Empowering Young Leaders: Girl Scouts and Civic Engagement

Ready, Set, Vote! Girl Scouts in Action this Election Season

We are less than a week away from the 2024 General Election, and it is an exciting time for many of our older Girl Scouts and alums who are voting for the first time.

For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts San Diego has prepared girls to lead, to serve their communities, and to make the world a better place. From Daisies in Kindergarten to Ambassadors in high school and beyond, we empower girls to learn about the world around them, discover their passions, and use their voices for positive change.

Did you know?

Our Balboa Campus and Escondido Program Center are polling places! Both are open: Saturday, Nov. 2-Monday, Nov. 4 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Girl Scouts and Alums Voting for the First Time

"From earning badges in Girl Scouts to speaking up for causes I care about, I’ve always believed in making a difference. I’m excited to take that passion to the polls and vote in my first presidential election." - Shruti C.

“I have been involved in Girl Scouts for 13 years and will continue to be involved. I am so happy that finally my voice will be heard in this year‘s election.” - Maryliz C.

"Girl Scouts helped me gain the confidence to make sure my voice is heard. From elections, to internships, extracurriculars, and beyond...I know I have the courage to speak up and advocate for positive change. This is the first presidential election I can vote in and I'm so excited!" - Alexi R.

"As a Girl Scout of 14 years, voting in the presidential election for the first time is important to me. It's a valued way to ensure a bright future for the younger girls in my troop and to be a sister to every Girl Scout. It's incredible to get to see someone like us on the ballot." - Kennedy L.

"Girl Scouts taught me to believe in the value of my voice. Now that I can vote in a presidential election, I’m using it to advocate for myself, for the people I love, and for the future I wish to see. Use your voice, make yourself heard, go vote! - Elena O.

“Voting for the first time had me smiling and feeling like a real adult. I’ve had different avenues of activism in my life including Girl Scouts, but voting felt like my voice was truly being heard. Some people make the argument that one vote doesn’t make a difference, but when I voted for the first time and heard about my friends' first voting experience, I felt part of a wave of new voters who could make a difference.

Voting itself was not too difficult. I sat down to research and fill out my ballot for about an hour, and then I dropped it at a USPS drop box to mail my ballot from my out of state college campus to California. I then received an email that my vote had been counted! It was a simple but fulfilling experience and I will definitely be voting in all elections to come.” - Clara B.

Election Year Guidance for Girl Scouts and Volunteers

As tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organizations, GSUSA and Girl Scout councils have limitations that prevent them from supporting individual candidates or political parties or engaging in other, specific partisan actions that could influence an election. However, there are many nonpartisan activities that are allowable. Check out this election guidance document to safely navigate participation during election season while following the restrictions placed on tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations by the IRS. A Spanish version of the election guidance document is also available.

78th Assembly District Civics Competition

Assemblymember Chris Ward has announced a civics competition for 4th, 8th, and 10th graders who live in the 78th Assembly District. This contest is designed to engage students in exploring important topics related to civic engagement while also encouraging creativity and critical thinking. Check out the guidelines and submit your entry from Sunday, Dec. 1-Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.

Winners will be recognized at a special reception with Assemblymember Ward and have their submissions displayed on the 78th district website, social media, and in district and capitol offices. Learn more here.

Questions? Contact the contest coordinator at Miki.Holmes@asm.ca.gov.

Girl Scouts Take Civic Action Year-Round

Troop 4043 Earns Democracy Badges

Shout out to Troop 4043, who recently earned their Democracy badges . They learned about the levels of government, elections, and then held their very own mock mayoral election. Each Girl Scout shared what they would want a mayor to focus on, and two candidates were selected for a secret ballot election.

The troop also met with Acting Superintendent and Girl Scout Alum Fabiola Bagula as well as School Board Trustee Richard Barerra from the San Diego Unified School District. Together, they learned about researching candidates and the importance of using your voice to make a difference in the community. The troop also got to hold a mock school board meeting in the council chambers.

Girls in Power: Making Our Voices Heard

At the Mountain Shadow Service Unit's ‘Girls in Power: Making Our Voices Heard’ event , Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors practiced finding commonalities, defending a position, persuading others to agree, and working together in smaller groups to create a utopian city.

They met with a current politician and wrote letters about topics that matter to them. Great job, Girl Scouts!

Girl Scout Spotlight: Vivi Yun, Championing Youth Voices and Making an Impact Through Advocacy

The Girl Scout journey for Ambassador Vivi Yun has been filled with leadership opportunities and a commitment to service, leading to her current role on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls . With this incredible opportunity, she is helping to shape public policy and advocate for important issues affecting women and girls across the state.

"I don’t think we can separate politics from our day-to-day lives. The laws we make and the people we elect affect everything we do, even if it doesn’t seem obvious. Girls should pay attention, be aware of what’s happening around them, and be inspired by the amazing women in politics." - Ambassador Girl Scout Vivi Yun

Read more about Vivi’s experience on our blog .