As the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, GSUSA is aware that we, as an organization, are the Voice for Girls in our communities, the media and policy-making institutions. Through the GSUSA Public Policy & Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., Girl Scout members and volunteers can join the effort to raise more voices on behalf of girls and the challenges they face.

At the National Level
Girl Scouts of the USA's advocacy efforts help demonstrate to lawmakers that Girl Scouts is a resource and an authority on issues affecting girls. Based on almost 100 years of experience and developed from extensive research, the Girl Scout Public Policy and Advocacy Office:

• Encourages healthy living through combating relational aggression and promoting girl-positive media images;
• Promotes girls' involvement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM);
• Gives a voice to girls in underserved communities;
• Ensures girls feel emotionally and physically safe;
• Prevents youth violence in communities; and
• Develops financial literacy skills through programs like the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program.

Girl Scouts of the USA first established a Public Policy and Advocacy office in 1952. Since that time, the organization has worked to build strong relationships with members of Congress, as well as with officials at the White House and federal departments and agencies. Through national advocacy efforts, the Girl Scouts of the USA informs and educates key representatives of the government's legislative and executive branches about issues important to girls and Girl Scouting and lobby for increased program resources.

Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI)
The Girl Scout Research Institute, formed in 2000, is a vital extension of Girl Scouts of the USA's commitment to addressing the complex and ever-changing needs of girls. Comprised of a dedicated staff and advisors who are experts in child development, academia, government, business, and the not-for-profit sector, the institute conducts groundbreaking studies, releases critical facts and findings, and provides resources essential for the advancement of the well-being and safety of girls living in today's world. Click here to visit their website and learn more.

GSRI Highlights
Latest GSRI Research Study: Good Intentions: The Beliefs and Values of Teens and Tweens Today (2009) explores the beliefs and values of youth today. It builds on a study published in 1989 by Girl Scouts of the USA and compares the ethics and moral judgment of youth 20 years ago.

Other GSRI Publications by Topic: These portfolios include original GSRI research, synthesized research, working papers, and outcomes evaluation tools and reports.

What Girls Say: What Girls Say brings to the fore the voices, concerns and opinions of girls and only girls on various
topics and issues.

Facts & Findings: Facts & Findings is based on current trends and statistics for girls and youth emanating from various sources such as the Girl Scout Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Education Statistics, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Monitoring the Future, and other public agencies, websites, and publications.

GSRI Quarterly e-Newsletter: Brings you the best of GSRI research and evaluation, as well as outside sources on issues facing girls ages 5–17. Access to current and past issues.

At the Council Level
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes advocates for girls by educating state and local elected officials on girls’ needs and issues facing girls, and by strategically partnering with organizations on projects such as the Status of Girls in Wisconsin Report, Aspirus Heart and Vascular Institute healthy living programs, Dove uniquelyME! and Dove Campaign for Real Beauty self esteem initiatives, and many more.

Outreach
We believe that every girl should have the chance to experience and benefit from Girl Scouting, and are committed to serving girls who face sometimes overwhelming obstacles in their lives. Our outreach initiatives work to bring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls who may be in greatest need of what Girl Scouting has to offer, but would otherwise not be able to participate. Through our partnerships with Boys and Girls Clubs, public and private schools, youth facilities and other organizations, GSNWGL delivers valuable Girl Scout programming and activities to girls right in their own communities. By bringing Girl Scouting to these underserved areas, girls who face socioeconomic, developmental or other challenges are able to reap the benefits of Girl Scouting, which include leadership, courage, confidence, character, and a sense of connection to other Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes relies on the generosity of donors and sponsors to keep these worthwhile Advocacy and Outreach programs going for the benefit of thousands of girls throughout northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Click here to find out how you can help.

What you Can Do
Join the Girl Scouts Advocacy Network!
The Girl Scouts Advocacy Network is only as strong as the number and geographic diversity of its participants. It is a tool for you to become part of the collective voice for girls, with the ability to make a difference in your community and across the nation. Girl Scout members, volunteers, boards, staff and supporters will educate policymakers and community leaders on issues that directly affect girls and Girl Scouting. By being an Advocacy member, you will have an impact on girl policy issues that are moving through Congress and state legislatures. Sign up today at www.girlscouts4girls.org and Take Action!