Commentary: Girl Scouts as Cookie Entrepreneurs or Emotional Health Pioneers (Boston Business Journal)
July 06, 2023
A commentary by Barbara Fortier, Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts CEO, featured in the Boston Business Journal.
Believe it or not, Girl Scouts addressed the youth mental health crisis well before the national media began its extensive coverage on the subject. In 2013, the Girl Scout Research Institute released findings that girls were struggling with issues such as bullying, depression and suicidal ideation. Therefore, I wanted to shine a light on how the organization — famous for cookies, camps and crafts — is shaping the young leaders of tomorrow and providing support for them in areas their lives might otherwise be lacking.
From Girl Scouts’ establishment 111 years ago, our organization has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. In a time where women weren’t allowed to vote, 18 girls took to the leadership of Juliette Gordon Low and decided to go against the societal norms they were expected to adhere to.
That action was nothing short of revolutionary.
We have continued to honor that spirit as Girl Scouts have adapted to modern-day issues. Our members have been leaders in hard conversations since 1912.
Over the past several years, our world has faced challenges that can only be defined as “unprecedented.” With the Covid-19 pandemic, our nation’s reckoning with racism, and the rise of mass shootings — it’s not hard to understand why our children are struggling to cope. As a result, we are amid a youth mental health crisis, with rates of suicide, self-harm, and major depression at an all-time high.
At Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, it has been our mission to address this mental health crisis the same way we would treat a physical one: with all of our resources and undivided attention. Our approach toward mental wellness is rooted in delivering a youth-centered safe space for anyone who identifies as a girl. Our council embraces diversity, equity, inclusion and racial justice in everything we do, because it is our belief that every Girl Scout should be given the support to forge ahead toward their future.
This kind of trust is established through regular gatherings that allow members to develop meaningful relationships within their core group. Additionally, these spaces require leaders who are able to maintain a healthy environment for healing.
Therefore, we introduced a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for all of our volunteers and staff. Through this course, participants are introduced to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, and are provided with the tools to build an understanding of early intervention.
Ultimately, these resources create an environment for our youth to become productive global citizens. Providing girls with a space and a trusted adult is only part of a comprehensive mental well-being initiative. Our programming is developed and categorized into four areas: STEM, outdoor activities, entrepreneurship, and life skills.
By participating in STEM, Girl Scouts become better problem solvers, critical thinkers, and leaders. Exposure to nature helps girls physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Our life-skills programs embolden them to identify problems, develop creative solutions, and celebrate their accomplishments. Our entrepreneurship opportunities aim to challenge the persistent barriers that women in business have faced.
In short, I’m proud of the Girl Scout Movement for cultivating a space where confidentiality is respected, speaking up is encouraged, and where girls can express their feelings. As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child,” and our Girl Scout village is doing truly amazing things.
