Democracy Day: Making Their Voices Count
On March 8, more than 500 Girl Scouts from across Wisconsin—including more than 115 local Girl Scouts from GSWISE—stepped into the heart of state government at the annual Girl Scout Day at the Capitol event in Madison. Held during National Girl Scout Week and on International Women’s Day, this event empowered Girl Scouts to understand their civic rights, explore the legislative process, and witness the real-world impact of active participation.
“It was powerful to join such a vast girl-led presence with Girl Scouts from other Wisconsin councils for this special day,” remarked GSWISE troop leader, Karen Bitzan, who attended this event for the first time with six Girl Scouts from her granddaughter’s troop. Karen, a dedicated Girl Scout volunteer for the past 40 years, led her daughter’s troop through high school and now helps lead her granddaughter’s troop who recently bridged from Girl Scout Juniors to Cadettes. “There are so many things happening in the world today that our girls are exposed to and impacted by, and this purposeful and educational event provided a positive example of how girls can come together and make their voices heard. Girl Scouts saw and heard from women in prominent leadership positions in our state’s Capitol, practiced making a difference in both big and small ways, and felt how there is strength in numbers when you raise your voice on issues you care about with your Girl Scout sisters. I could talk about the power of Girl Scouting for a week or two straight if there was time!”
Through conversations with elected officials and hands-on experiences, Girl Scouts learned about democracy while actively engaging in it. Girl Scouts wrote to elected officials, designed their own flags, asked thoughtful questions to a panel of Wisconsin’s leadership, explored the state’s history in the awe-inspiring Capitol building, and earned the Democracy badge for their grade level. One fan-favorite activity of the day was an interactive voting experience, where Girl Scouts cast ballots on youth-centered issues using real voting machines. Girl Scouts ended the day with a high-energy march around Capitol Square with advocacy signs in hand—a powerful demonstration that democracy is not just something to learn about, but something to actively participate in.
A special proclamation declaring March 9-15 as Girl Scout Week in Wisconsin was issued by Governor Tony Evers and presented to Wisconsin Girl Scouts at the event by Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez—a Lifetime Member, a troop leader, and a recent speaker at the GSWISE Highest Awards Celebration— reflected on the profound influence of Girl Scouting and how it impacted her own journey.
“It was wonderful to see so many girls spend the day exploring more about advocacy, discovering how they can help their communities, and learning something new,” reflected Lt. Governor Rodriguez. “I never thought I would run for office, but it was my time to serve. I became Lt. Governor because I wanted to serve the people of Wisconsin and do what I can to better our great state. Our Girl Scouts are doing just that! They are finding the best ways to serve their community, developing new skills to help them grow, and learning the importance of being a leader. Girl Scouts are the next generation of young female leaders, and with them, I know our state—and beyond—has a bright future.”
Your support encourages more Girl Scouts of all ages to make their voices count and become informed, engaged young citizens ready to take on the world.
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