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Hello from CEO Loretta Graham:
CEO Loretta Graham has a heartfelt message to share with our incredible Girl Scout families and our dedicated volunteers.
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois has seen many great successes - including surpassing our goals during last year's cookie season. We have found strength in our power to work together, overcome challenges, and strive towards the ideals of the Girl Scout Movement.
When We Must, We Can:
This year, we are facing a shortfall in the cookie program. Challenges have included harsh weather, an uncertain economy, and an increase in production prices that prompted us to raise the cost of cookies by $1.
While we have not reached our goals yet, there is still time to make progress. We have decided to relaunch this year's Girl Scout Cookie Program from April 1-May 30, with additional opportunities and new incentives. We invite our Girl Scout volunteers and families to join together to face this cookie opportunity head on.
Membership Discount Initiative:
On March 31, GSofSI staff met with Service Unit Managers and Service Unit Cookie Managers at our monthly Council Connections meeting. Our passionate volunteers expressed how the current economy not only impacts the cookie program, but also the ability for girls to benefit from the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. With national membership dues increasing this year, it is another challenge we must overcome. I am happy to report that the GSofSI Board of Directors has approved to subsidize $20 of all Membership Year 2026 (MY26) membership fees for returning and new girl members.
This means the cost for girl renewals and new girl members will be $25 for MY26, even though national membership fees have increased.
Enter discount code: GIRL2026 during checkout to apply this discount towards girl membership fee.
New girl members who purchase an Extended Year Membership will pay $43. Enter discount code: GIRL2526 during checkout to apply this discount towards girl membership fee.
Please note that this membership subsidy is for ALL girl members. Participation in Cookie Program, Take 2 is not required to receive this benefit.
In addition, financial assistance is available for girl and adult memberships. Please fill out our Financial Assistance - Membership Fee Form to apply.
Our Belief Will Shape Our Outcome:
We know that Girl Scouts will continue to be an unstoppable force in Southern Illinois' future. Let our beliefs guide our actions as we continue to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. |
