As the 95th anniversary of Girl Scouting approaches in 2007, Girl Scouts of Northeast Georgia has joined Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) in a historic transformation to modernize the iconic organization and focus on leadership development for girls in the 21st century.

For the past two years, girls and adults in northeast Georgia have been among thousands nationwide who voiced their opinions and shared ideas to decide the future direction of Girl Scouting. The conclusion: the organization, which since 1912 has inspired 50 million girls and women, must seize the opportunity to revitalize the Girl Scout Movement to remain compelling, contemporary and relevant to today's girls.

On August 26, Girl Scouts of the USA's National Board of Directors voted to endorse a plan to realign 312 councils into 109 high-performance, community-based councils. The new structure will make the most effective use of resources to better serve the local community and create opportunities in Girl Scouting for even more girls. As part of this national realignment, Girl Scouts of Northeast Georgia will join with five other Girl Scout councils to form one high-performing Girl Scout council.

"While the national organization is shepherding these changes, GSNEG and councils across the country have been engaged since the beginning," said Dr. Debra Harden, Council President, Girl Scouts of Northeast Georgia. "So as we move to a highperformance system, we not only retain but strengthen our ability to serve the

local community,

which has always

been our top priority."

The National Board of Directors also endorsed a more contemporary leadership philosophy, and renewed an organizational commitment to develop leadership skills based on the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. This leadership philosophy is captured by the new Girl Scout mission statement to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

Girl Scouts of the USA has a membership of more than 3.8 million girls and adults. Now in its 95th year, GSUSA continues to help cultivate values, social conscience, and self-esteem in young girls, while also teaching them life skills that will enable them to succeed as adults.

In Girl Scouting with its special, girls-only environment, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. The Girls Scouts of Northeast Georgia serves over 7,000 girls and adults in 25 counties.

To volunteer, join as a member, or make a donation, call the Athens office a 800-300-4475.