Love for Girl Scouts

A lesson that I will forever be grateful to have learned, at a young age, is that money doesn’t make you happy. Money can make life easier, yes, but there is no retailer anywhere that has “happy,” “satisfied” or “fulfilled” for sale on their shelf. That is something that comes from experiences, exchanges, relationships and risks.

Since I had the opportunity to learn this lesson early – I find myself driven more by the mission or an organization than the paycheck. I love working for organizations with a direct impact on issues, issues that are important to me…and to the world. As I read news stories and hear of greed and corruption within many corporations, I become more and more aware of what is important and it makes me even more thankful for the place I call my second home: Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska.

I found myself thinking (for the millionth time) “How cool is my job!?” – No, really. That thought passes through my mind fairly often; at school sites, going down the zip-line at camp, instructing an art project at a program, greeting girls and families at a ceremony, and when I drive up to the office every morning. Oftentimes I take a deep breath to remind myself how lucky I am. This is my job. I smile and my heart feels light. I LOVE WORKING FOR THE GIRL SCOUTS.

Not only do I love my job, but I am proud to work at Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. By definition they are very different feelings – love and pride, though I do think that when you love something it’s hard not to be proud of “it” or for “it.”

How could you not have pride in the mission!?! – Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. How simple. Courage. Confidence. Character. Of this, for all girls, all young women – practically everywhere, I could not be more proud, more honored. I am a small part of a movement for a more equal society, where one day it won’t be considered front-page news when there’s a female president.

I was so compelled by pride, I wanted to find out if I was the only one, if I was alone in my feelings of passion for the work that I do. I emailed my fellow co-workers to ask them. The response was overwhelming. I am comforted by the fact that I am indeed, not alone.

Why I am proud to work for Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska (in the words of my colleagues):

“Empowering girls…helping them to realize they can accomplish anything!” – Julie Kraw, Graphic Designer

“…opportunities for employees.” – Outreach Specialist

“Because it makes me feel great to know that I have a hand in building girls of courage, confidence and character.” – Membership Specialist

“I love working for an organization for all girls, one that helps them grow and learn to be a strong individual and deal with life’s difficulties through understanding and compassion.” – Valerie Cushman, Membership Registrar

“Because we provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which empowers girls and young women and gives them the courage and perseverance to go after their dreams and help make the world better.” – Jenny Cardwell, Fund Development

“Because it’s ‘for the girl’.” – IT Department

“This is the job I know I was meant to have. I am able to have the flexibility to work with both the girls and the volunteers. When I was young and in Girl Scouts I never dreamed I would someday work for Girl Scouts. If we can make a difference in just one girl’s life it has been well worth it.” Susan Nickels, Membership Specialist

“Girl Scouts is about making ‘a difference’, not just about making money. I like making a difference in the lives of girls. – Fran Marshall, Chief Executive Officer

“I love the look on the girls face when they have earned an award; Bronze, Silver, or Gold. The thought that maybe I had something to do with them staying in to earn that Gold Award.” –Dulcey Mannel, Membership Specialist

“…when I meet a girl who is a Girl Scout, she doesn’t have to be in her uniform. I can see the honors, recognitions and confidence—they are written on her face. – Theresa Cassaday, Chief Communication Officer

“I directly serve the community through my work – the girls/volunteers/my colleagues energize me.” – Sheena Kennedy, Outreach Specialist

“I am proud because I am helping girls have fun by registering them for camps and events.” – Dayna Buckley, Program Registrar

“I know when I go home at the end of the day, I can feel good about myself knowing that a little involvement daily can help provide a positive outcome.” – Roxanne Johanek, Accounting Assistant

“The work we do empowers women and girls to become confident, informed leaders.” – Ambrosia Hand, Membership Specialist

“We prepare girls to be leaders in their communities and the world, both now and for the future!” – Diane Poots, Statewide Membership and Volunteerism Director

“Its outstanding service to girls and longevity in the community. The council is run with integrity and considers its mission above all else.” – Wendy Hamilton, Fund Development Director

“I leave work every day knowing that my work helps make a difference.” – Outreach Specialist

“It is such an awesome organization and we do such amazing things to help make the world a better place!” – Amy Vermeline, Membership Specialist

“I enjoy the sisterhood and being the support for wonderful volunteers. I consider myself lucky to have been able to associate with families and watch their daughters, nieces and granddaughters grow into adults and follow their dreams.” – Debbie Foust, Membership Specialist

“I want to make a difference the lives of girls by bringing experiences to them that they wouldn’t otherwise have.” Cynthia Gill, Program Specialist

“I like knowing we are giving girls tools to be the future leaders of tomorrow.” Tina Weiler, Accounting Manager.

“We provide great programming to our community that is intentional in teaching the value of friendship; that a girl is smart, respects her environment, is independent, powerful and has skills and talents, and can use them to make a difference in her community and in the world.” Kim Brown, Outreach Specialist.

Booyah! Girl Scouts rocks.

Write me!! Tell me why you are proud to be a part of our organization.