> - The <b>Resilient. Ready. Strong.</b> wellness patch program is filled with loads of no-cost ideas for all ages and Girl Scout levels. Download the <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/gsusa/forms-and-documents/activity-zone/all-ages-levels/GSUSA_Resilient-Ready-Strong_Activity-Guide.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">free guide</a> (in English or Spanish) and get your girl started on hands-on activities ranging from gratitude journals to songwriting, to animal care. Activities can be done alone or with friends or family.</p><br /><br /><br><br><br>
<p><a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/activities-for-girls/for-every-girl/girl-scouts-love-the-outdoors-challenge.html#unlock" target="_blank"><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/Outdoor-challenge-2023.png" style="margin-right: 10px;" valign="top" /></a><b>2. Connect with Nature</b> – Studies show that being in nature even for half an hour a day helps us feel better mentally and physically. There are many opportunities in Georgia to hike, fish, go biking or river tubing. Girl Scouts also offers <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/camp/ways-to-camp/sleepaway-camp.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">day and overnight camps</a> with opportunities for lake swimming, horseback riding, and miles of nature trails. Is your Girl Scout nervous about attending a camp for the first time or without a friend? Our counselors are trained to ease a girl’s worries and connect her with others. We have almost 100 years of experience in delivering a safe, fun, and memorable summer camp experience to all ages.<br /><br />Beginning June 1 your Girl Scout can take part in the “Girl Scouts Love the Outdoor Challenge.” Download your <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/activities-for-girls/for-every-girl/girl-scouts-love-the-outdoors-challenge.html#unlock" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">free activity guide</a> so she can jump into a variety of outdoor activities in easy ways with little to no cost or travel time. Whether she has an open window, a backyard, a balcony, or a nearby park, she can join in the fun.</p><br />
<p><img align="right" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/Friends-Family.png" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" valign="top" /><b>3. Connect with Friends and Family</b> - According to doctors, supportive relationships increase your sense of belonging and purpose, boost happiness and reduce stress. This summer, set up a time for your girl to get together with members of her troop to play, be silly, and catch up with each other. Encourage her to try a new hobby like photography, woodworking, or anime illustration. Bring her and the family to one of our <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/events/event-list.advanced.html?q=&startdtRange=&enddtRange=&dateAdded=none&tags=girlscoutsatl%3Acategories%2Fcomunitypartnerevents" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Girl Scout Days</a> with a few of our area partners and share the fun at theme parks, professional sporting events, museums, and classes with savings up to 50% off. Don’t forget to take pictures of your day, print them, and help your girl create a scrapbook to remember her adventures.</p><br /><br><br>
<p><img align="left" src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/Community.png" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" valign="top" /><b>4. Connect with Community</b> - Mental health experts agree helping others gives us purpose and creates a sense of well-being. In the Girl Scout Law, we promise to “make the world a better place” and summer is a great time to put that Law into action. Ask your girl what she’s passionate about and help her find a way to turn that passion into purpose. For example, does she love animals? Maybe she can collect towels or newspapers for the local shelter. If she’s completed the prerequisites, she can learn more about the Girl Scout High Awards at our Silver, Bronze, and Gold Award summer academies. Here, with girls her own age, she can spend the day developing a take-action project for the upcoming Girl Scout year. Previous Girl Scout High Awards include building a little library, running a water safety course, creating a used musical instrument donation for students at a Title 1 school, and designing a mural along the Atlanta Beltline. Visit <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/events/event-list.html?q=High+Award+academies" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">our events calendar</a> to register.</p><br /><br><br>
<p>And if you haven’t reregistered for the 2023-24 Girl Scout year, visit your personal <a href="https://mygs.girlscouts.org/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">My GS page</a> or speak with your girl’s troop leader. You don’t want your Girl Scout missing out on events like “Girls Night Out” a K-12 evening filled with tips, tools and a little dance and yoga thrown in for stress management. New mental wellness badges, outdoor activities and more are on the way with details available in late summer.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/images/blog/Girls.png" /></p>
<p>Girls need Girl Scouts more than ever. Girl Scouts is a place where every girl can be herself, where she is physically and emotionally safe. It is a place where every girl belongs and where she will grow in perseverance, confidence, and resilience.</p>Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-42847579426529965842023-05-05T08:10:00.001-07:002023-05-05T08:11:03.940-07:00Response to Midtown Shootings<p>
Dear Girl Scouts,</p><p>
We are deeply saddened and concerned about Wednesday’s active shooter event that took place in Atlanta. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy, especially the victims and their families. We also extend our support to the many Girl Scout members who were in Midtown as these events unfolded and who were locked down in area schools and businesses.</p><p>
We understand that events like this can be frightening and unsettling, especially for our girls. If you or your Girl Scout need support or resources to cope with this traumatic event, we encourage you to use these resources below:</p><ul>
<li>
<b><span style="color: grey;">Girl Scouts of the USA</span> <a alias="When Violence on the News Shakes Her World" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/happy-and-healthy/happy/extreme-violence-and-children-parenting-advice.html#Happiness$$$" style="color: #00b451; text-decoration: underline;" title="When Violence on the News Shakes Her World">When Violence on the News Shakes Her World</a></b></li></ul><p>
<b>For child-centered grief and trauma resources</b></p><ul>
<li>
The <b><a alias="National Child Traumatic Stress Network" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.nctsn.org/" style="color: #00b451; text-decoration: underline;" title="National Child Traumatic Stress Network">National Child Traumatic Stress Network</a></b> has many resources on grief and trauma, but here are some aimed at helping adults talk to children about violent events and grief:<ul>
<li>
<b><a alias="Tip Sheet on Coping After Mass Violence" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/crisis/coping_after_mass_violence.pdf" style="color: #00b451; text-decoration: underline;" title="Tip Sheet on Coping After Mass Violence">Tip Sheet on Coping After Mass Violence</a>:</b> provides common reactions children and families may be experiencing after a mass violence event and what they can do to take care of themselves.</li><li>
<b><a alias="Guidance for parents for helping youth after mass violence" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/crisis/parent_guidelines_helping_youth_after_mass_violence_attack.pdf" style="color: #00b451; text-decoration: underline;" title="Guidance for parents for helping youth after mass violence">Guidance for parents for helping youth after mass violence</a>:</b> Offers parents guidance on helping their children after a mass violence event. This fact sheet describes common reactions children may have, how parents can help them, and self-care tips after a violent event.</li><li>
<b><a alias="Helping teens with traumatic grief" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/crisis/helping_teens_with_traumatic_grief_caregivers.pdf" style="color: #00b451; text-decoration: underline;" title="Helping teens with traumatic grief">Helping teens with traumatic grief</a>:</b> Describes how teens may feel when struggling with the death of someone close and offers tips on what caregivers can do to help.</li></ul></li></ul><p>
We also want to remind our Girl Scout families to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect yourself and those around you. The safety and well-being of our Girl Scout community is our top priority, and we want to assure you that we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our members at our camps and events.</p><p>
Our hearts are with the Atlanta community during this difficult time, and we are committed to supporting our Girl Scout members and their families as we work together to heal and move forward.</p><p>
</p><p>
Yours in Girl Scouting,</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="335" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<p>
Amy S. Dosik<br />CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta</p><p>
</p>Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-7360457382610477032022-06-24T14:56:00.000-07:002022-06-24T14:56:18.060-07:00Guidance for Girl Scouts regarding Supreme Court Roe v. Wade ruling<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A Message from the CEO:</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Earlier today, the Supreme Court published its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion and overturning its ruling in Roe v. Wade. We recognize that this decision is polarizing for our nation and our Girl Scout members, who are diverse in their personal and religious beliefs concerning reproductive rights.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our policy as a Girl Scout movement has always been that decisions on reproductive rights are highly personal in nature and best handled within families, and this continues to be our position following today’s ruling. We ask that you continue to apply the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law, acting with consideration, caring, and respect for those whose views on reproductive issues differ from your own. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We also recognize that girls and adults within our movement may wish to make their voices heard with respect to this ruling. Because our movement does not take a position on reproductive rights issues, I wanted to review some rules of engagement for how Girl Scout members may represent themselves if they choose to attend protests, marches, rallies or other public events. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Girls, troops, and adult members generally should not wear Girl Scout uniforms or branded attire when attending events that support one side of an issue on which the Girl Scout movement does not take a position, including reproductive rights. Members may wear uniforms or branded items <b>only</b> if their participation is linked to a specific Take Action project in pursuit of a Girl Scout Journey or Highest Award.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We ask parents, guardians, and troop leaders to be mindful of the possibility of violence at marches and rallies as they consider the appropriateness of the experience for girl members. We respect the rights of each individual member of our movement to make their own decision about participating in and we encourage thoughtful discussion of any event.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #242424;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If your Girl Scout is interested in learning more about the 'freedom to assemble,’ other ways our government works, and how she can participate in it, you may want to explore our Citizenship badges. Badges such as Inside Government, Finding Common Ground, and Behind the Ballot inspire, prepare, and mobilize girls to lead positive change through civic action. Encouraging girls to be engaged citizens isn't new. Even before women had the right to vote, Girl Scouts could earn Citizenship badges. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span style="color: #242424;">View our Citizenship badges here: </span><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/our-program/Badge-Explorer.html"><span style="color: #4f52b2;">https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/our-program/Badge-Explorer.html</span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for your continued investment in girls and Girl Scouting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yours in Girl Scouting,</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="335" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Amy S. Dosik<br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta </span></p>Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-82053760148441180892022-06-06T09:43:00.004-07:002022-06-06T12:12:25.355-07:00A Message from the CEO - June 6<p>Dear Girl Scouts,</p>
<p>I am devastated by the recent mass shootings in Uvalde, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Chattanooga, and Laguna Woods, California. These senseless acts of gun violence have left dozens of people killed or wounded and countless others suffering from emotional trauma. These events are more than any of us should have to bear.</p>
<p>We are heartbroken to share that one of our Girl Scouts from Southwest Texas was killed during the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde last week. The entire Girl Scout community mourns the loss of Amerie Jo Garza, along with the families of the victims and everyone affected by the violence.</p>
<p>Amerie was posthumously awarded the Girl Scout Bronze Cross for her bravery. The Bronze Cross is awarded for saving or attempting to save life at the risk of the Girl Scout’s own life. Amerie, a 10-year-old 4th-grader, was shot dead as she attempted to call 911 for help. Amerie had bridged to Juniors the previous week.</p>
<p>For ways you can help our sisters in Uvalde, please visit our <i>Girl Scout Strong for Uvalde</i> web page at <a href="https://www.girlscouts-swtx.org/en/our-council/girl-scout-strong-for-uvalde.html" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">www.girlscouts-swtx.org/girlscoutstrong</a>.</p>
<p>Our nation continues to suffer unfathomable losses from gun violence at an alarming rate. The shooting in Uvalde is the 27th school shooting to take place this year and the 63rd mass shooting during the month of May. * It leaves us reeling in anger and grief.</p>
<p>While it is difficult for us as adults to process these events, children are especially vulnerable to fear and anxiety. Below you will find some resources you may wish to use as you navigate difficult conversations with your girls.</p>
<p>May our nation find the courage to heal, the confidence to stand in solidarity with all children who need our protection and the character to do what is right to end gun violence. Thank you for all that you do.</p>
<p>Yours in Girl Scouting,</p>
<p>Amy</p>
<ul><li><b>Girl Scout Raising Awesome Girls content:</b> <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/happy-and-healthy/happy/extreme-violence-and-children-parenting-advice.html#Happiness$$$" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">When Violence on the News Shakes Her World</a></li></ul>
<h5>For child-centered grief and trauma resources</h5>
<ul><li>The <a href="https://www.schoolcrisiscenter.org/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank"><b>National School Crisis Center</b></a> has resources which offer practical tips for supporting youth and opening conversations¬—for example: <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/crisis/Guidelines-Talking-to-Kids-About-Attacks-Two-Sided-Onesheet-Format.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Talking to children about tragedies</a></li>
<li>The <a href="https://childrengrieve.org/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank"><b>National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG)</b></a> offers <a href="https://childrengrieve.org/resources/nagc-videos" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">videos</a> and an <a href="https://childrengrieve.org/resources/frequently-asked-questions" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">FAQ section</a> aimed at understanding grief in children and helping caring adults guide them through loss. Their “<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/crisis/nagc-hero-toolkit.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Hero Toolkit</a>” offers activities for talking about grief with children and teens.</li>
<li>The <a href="https://www.nctsn.org/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank"><b>National Child Traumatic Stress Network</b></a> has many resources on grief and trauma, but here are some aimed at helping adults talk to children about violent events and grief:
<ul><li><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/crisis/coping_after_mass_violence.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Tip Sheet on Coping After Mass Violence</a>: provides common reactions children and families may be experiencing after a mass violence event and what they can do to take care of themselves.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/crisis/parent_guidelines_helping_youth_after_mass_violence_attack.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Guidance for parents for helping youth after mass violence</a>: Offers parents guidance on helping their children after a mass violence event. This fact sheet describes common reactions children may have, how parents can help them, and self-care tips after a violent event.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/crisis/helping_teens_with_traumatic_grief_caregivers.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Helping teens with traumatic grief</a>: Describes how teens may feel when struggling with the death of someone close and offers tips on what caregivers can do to help.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/crisis/coping_after_mass_violence.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">After a Crisis</a>: Offers tips to parents on how to help young children, toddlers, and preschoolers heal after a traumatic event.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/crisis/guiding_adults_in_talking_about_death_and_services.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Guiding Adults in Talking to Children</a>: Provides ways to navigate children’s questions about death, funerals, and memorials. This fact sheet discusses this challenging, but manageable, task and includes sample Q&A to help guide discussions.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/crisis/for_teens_coping_after_mass_violence.pdf" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Tip Sheet for Teens on Coping after Violence</a>
</li></ul></li></ul>
<h5>For mental health crises</h5>
<ul><li>Call 911</li>
<li><b>National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:</b> 1-800-273-8255 or <a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">suicidepreventionlifeline.org</a> for online emotional support</li>
<li>The <b>Crisis Text Line</b> connects you to a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message: text NAMI to 741741</li>
<li>The <b>Disaster Distress Helpline</b> is a 24/7 national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling (more info at <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">National Institute of Mental Health</a>): Dial 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor</li></ul>
<h5>For families or troops seeking mental health care services</h5>
<ul><li><b>National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG)</b> links to <a href="https://childrengrieve.org/find-support" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">local support groups</a> and professionals</li>
<li><b>SAMHSA's Helpline:</b> 1-800-662-HELP (4357)</li>
<li><b>Mental Health America (MHA)</b> links to affiliates across the country and offers resources for finding treatment</li></ul>
<p>*School shooting data supplied by <a href="https://www.edweek.org/leadership/school-shootings-this-year-how-many-and-where/2022/01" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Education Week</a>. Mass shooting data supplied by <a href="https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/reports/mass-shooting" style="color: #00b451;" target="_blank">Gun Violence Archive</a>.</p>Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-54282971902296148752022-01-07T09:41:00.002-08:002022-04-01T10:27:52.396-07:00Message from GSGATL - Updated Guidelines for In-Person Girl Scout Activities<p>
Dear Girl Scouts,</p><p>
Happy new year! Like all of you, we hoped by now we wouldn’t still be sending out COVID related messaging, but there continue to be new variants that require constant monitoring.</p><p>
As we have done throughout the COVID pandemic, we will use the latest public health data and recommended best practices from the CDC, Georgia Department of Public Health, and Girl Scouts of the USA to guide our decisions.</p><p>
In-person troop meetings and activities will continue to be allowed as long as our members follow these guidelines.</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/PDFs/blog/Volunteer-Covid-19-Guidance.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>View In-Person Meeting Guidelines (Updated March. 14, 2022)</b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p>
The guidelines go into effect March 14, 2022 and supersede previous versions.</p><p>
Please continue to check our <b><a alias="blog" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://girlscoutsatl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #00b451; text-decoration: underline;" title="blog">blog</a></b> and <b><a alias="Website" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/" style="color: #00b451; text-decoration: underline;" title="Website">Website</a></b> for additional updates, and if you have questions, you can contact us at <a alias="helpline@gsgatl.org" conversion="true" data-linkto="mailto:" href="mailto:helpline@gsgatl.org?subject=COVID%20Guidance" style="color: #00b451; text-decoration: underline;" title="helpline@gsgatl.org">helpline@gsgatl.org</a> or 800-771-1139.</p>Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-64873250748364077782021-06-07T07:32:00.009-07:002022-01-07T10:04:32.142-08:00Message from GSGATL - Updated Guidelines for In-Person Girl Scout ActivitiesGirl Scouts of Greater Atlanta has updated the guidelines for the fall regarding returning to in-person troop meetings and activities. These guidelines were developed using information we currently have from the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health and may be modified as health recommendations change.<br />
<br />
The guidelines are effective immediately and supersede previous versions.<br />
<br />
Please continue to check our <a alias="GSGATL blog" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://girlscoutsatl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="GSGATL blog">blog</a> and <a alias="girlscoutsatl.org website" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="girlscoutsatl.org website">website</a> for additional updates and if you have questions you can contact us at <a alias="helpline@gsgatl.org" conversion="true" data-linkto="mailto:" href="mailto:helpline@gsgatl.org?subject=GSGATL%20COVID%20In-Person%20Guidelines" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="helpline@gsgatl.org">helpline@gsgatl.org</a> or 800-771-1139.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/PDFs/blog/Volunteer-Covid-19-Guidance-082021.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>View In-Person Meeting Guidelines (Updated Aug. 20, 2021)</b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/excel/GSGATL-Covid-Activity-List.xlsx" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>View GSGATL-Covid-Activity-List Spreadsheet (Updated Aug. 20, 2021)</b></a></div>
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="335" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-62079246064475097102021-04-05T09:29:00.002-07:002021-04-12T12:49:12.880-07:00Message from GSGATL - Updated Guidelines for In-Person Girl Scout ActivitiesGirl Scouts of Greater Atlanta has updated the guidelines for the fall regarding returning to in-person troop meetings and activities. These guidelines were developed using information we currently have from the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health and may be modified as health recommendations change.<br />
<br />
The guidelines are effective immediately and supersede previous versions.<br />
<br />
Please continue to check our <a alias="GSGATL blog" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://girlscoutsatl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="GSGATL blog">blog</a> and <a alias="girlscoutsatl.org website" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="girlscoutsatl.org website">website</a> for additional updates and if you have questions you can contact us at <a alias="helpline@gsgatl.org" conversion="true" data-linkto="mailto:" href="mailto:helpline@gsgatl.org?subject=GSGATL%20COVID%20In-Person%20Guidelines" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="helpline@gsgatl.org">helpline@gsgatl.org</a> or 800-771-1139.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/Volunteer-Covid-19-Guidance-040521.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>View In-Person Meeting Guidelines (Updated April 4)</b></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/excel/GSGATL-Covid-Activity-List-041221.xlsx" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>View GSGATL-Covid-Activity-List Spreadsheet</b></a></div>
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="335" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-25257955423580992912021-03-22T12:53:00.001-07:002021-03-22T12:53:28.207-07:00A message from the CEO - March 22<p>Girl Scouts,</p>
<p>Last week we were devastated by the murder of eight members of our community, including six Asian women, who were targeted because of their race and gender. It exposed the xenophobic, hateful and dangerous stereotypes that many of the Asian members of our movement face. These murders made us more aware of the rising tide of violence perpetrated against Asian-Americans in the past year and ignited our sense as Girl Scouts of the need to <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/leadership/civic-action/racism-and-kids.html" target="_blank">take action</a> and extend a caring hand.</p>
<p>This act of violence and hate comes as we mark a full year of managing through the challenges of the global COVID pandemic. The pandemic not only has caused the death of nearly 18,000 Georgians but has created financial hardship for more than one-third of our Girl Scout families. It has caused untold mental health fallout for both girls and adults in our movement dealing with the loss of loved ones, social isolation, lack of work-life balance, and financial stressors. These murders also serve as a somber reminder of the continuing pandemics of racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, anti-Semitism, ageism and ableism, and the importance of Girl Scouts’ diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work.</p>
<p>Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta engages in DEI as a core component of our programming, and it is at the heart of who we are as a movement. Girls’ voices, including our Older Girl Advisory Group, are at the center of our programming, which includes this summer’s launch of a virtual series for girls in grades 2-12 that highlights Atlanta's place in the civil rights movement and contemporary racial justice work. Gold Award Girl Scouts like Randi Parks are taking the lead on issues like <a href="https://source.oglethorpe.edu/2020/10/21/freshman-pursues-girl-scout-gold-award-focuses-on-diversity-and-inclusion/" target="_blank">voter suppression</a> to educate their peers on real world issues that they see on the news and in their social media feeds. Our staff is working with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to increase our capacity to support volunteers in helping girls have courageous but necessary conversations around what they’ve experienced over the past year, as well as participating in community-wide efforts like United Way of Greater Atlanta’s 21-Day <a href="https://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/2021/03/03/join-the-racial-equity-challenge-today/" target="_blank">Racial Equity Challenge</a>. Together, these initiatives and others move us closer to making our Girl Scout council a better – and more equal and inclusive – place.</p>
<p>When we talk about our mission, we often talk about the three C’s: the courage, confidence and character that Girl Scouting builds in girls. As we continue our DEI work of becoming a more actively anti-racist organization, our work as a Girl Scout council will be organized around three E’s aligned to our Promise and Law: to educate, to empower and to empathize. I would like to share how the three E’s will guide our work in the months ahead.</p>
<p><b>Educate.</b> Girl Scouts teaches girls to ask questions and engage in critical thinking, and girls of all races and ethnicities have told us that racial justice is important to them. Atlanta occupies a unique place as the cradle of the civil rights movement, and our goal is for Greater Atlanta to be a leader in DEI programming within the Girl Scout movement. Additional council-led programming will allow girls to explore this history and its implications on current racial justice movements like Black Lives Matter and Stop AAPI Hate and help our volunteers to learn along with girls and support them in this work. We see this work as a living example of our movement’s commitment to being honest and fair and responsible for what we say and do.</p>
<p><b>Empower.</b> Girl Scouts teaches girls to use their voices to speak out on issues that are important to them. Over the past year, we’ve seen Girl Scouts like Himani Kalra take on issues like female gendercide and infanticide through her Gold Award project <i><a href="https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/shocked-that-girls-around-the-world-were-being-killed-just-for-their-gender-this-georgia-teen-started-a-volunteer-organization-to-help-end-female-gendercide/" target="_blank">Save the Girl Child</a></i>, which has educated thousands of people on this underrecognized issue in the U.S. and abroad and led to her being recognized by the Points of Light Foundation. Through our Gold, Silver and Bronze Award programs, take action projects, and programs like Miss Media that focus on public speaking, we will prepare girls to engage in their communities on racial justice and other issues that affect marginalized communities. This work is at the heart of the Girl Scout law that inspires us to respect ourselves and others and to be courageous and strong.</p>
<p><b>Empathize.</b> The killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Brionna Taylor, George Floyd and others have caused immeasurable pain, sadness, and fear in the Black community. Our Asian-American community has been similarly shattered by the massage parlor murders that hit far too close to home. At a time when we increasingly live in communities divided by race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, Girl Scouts is one of the few remaining organizations that cuts across these barriers to allow girls and volunteers from all backgrounds the opportunity to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and see things from a different perspective. The need for support and healing for many in our movement is significant, and we have the opportunity and obligation to empathize with their pain even if it is not our own. This is what we endeavor to do when we recite the Girl Scout law to be considerate and caring.</p>
<p>Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta stands in solidarity with the Asian-American community, the Black community, and all marginalized members of our community. Doing so does not diminish our commitment to and support of other communities. It does not lessen the value we place on other experiences and perspectives. Rather, it recognizes that in order achieve the ambitious work of making the world a better place, there are times when some members of our community require an extra measure of our caring and support. This is one of those times. In lifting up those who need us the most, we move closer to our vision of Girl Scouts as not only a sanctuary from the hate and violence of the wider world but a place where every girl and volunteer can feel a deep sense of belonging. Thank you for the many acts of kindness that you are doing every day to help us achieve this vision.
</p>
Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="335" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-91802062595785446852021-01-04T08:40:00.001-08:002021-01-04T08:40:54.493-08:00Message from GSGATL - Updated Guidelines for In-Person Girl Scout ActivitiesGirl Scouts of Greater Atlanta has updated the guidelines for the fall regarding returning to in-person troop meetings and activities. These guidelines were developed using information we currently have from the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health and may be modified as health recommendations change.<br />
<br />
The guidelines are effective immediately and supersede previous versions.<br />
<br />
Please continue to check our <a alias="GSGATL blog" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://girlscoutsatl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="GSGATL blog">blog</a> and <a alias="girlscoutsatl.org website" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="girlscoutsatl.org website">website</a> for additional updates and if you have questions you can contact us at <a alias="helpline@gsgatl.org" conversion="true" data-linkto="mailto:" href="mailto:helpline@gsgatl.org?subject=GSGATL%20COVID%20In-Person%20Guidelines" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="helpline@gsgatl.org">helpline@gsgatl.org</a> or 800-771-1139.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/PDFs/blog/Volunteer-Covid-19-Guidance-010421.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>View In-Person Meeting Guidelines (Updated Jan. 4)</b></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/excel/GSGATL-Covid-Activity-List-092520.xlsx" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>View GSGATL-Covid-Activity-List Spreadsheet</b></a></div>
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="335" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-29388674925649480572020-09-25T12:06:00.001-07:002021-01-04T08:41:28.578-08:00Message from GSGATL - Updated Guidelines for In-Person Girl Scout Activities
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta has updated the guidelines for the fall regarding returning to in-person troop meetings and activities. These guidelines were developed using information we currently have from the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health and may be modified as health recommendations change.<br />
<br />
The guidelines are effective immediately and supersede previous versions.<br />
<br />
Please continue to check our <a alias="GSGATL blog" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://girlscoutsatl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="GSGATL blog">blog</a> and <a alias="girlscoutsatl.org website" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="girlscoutsatl.org website">website</a> for additional updates and if you have questions you can contact us at <a alias="helpline@gsgatl.org" conversion="true" data-linkto="mailto:" href="mailto:helpline@gsgatl.org?subject=GSGATL%20COVID%20In-Person%20Guidelines" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="helpline@gsgatl.org">helpline@gsgatl.org</a> or 800-771-1139.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/excel/GSGATL-Covid-Activity-List-092520.xlsx" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>View GSGATL-Covid-Activity-List Spreadsheet</b></a></div>
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="335" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-10820083528461440732020-08-27T13:25:00.003-07:002020-08-31T11:18:19.207-07:002020 State of the Council<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NL52CZ1Gnbw" width="320" youtube-src-id="NL52CZ1Gnbw"></iframe></div><br />Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-42781006404893822132020-08-06T10:59:00.000-07:002020-08-06T10:59:42.304-07:00Message from GSGATL - Updated Guidelines for In-Person Girl Scout Activities
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta has updated the guidelines for the fall regarding returning to in-person troop meetings and activities. These guidelines were developed using information we currently have from the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health and may be modified as health recommendations change.<br />
<br />
The guidelines are effective immediately and supersede previous versions.<br />
<br />
Please continue to check our <a alias="GSGATL blog" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://girlscoutsatl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="GSGATL blog">blog</a> and <a alias="girlscoutsatl.org website" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="girlscoutsatl.org website">website</a> for additional updates and if you have questions you can contact us at <a alias="helpline@gsgatl.org" conversion="true" data-linkto="mailto:" href="mailto:helpline@gsgatl.org?subject=GSGATL%20COVID%20In-Person%20Guidelines" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="helpline@gsgatl.org">helpline@gsgatl.org</a> or 800-771-1139.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/Volunteer-Covid-19-Guidance-080620.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>View In-Person Meeting Guidelines</b></a></div>
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="335" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-58419761739222774592020-06-05T13:00:00.000-07:002020-06-05T13:00:15.821-07:00Message from GSGATL - Guidelines for In-Person Girl Scout Activities – June 5As referenced in the Message from CEO on May 28, linked are the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta’s guidelines for returning to in-person troop meetings and activities. These guidelines were developed using information we currently have from the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health and may be modified as health recommendations change.<br />
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The guidelines are effective immediately and supersede past versions before the COVID-19 pandemic.<br />
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Please continue to check our <a alias="GSGATL blog" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://girlscoutsatl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="GSGATL blog">blog</a> and <a alias="girlscoutsatl.org website" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="girlscoutsatl.org website">website</a> for additional updates and if you have questions you can contact us at <a alias="helpline@gsgatl.org" conversion="true" data-linkto="mailto:" href="mailto:helpline@gsgatl.org?subject=GSGATL%20COVID%20In-Person%20Guidelines" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="helpline@gsgatl.org">helpline@gsgatl.org</a> or 800-771-1139.<br />
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<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/GSGATL-Volunteer-COVID-19-Guidance.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>View In-Person Meeting Guidelines</b></a></div>
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-88832636767496399982020-06-01T14:13:00.000-07:002020-06-02T08:06:53.969-07:00A message from the CEO on Racial Justice - June 1<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/PDFs/blog/Message-from-CEO-on-Racial-Justice-in-Spanish.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>Mensaje del CEO - 1 de junio</b></a></div>
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Dear Girl Scouts,<br />
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Along with you, I have watched with shock and profound sadness the racial violence and injustice that have played out in our country over the past few months. The deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd were senseless and horrific. The protests that have followed reflect a difficult truth: the scourge of racism persists within our nation. The black community and other people of color are justifiably frustrated, angry and afraid as they continue to experience a country that is less equal, and where they have a legitimate fear for their personal safety, every day.<br />
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This harsh reality is in direct opposition to the values and principles on which our Girl Scout movement was founded. While we are proud of our history of diversity and inclusion, our work as Girl Scouts to end racism is far from finished. At this pivotal moment in our society, we have an obligation to speak out against injustice when we see it and to work harder to become an organization that actively promotes inclusion and equity for all. My commitment to you is that Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta will do this work. <br />
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To our black and brown Girl Scout community, know that I see you, I hear you and I am here for you. I know that many of you are not ok. While my experience has not been your experience, I am here to listen and to seek to understand. Know that you are not alone, and that our Girl Scout movement stands in solidarity and in sisterhood with you.<br />
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To every member of our Girl Scout community, fulfilling our <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/who-we-are.html" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank">Promise and Law</a> through our words and actions has never been more important. Each of us has the power to be a force for good. Take action when you see injustice. Address racist behavior when you see it in your community. Make your voice heard to your elected officials. Offer strength and caring to those who feel hurt, angry and powerless. Above all, bring your Girl Scout values of kindness and compassion to these efforts. Know that I will be doing the same.<br />
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Our founder Juliette Gordon Low said that “the work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.” Together, we can make history and achieve our mission of making the world a better – and more equal – place for all of us.<br />
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<li><a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/leadership/life-skills/kids-and-civic-engagement.html" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank">Support Her as She Stands Up for Change (Even If You Don’t Agree)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/leadership/civic-action/how-to-fight-injustice.html#leadership" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank">Instead of Saying “Life’s Not Fair,” Teach Her How to Fight Injustice</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/leadership/life-skills/diversity-and-inclusion-in-america.html" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank">What Our Country Needs Right Now Is You</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/happy-and-healthy/happy/why-tolerance-isn-t-working.html" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank">Why Tolerance Isn’t Working</a></li>
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-38429199834980143312020-05-28T13:27:00.000-07:002020-05-28T13:27:04.901-07:00Message from CEO - May 28<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/PDFs/blog/Message-from-CEO-May-28-in-Spanish.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>Mensaje del CEO - 28 de mayo</b></a></div>
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Dear Girl Scouts,
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As we move into the summer months, we have received questions from many of you regarding the timing and feasibility of a phased return to in-person programming at Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. On <b>Friday, June 5</b>, we will issue detailed guidelines and a timeline for resuming in-person Girl Scout troop meetings/gatherings and beyond the troop activities.<br />
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As we have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we will use the latest public health data and recommended best practices from the CDC, the GA Department of Public Health and Girl Scouts of the USA to guide our decisions. The health and safety of our Girl Scouts, families, volunteers and staff remain our highest priority.<br />
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We are extending our restrictions for no in-person meetings or activities until our guidelines are released on June 5. We appreciate your patience and hope that you will continue to take advantage of our <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/about-girl-scouts/girl-scouting-from-home.html" style="color: #00ae59;" target="_blank">Girl Scouting from Home</a> resources, which include badge activities by program level, resources for troops to meet virtually, and live weekly programs.<br />
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Please continue to check our <a href="https://girlscoutsatl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank">blog</a> and <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank">website</a> for additional updates and if you have questions you can contact us at <a href="mailto:helpline@gsgatl.org" style="color: #00ae58;">helpline@gsgatl.org</a> or 800-771-1139. <br />
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On behalf of all of us at Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, stay safe and well, and take comfort in knowing that even when we are apart, our sisterhood binds us together.<br />
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-74791343711738381212020-05-04T13:55:00.000-07:002020-05-05T09:54:50.293-07:00Message from CEO - May 4<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/PDFs/blog/Coronavirus-Update-May-4-ESP.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>Mensaje del CEO - 4 de mayo</b></a></div>
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Dear Girl Scouts,<br />
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The health and safety of our Girl Scouts, families, volunteers and staff is always our highest priority. After much consideration of the public health data on COVID-19 and its spread in our community, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all 2020 summer camp programs through August 9. This cancelation applies to our Council-run camps (Meriwether, Misty Mountain and Timber Ridge), as well as Service Unit Day Camps. We know that this news is disappointing to our campers and families, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times.<br />
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We continue to monitor the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in our state. We have reviewed guidance from medical experts, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), the Georgia Department of Public Health, the CDC and the American Camp Association. Although the pandemic is a constantly evolving situation, the information shows our community is not at the point of recovery, and gathering large groups of campers and staff presents too great a risk of further community transmission.<br />
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While in-person programs cannot take place, we hope that you have taken advantage of <a alias="Girl Scouting from Home" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/about-girl-scouts/girl-scouting-from-home.html" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="Girl Scouting from Home">Girl Scouting from Home</a> resources, which include badge activities by program level, resources for troops to meet virtually, and live weekly program.<br />
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We recognize the disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly trying. Your Girl Scout has experienced many disappointments during this difficult time, from school closings to the cancelation of fun plans like parties and vacations. We encourage you to use the resources Girl Scouts is providing through our <a alias="Raising Awesome Girls" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/happy-and-healthy/happy/disappointment-everything-canceled-coronavirus.html#parenting" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="Raising Awesome Girls">Raising Awesome Girls</a> series to talk with her about how she’s feeling.<br />
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If you have questions about camp cancelations or other programs, please check out our <a alias="Frequently Asked Questions" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/documents/2020-Summer-Camp-Program-Cancellation-FAQs.pdf" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="Frequently Asked Questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a> or reach out to <a alias="camp@gsgatl.org" conversion="true" data-linkto="mailto:" href="mailto:camp@gsgatl.org?subject=Questions%20About%202020%20Camp%20Program%20Cancellation" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="camp@gsgatl.org">camp@gsgatl.org</a> or call our Help Line at 800-771-1139. Please continue to check our <a alias="blog" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://girlscoutsatl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="blog">blog</a> and <a alias="website" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="website">website</a> for additional updates.<br />
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On behalf of all of us at Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, stay safe and well, and take comfort in knowing that even when we are apart, our sisterhood binds us together.<br />
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-31037951533570615282020-04-27T09:45:00.000-07:002020-04-27T15:00:21.539-07:00Message from Outdoor Programs – Monday, April 27<b>Summer Camp Update</b><br />
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The safety of our campers and staff is our highest priority, and we have been closely monitoring the effect that COVID-19 could have on our Council led resident and day camps at Meriwether, Misty Mountain and Timber Ridge. We remain keenly aware of the concerns related to health and safety and the potential risks associated with bringing girls together at camp.<br />
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In response to the current pandemic the Council has decided to <b>pause</b>, <b>pivot</b> and <b>prepare</b> for this summer.<br />
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<b>We are pausing</b> the start of summer camp and have cancelled sleep-away and day camps through June 20. This allows us time to provide adequate training to our staff and prepare the facilities after the shelter in place order is lifted.<br />
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<b>We are pivoting</b> by combining the remaining sleep-away camp sessions to one location, Camp Misty Mountain. Day camp will continue to be offered at Camp Timber Ridge but campers currently registered for <u>sleep-away</u> camp at Camp Meriwether or Timber Ridge will be offered the opportunity to be integrated into the Camp Misty Mountain sessions where possible. In the interim, registration will be temporarily closed until May 15 as we update the sessions to allow for currently registered campers affected to make changes. In addition, we will be offering virtual programming for the first three weeks of summer.<br />
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<b>We are preparing</b> for our summer camp programs by continuing to monitor healthcare recommendations. We are developing cleaning, safety and health protocols as well as reformatting our program to minimize contact and provide for adequate distancing to protect the health of our girls and staff. The CDC is providing guidance for safe operation specific to the camp environment.<br />
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We regret this interruption to a core tradition of Girl Scouting and pledge to do all we can to ensure that our outdoor program offerings remain available to girls and their families.<br />
<br />Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-79727370108515488382020-04-08T06:29:00.002-07:002020-04-08T06:30:37.644-07:00Message from CEO - April 7<div style="text-align: center;">
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Girl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-64048100676744297182020-03-18T12:02:00.001-07:002020-03-19T07:23:25.466-07:00Message from CEO - March 18<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/PDFs/blog/Coronavirus-Update-March-18-ESP.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>Mensaje del CEO - 18 de marzo</b></a></div>
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Dear Girl Scouts,<br />
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As we navigate the uncharted waters of school closings, parents and caregivers working from home, event cancelations, and social distancing to contain the spread of COVID-19, I wanted to reach out to each of you with a message of support. Our first priority at Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta is to focus on how we can support each of you – our girls, families, and volunteers – in the days and weeks ahead. This message shares how we’re working to keep you both safe and engaged in Girl Scouting as our ability to meet in person is limited. It also provides answers to many of your questions on what to expect in the weeks ahead.<br />
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During the next several weeks, I will be communicating with you more often via e-mail and through our <a alias="blog" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://girlscoutsatl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="blog">blog</a> as guidance from the <a alias="Centers for Disease Control (CDC)" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="Centers for Disease Control (CDC)">Centers for Disease Control (CDC)</a>, <a alias="Georgia Department of Public Health" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://dph.georgia.gov/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="Georgia Department of Public Health">Georgia Department of Public Health</a>, school districts and other government agencies changes and evolves. Please share this information with others in your troop, service unit or community who may not have access to email and any members of the community who may benefit from the resources that Girl Scouts is providing.<br />
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<li>
<span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Council Events:</b></span> In light of current <a alias="federal guidance" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/politics/white-house-guidelines-coronavirus/index.html" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="federal guidance">federal guidance</a> discouraging gatherings of ten or more people, <b><u>all in-person council events through mid-May are postponed or cancelled</u></b>. This includes all camp events, cookie program events, and the council Annual Meeting.<ul>
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For <span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>camp events</b></span>, refunds will be issued to your group in the same form as your original payment. Camporees cancelled during this time will be given first priority to reschedule for the fall.</li>
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The <span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Smiles4Military</b></span> event for April 18 is cancelled, and participating girls will be mailed their recognition certificate and reward.</li>
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The <span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Cookie CEO</b></span> event at the GA Aquarium will be rescheduled for a later date.</li>
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The council <span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Annual Meeting</b></span> tentatively will be rescheduled for August 20, pending the availability of The Home Depot Store Support Center.</li>
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<span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Troop Meetings & Volunteer Events:</b></span> For the safety of our community, we are requiring in-person troop meetings, service unit events and other volunteer-led meetings to be cancelled through mid-May.</li>
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<span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Girl Scout Activities This Week:</b></span> While your troop may not be able to meet in person, we encourage troops to use free videoconferencing technology like <a alias="Skype" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.skype.com/en/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="Skype">Skype</a> or Facetime to have a <span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>virtual troop meeting</b></span>. Troop leaders can take advantage of meeting guides and other program content on the <span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Volunteer Toolkit</b></span> to simplify meeting planning.</li>
<li>
<span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Volunteer Opportunities:</b></span> Girl Scouts are a force for good in helping to make our community a better place. Each week, we will highlight a different way that members of our Girl Scout movement can safely serve the community. Look for opportunities beginning in Monday’s <span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>GS News</b></span>.</li>
<li>
<span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Virtual Girl Scout Programming:</b></span> We are working together with Girl Scouts of the USA and our sister councils throughout the country to provide virtual Girl Scout program opportunities through an online platform that will launch the week of March 23. The platform will provide videos, program content, and resources to do activities remotely.</li>
<li>
<span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Cookie Program:</b></span> While booth sales are postponed, we encourage all girls and troops with remaining cookie inventory to use Digital Cookie to sell inventory for contact-less porch delivery or delayed in person delivery when social distancing ends. We will be communicating additional Digital Cookie opportunities to members later this week after details are finalized.</li>
<li>
<span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Spring Renewal:</b></span> Early-bird membership renewal, previously scheduled to begin April 1, 2020, will be delayed until further notice. Girl and adult members who wish to renew their memberships for 2021, and new members who are interested in our new member deal may still register beginning on April 1 through our <a alias="Website" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="Website">Website</a>.</li>
<li>
<span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Share Your Stories:</b></span> While you are missing your regular Girl Scout activities and friends, we hope you’ll use social media to share the creative ways you’re engaging with your Girl Scout troop and community during this time. Tag us <b>@GirlScoutsATL</b> or use the hashtag <b>#GirlScoutStrong</b>.</li>
<li>
<span style="color: #8e298c;"><b>Helpline:</b></span> Our helpline is open! You may still contact us with questions or concerns during regular business hours at <a alias="helpline@gsgatl.org" conversion="true" data-linkto="mailto:" href="mailto:helpline@gsgatl.org?subject=GSGATL%20%26%20COVID-19%20Guidelines" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="helpline@gsgatl.org">helpline@gsgatl.org</a> or 800-771-1139.</li>
</ul>
While the weeks ahead will be challenging, I know that you, our Girl Scouts, will rise to the occasion to meet these challenges head on. As we come together in virtual troop meetings and in service to our Greater Atlanta community, I believe that we, as a Girl Scout movement, will emerge from the pandemic having shown the world our power to be a force for good unrivaled by any other organization. It is more important than ever that we endeavor to live by our <a alias="promise and law" conversion="true" data-linkto="https://" href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/who-we-are.html" style="color: #00ae58; text-decoration: underline;" title="promise and law">promise and law</a>, and be a sister to every Girl Scout. Please continue to reach out and let us know how we can support you, and thank you for keeping your Girl Scout spirit going during these challenging times.<br />
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-67287909631574552722020-03-12T12:42:00.000-07:002020-03-19T07:36:35.684-07:00Message from CEO - March 12<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/PDFs/blog/Coronavirus-Update-March-12-ESP.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>Mensaje del CEO - 12 de marzo</b></a></div>
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Dear Girl Scouts,<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the past 24 hours, the World Health Organization has
declared coronavirus a global pandemic, and it has become apparent that there
is community transmission in the state of Georgia. As Girl Scouts, we have an
obligation to our community to do all that we can to limit the spread of
coronavirus, even if we as individuals are not at risk of serious illness. In
response to these changing circumstances, we are taking the following steps:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span>All <b><span style="color: #00b050;">camps</span></b>
are closed through March 31, 2020. We will issue refunds to all individuals and
groups scheduled to attend programs and events through this date.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span>All council-sponsored <b><span style="color: #00b050;">girl and volunteer programs</span></b>, trainings and events are
cancelled through March 31, 2020. We will issue refunds to all individuals and
groups scheduled to attend programs, trainings and events through this date.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span>We strongly recommend cancelling all <b><span style="color: #00b050;">troop meetings, service unit events and other
volunteer-led programs</span></b> through March 31, 2020. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span>We are implementing a contingency plan for the <b><span style="color: #00b050;">Girl Scout Cookie Program </span></b>that will extend the
time when booth sales can take place to allow troops to sell their remaining
inventory. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Troops that wish to pick up additional cookies to
fulfill existing orders can do so through the end of the day Friday, March 13,
2020. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 74.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->We strongly recommend that troops cancel booth
sales previously scheduled for this weekend and through March 31, 2020. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 74.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->We will issue a separate communication specific
to the Cookie Program with more details on changes to the program. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span>No <b><span style="color: #00b050;">trips </span></b>will
be approved through March 31, 2020. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span>All <b><span style="color: #00b050;">council staff</span></b><span style="color: #00b050;"> </span>are being instructed to work from home through
March 31, 2020, except for staff needed to perform essential council functions.
These staff will be scheduled on a staggered basis to limit potential contact. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: #00b050;">Badge & Sash </span></b>stores
are closed through March 31, 2020. Please shop <a href="https://www.girlscoutshop.com/GREATER-ATLANTA-COUNCIL">online</a> for any
merchandise you need and receive free shipping with the code <b>FREESHIP-GSGATL-320.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: #00b050;">Our helpline is open!</span></b><span style="color: #00b050;"> </span>You may still contact us with questions or
concerns during regular helpline hours at <a href="mailto:helpline@gsgatl.org">helpline@gsgatl.org</a>
or 800-771-1139. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank you for doing your part to limit community transmission of coronavirus in
Georgia. We will emerge stronger because of our collective action.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="335" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3283920328156861966.post-37173246578264465172020-03-11T07:51:00.001-07:002020-04-27T09:41:52.763-07:00Message from CEO - March 11<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsatl/assets/PDFs/blog/Coronavirus-Update-March-11-ESP.pdf" style="color: #00ae58;" target="_blank"><b>Mensaje del CEO - 11 de marzo</b></a></div>
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Dear Girl Scouts, <o:p></o:p></div>
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At Girl Scouts, our motto is “be prepared.” The COVID-19 (aka
coronavirus) protocols at our council are changing rapidly in response to available
information from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html">Centers for Disease
Control</a> (CDC), the <a href="https://dph.georgia.gov/">Georgia Department of
Public Health</a> (GDPH), city and county health authorities, school districts
and other partners. We are working hard to ensure that our decisions and
guidance reflect Girl Scouts’ commitment to prevent the spread of coronavirus in
our community. I am reaching out today to update you on actions we are taking
in response to CDC and other public health guidance, as well as in response to
feedback and concerns we are hearing from you: our members, families,
volunteers, staff, donors, supporters, and friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #00b050;">Guidance for every Girl Scout<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of coronavirus
in our community. In the spirit of the Girl Scout promise and law, we ask every
member of our movement to do their part: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<li>Follow CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention-treatment.html">hygiene
best practices</a> that include regular hand washing for at least 20 seconds,
avoiding touching your face, and covering your cough or sneeze.</li>
<li>Use non-contact forms of greeting instead of
physical contact such as shaking hands.</li>
<li>Keep at least 3 feet of distance between
individuals at meetings and events whenever possible.</li>
<li>Do not attend Girl Scout or other public events if
you are ill or believe you have been exposed to a contagious disease like coronavirus.</li>
<li>Consult your healthcare provider if you (or a
member of your family) is at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 before
attending a Girl Scout or other public event. Most children and adults under 60
are not at risk of serious illness from coronavirus. However, adults over 60
and those with a compromised immune system or an underlying health condition
may be at greater risk. </li>
<li>Report suspected or confirmed cases of
coronavirus among Girl Scouts, family members, staff or volunteers by calling
our helpline at 1-800-771-1139 or emailing <a href="mailto:helpline@gsgatl.org">helpline@gsgatl.org</a>
so that we may coordinate with public health officials to notify any persons
who may have been exposed. </li>
<li>Use the resources on our <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/happy-and-healthy/happy/coronavirus-and-kids.html">Raising
Awesome Girls</a> site with girls who may have questions or concerns about
coronavirus.</li>
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<b><span style="color: #00b050;">Girl Scout troop meetings and
trainings <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Most Girl Scout events are like school events, and we generally
will follow school district guidance around school closures and activity
restrictions. The CDC and GDPH have not recommended school closures or
widespread activity restrictions in our area. At present, girls and volunteers can
continue to participate in most Girl Scout events and activities such as troop
meetings and local field trips. They can continue to take part in council-sponsored
trainings such as Safe Sitter Babysitter Training and New Leader Orientation. Based
upon the guidance above, we ask that individuals who are ill or at higher risk
of serious illness from COVID-19 infection not attend council events, meetings
or trainings unless cleared by a physician. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #00b050;">Camp events<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Based upon current guidance from the <a href="https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/coronavirus-information-camps?utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=click&utm_term=coronavirus">American
Camp Association</a>, CDC and GDPH, troop camping, camporees and
council-sponsored events at our camp properties are continuing during March.
Our camp team is following heightened disinfection protocols at all camp
properties. This includes deep cleaning all cabins and other buildings between
groups; providing disinfecting wipes to groups to wipe down doorknobs, light
switches and other frequently touched surfaces in their cabins during their
stay; providing hand sanitation stations throughout camp; and changes to food
service such as the use of disposable paper products at all meals. Camp staff
are being trained on how to implement protocols to limit the spread of
communicable disease at camp. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Individuals and groups with camping reservations in March
have the option of coming to camp as scheduled, postponing their event to a
later date (based on availability) or cancelling their reservation for a refund.
For camp reservations in April and beyond, we will update you on cancellation and/or
postponement options at least two weeks prior to your event. Based upon the
guidance above, we ask that individuals who are ill or at higher risk of
serious illness from COVID-19 infection not attend camp events unless cleared
by a physician. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #00b050;">Large council gatherings <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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In response to recent <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf">CDC</a>
guidance that recommends adjusting or postponing large school gatherings, we
have made the decision to postpone all large council events through March 31.
This impacts <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/events-repository/2020/sleepover_under_the_.html">Sleepover
Under the Stars</a>, previously scheduled for March 21, 2020 at the Gwinnett
County Fairgrounds. This event has been rescheduled to November 14, 2020, and
attendees have the option of attending the rescheduled event or cancelling and requesting
a refund. The Second Century Circle <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/donate/second-century-circle/second-century-breakfast.html">Breakfast</a>
scheduled for March 24, 2020 has also been postponed. For large events taking
place in April and beyond, decisions to postpone or cancel any events will be
made at least two weeks prior to the event. For Girl Scout events managed by outside
vendors (i.e., Girl Scout Day at Six Flags) please check with the vendors
directly regarding cancellations or refunds. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #00b050;">International travel<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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The CDC continues to update <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html">recommendations</a>
to avoid international travel to certain regions, including China, Korea, Iran,
Italy, Hong Kong and Japan. The CDC also recommends avoiding<a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/covid-19-cruise-ship"> cruise ship</a>
travel worldwide, particularly for vulnerable populations. Because the path of
coronavirus infection remains uncertain, no international travel, including
cruises, will be approved for Girl Scout groups through June 30, 2020. Groups
with existing international travel reservations have been informed that these
trips are no longer approved by Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. Groups who
choose to travel without council authorization will not be covered by Girl
Scouts’ insurance and travel at their own risk. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #00b050;">Domestic travel<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Avoiding domestic, non-essential airline travel is one step
that we can all take to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many businesses and
nonprofit organizations, including Girl Scouts of the USA and our local council,
have restricted airline business travel for employees in order to prevent the
spread of COVID-19. In line with this guidance, no trips requiring domestic
plane travel will be approved for Girl Scout groups through June 30, 2020. For
domestic travel by car or train outside of our council jurisdiction, approvals
will be made on a case-by-case basis through June 30, 2020. Groups who choose
to travel without council authorization will not be covered by Girl Scouts’
insurance and travel at their own risk.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #00b050;">Other things to know<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li>All Badge & Sash stores remain open on a
regular schedule. </li>
<li>The Girl Scout Cookie Program will continue as
planned, and cookie cupboards remain open through Saturday, March 14, 2020. </li>
<li>Girl Scout staff who are ill are being told not
to report to work. We are expanding work from home options and more flexible
use of sick days and other paid time off where possible. </li>
<li>Check the council <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/events/event-calendar.html">calendar</a>
for updates to other activities and events. </li>
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<b><span style="color: #00b050;">Girl Scouts as a force for
good <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Throughout our history, Girl Scouts have played an important
role in helping to keep our country safe. The 1947 Girl Scout Handbook
explains: "A Girl Scout is ready to help out wherever she is needed.
Willingness to serve is not enough; you must know how to do the job well, even
in an emergency." During World War II, Girl Scouts tended victory gardens,
sold war bonds and collected scrap metal. The work of today’s Girl Scouts is
just as essential. Girl Scouts can continue to demonstrate leadership in the
fight against coronavirus by teaching proper handwashing and other hygiene
practices to their peers. They can learn about how coronavirus is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#spreads">spread</a> and
how to protect themselves and share this information with others. Girl Scouts
can be a force for good by confronting misinformation about Asian-Americans,
who increasingly have been the targets of <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/20/us/coronavirus-racist-attacks-against-asian-americans/index.html">racist
attacks</a> and discrimination. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On behalf of the Girl Scout movement, I want to thank each
of you for being part of our collective action to prevent the spread of
coronavirus. We will continue to update you on this <a href="https://girlscoutsatl.blogspot.com/">blog</a> and on the Girl Scouts of
Greater Atlanta’s <a href="https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/">website</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Yours in Girl Scouting,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="335" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXqwnSasCIk/Xk2eoDCVzqI/AAAAAAAAAvk/7pVlUdUBbasc_4D8Lv5_BlYBP-Wy-GfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AmyDosik_Sig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Amy S. Dosik<br />
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaGirl Scouts of Greater Atlantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136691280885805095noreply@blogger.com