AAUW helps Girl Scouts learn leadership skills

Identifying a community problem, developing an action plan to address the problem, engaging others, putting together a budget, and making sure the project is sustainable is a frequent challenge for adults. For Girl Scouts working toward their Silver Awards, this challenge was part of the purpose of a recent meeting with members of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), West Chester-Chester County Branch at West Chester University (WCU). Thirty motivated Girl Scouts, in sixth through eighth grades from West Chester and southern Chester County, members of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, gathered for an afternoon of tea and brainstorming. The Leadership Tea brought the two groups together for tea, to learn about AAUW, and to help the Scouts plan their work.

The gathering started off with the women and girls enjoying tea poured from elegant teapots into beautiful cups and saucers provided by AAUW members, along with a tasty array of tea sandwiches and pastries. Girls Scout representative Rebecca Saunders gave a welcome, before Barbara Lathroum and Peggy Staarman, copresidents of AAUW, introduced the girls to AAUW, and the purpose of the program.

Providing an example of a service project begun by one person that has helped many students, Khabeera Calaman, a graduate intern from the WCU Resource Pantry, told the girls about the important work the pantry does in supporting students who are homeless or financially insecure. She illustrated her point with a demonstration representing all the critical support elements that a person needs to be successful. When one element of this support system is removed, such as a supportive family, a person can become vulnerable. Following the talk, the Scouts were given a tour of the Resource Pantry, and then assembled goody bags for summer students containing snacks, water bottles and other items the Scouts brought to donate.

The final activity of the day involved the Scouts forming small groups lead by one or two AAUW members to brainstorm their own action plans. AAUW members who set up the tea and worked with the girls were Mimi Jones, Anne Anderko, Peggy Staarman, Barbara Lathroum, Cindy Knisley, Kim Levan, and Eva Kaufman.

AAUW and the Girl Scouts often join in projects of mutual interest since both organizations focus on expanding opportunities for women and girls. The next joint project is a book drive later in 2018.

SUBMITTED PHOTO BY REBECCA SAUNDERS Girl Scouts relax after activities at Leadership Tea.