A look at one local Girl Scout Troop Leader's adventures at the Girls World Forum in Chicago, IL. Thanks to Troop Leader Rhianna Taniguchi for providing this post!
Girls World Forum 2012
Chicago, Illinois
July 12-16, 2012
By Rhianna Taniguchi
Girl Scout Troop Leader
Senior in Psychology, Oregon State University
During the Girls World Forum in Chicago, Illinois, over 500
young women and girls from over 80 countries came together to solve global
problems and learn about each other's culture. During July 12-16th of 2012, the
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and the girl planning team of
high school Girl Scouts from the USA hosted the event which included a
backstage tour of the Brookfield Zoo, a double decker bus tour of Chicago, and
a tour of the Platinum LEED certified Chicago Center for Green Technology.
While at the 5 day event, girls and young women were given the opportunity to
practice different languages, learn new songs, dances, and foods. While on our
free time, we explored downtown Chicago: The Cloud Gateway, Millennium Park,
and one of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan. I do believe that Chicago is now my
favorite city in the US because of its dedication to public structures (parks),
fast-paced atmosphere, and architecture.
Not only did I get to meet future leaders of the world, but
I also got to meet the current leadership of Girl Scouts of the USA, including
Anna Maria Chávez and Connie L. Lindsey, our CEO and Chair of the National
Board of Directors respectively. I also got to meet WAGGGS Vice President,
Sandy Thomas who is a personal inspiration to me still. These women exemplify
the values of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides on a level that needs no
translation.
This experience was unforgettable and brought to light the
importance of global citizenship and responsibility. I am so grateful I was
able to attend and thank the sponsors and the planning team for their hard work
and dedication to creating a world of girls of confidence, courage, and
character who make the WORLD a better place.
