Volunteer Spotlight: Rini Kirkpatrick
- GSCO blog
- Apr 14, 2019
- 2 min read
Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Rini Kirkpatrick in the Northern & Northeastern CO region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Rini 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?
Growing up in Indonesia, I was in Girl Scouts for several years. During that time, I saw my parents being involved by helping out with activities, such as camping trips, hikes, and other activities. I learned a lot as a Girl Scout, and even though I did not continue past middle school, I wanted that experience for our daughter.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I started out at the troop level as a leader for our daughter’s Daisy troop. As we continued our Girl Scouting adventures, I became more involved with the service unit. I served as a service unit cookie manager for several years, and was involved in the parent-daughter volunteer camp for three years. I was also on the committee with the first Youth Engaged in Learning about Leadership (YELL) event in Northern Colorado. Currently, our troop is hosting the Power Up anti-bullying program update pilot, so we can offer it to troops in the region. In addition, I support the SU fall product program manager and the older girl Gift Wrap Committee.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
Through the years, I learned that being a volunteer was a great way to connect and be involved with our daughter, as well as other girls. Looking back, I feel a sense of wonder of how much the girls in the troop have grown into leaders. The Girl Scout program includes so many options, they meet the varied interests of girls. I hope I was able to make a difference in girls’ lives, so they can reach their full potential, achieve their dreams, and make a difference in the world.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
Perseverance. Standing up for yourself and for others. Learning there are different ways you can make a difference, and it does not have to be a big thing to make a difference. Courage. Willing to make new friends, even if you don’t know anyone. Finding your people. Working together. Being open to new experiences. Having open hearts and open minds.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
When working to provide girls with the best leadership experience, I have gone out my comfort zone to organize and participate in activities that I had not previously done. I hope by guiding girls to take charge of their own activities, I show that leaders are not necessarily those who are in front, but also those who ensure that people around them have the opportunity to grow into their fullest potential.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.