Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Jody Clair of Colorado Springs in the Pikes Peak region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Jody 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?
My Daisy daughter. We could not find a troop, so we started one. There were very few in our area.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I have been a leader 17 years this Girl Scout year. I have also had the pleasure of being a council trainer many years, and a council delegate twice.
Then, I have worked with girls on the Power Up program and PA training. I have worked for many years in our service unit and on our Region Four Cookie Committee. Whew!
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
To not take everything for granted. I have had a Girl Scout lose her mom and we assisted in helping her work through it; Girl Scouts on my door step that had been abused; Girl Scouts from homes with no money; Girl Scouts from homes with drug addicted parents; and so much more in 17 years. To see any Girl Scout smile and to say “I have your back” has made me realize you just never know what someone needs in their life. It could be a simple smile!
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
To be great humans! I also hope they have learned to try something before they give up.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
I was outgoing before Girl Scouts, but now it is about me and the Girl Scouts and what that means in my heart, not “just” my daughter. She works year-round at Tomahawk Ranch and to see that makes me the proudest mom and leader out there! Seeing her thrive, reminds me every day to keep striving for those things in G.I.R.L and to share it with as many Girl Scouts as possible! Them becomeing better people makes my life full.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.
The nomination deadline for 2020 Volunteer Recognition Awards is April 30. GSCO invites members statewide to take this opportunity to recognize an outstanding volunteer by nominating them for a Volunteer Recognition Award. Nominators are responsible for ensuring enough endorsements are submitted to support their nomination of a volunteer for an award. Your volunteer support specialist can check nomination and endorsement submissions for you. Learn more.