Girl Scouts of the USA Founder to Be Honored
as Part of New National Monument

October 10, 2005

	The Juliette Gordon Low commemorative medallion, part of the Extra Mile Points of Light Volunteer Pathway in Washington, D.C.
	Laurie Westley, left, senior vice president, Public Policy, Advocacy and the Research Institute, GSUSA, with Dick Platt, Juliette Gordon Low’s great nephew; Olivia Graham, of the GSUSA National Board of Directors; and Jill Ward, director of Public Policy, GSUSA.

Although most people can name a litany of famous athletes, entertainers, or historic statesmen without hesitation, few can easily list the Americans who have shaped the social fabric of our country through their volunteer service. Monuments in Washington, D.C., appropriately pay tribute to our war heroes and great presidents, but until now there has not been a tangible acknowledgement of the contributions of the great leaders of our social and service sectors.

Thanks to a new initiative of the Points of Light Foundation, our nation's capital is now home to a unique national monument that fills the void. Known as the "Extra Mile—Points of Light Volunteer Pathway," the new monument tells the stories of great Americans who, through their caring and personal sacrifice, translated their dreams into great movements for enduring change in America. Its honorees include both well-known individuals like American Red Cross founder Clara Barton and civil rights activist Frederick Douglass, as well as far less celebrated men and women whose legacies represent remarkable social achievements.

It should come as no surprise to all of those affiliated with Girl Scouts of the USA that the organization's founder, Juliette Gordon Low, is one of the initial 20 honorees to be immortalized by the Extra Mile.

"Despite the magnitude of their achievements, this is a relatively unsung group of heroes who have long deserved to be publicly recognized," said Robert Goodwin, president and CEO of Points of Light Foundation. "It is only fitting that Americans pay tribute to the commitment of private citizens who gave of themselves, without regard to personal gain, to make our world a better place to live. Juliette Gordon Low is a perfect example of the Extra Mile ideal."

The idea for the Extra Mile was born in 1993, but took until 1998 to receive the necessary federal and city agency approvals. The funding for the monument comes exclusively from private sources, including major support from the KPMG Foundation.

"We have Juliette Gordon Low to thank for so much of the advancement that has been achieved by girls and women in the past century," said Kathy Cloninger, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of the USA. Juliette's vision for girls has been realized in Girl Scouting, where millions of girls build confidence and character and constantly strive to make the world a better place."

Not only does the focus of the Extra Mile make it unique within the pantheon of Washington monuments and memorials, but its form also sets it apart. It is not a building, a statue, or an edifice. Rather, the Extra Mile is a series of bronze markers laid into the sidewalks in an area just adjacent to the White House. The markers are circular, 3 1/2 feet in diameter, and laid into a surrounding six-foot square apron of granite. Each marker bears the likeness of an honoree, a description of his or her achievement, and a quote. Together, the markers form a one-mile walking path through an area bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue, 15th Street, G Street, and 11th Street N.W.

Because the monument uses well-traveled sidewalks near the White House, it will have substantial pedestrian traffic—as much as 1.7 million visitors per year.

In addition to Juliette Gordon Low, the first 20 honorees include Edgar Helms, founder of Goodwill Industries; Ballington & Maud Booth, co-founders of Volunteers of America; Ernest Coulter, founder of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America; and W.D. Boyce, founder of the Boy Scouts.

For more information on the Extra Mile—including a full list of honorees and sponsors, virtual tours, and plans for commemorative items—visit www.extramile.us.

With the help of the Extra Mile, perhaps the day is not too distant when teachers and parents will hear children say that they want to change the world when they grow up…just like Juliette Gordon Low.