Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Amanda Brown of Westminster in the Metro Denver region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Amanda to answer a few quick questions about her volunteer experience. We hope you find her as inspiring as we did.
Why did you become a Girl Scout volunteer?
I was a Girl Scout and loved it! My mom was one of my leaders and my grandmother was her leader when she was younger. My daughter expressed interest when we received a flyer at her school in kindergarten. After that, I knew it was going to be such a great opportunity for her and all of the girls in the program. I have since realized that the need for these girls to have this sense of sisters and empowerment is my drive in being their leader.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I began as my daughter’s troop leader almost seven years ago and have since helped start our service unit up again. I am on our service unit team and assist in recruiting, running our meetings, assisting leaders throughout the year with issues, questions, etc. I also serve as a service unit cookie manager.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
I have learned so much from being a volunteer. This stretches from realizing how many opportunities there are for girls all the way to realizing that these girls look up to me. Learning how much they depend on my leadership and how I have impacted their lives is truly the best experience. I have also learned throughout the years that girls from all different backgrounds and experiences can come together and grow and impact the lives of each other. I learned that starting this journey with my daughter was one of the best things I have done for her and with her.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope girls have learned that they can be themselves and that they all have a place and can be anyone they want to be and they will succeed. I have shown them that being a leader is important, not only as an adult but as a girl. They can grow up to be a Girl Scout leader themselves and help others the same way I have helped them realize their full potential. Not everything is easy and there are stressors along the way, but when you put your mind to something, you can do it and help others along the way.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
I am a go-getter and work hard to reach goals and help the girls get where they need to be. I am an innovator by creating new ways to do things tailored to the needs and wants of the girls. I am a risk-taker and will go into a troop meeting with my head high even when I am unprepared. If the girls think something is unachievable, we go for it and see what comes about from it. That is when I lead them in the right direction while they set their goals and always end up achieving them.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.