Girl Scouts Councils Participate
in Farm Bill Listening Sessions

	U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, above, with Elaine Gause, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Utah. Below, Johanns with Kelsey, a Girl Scout from Utah.
	Johanns, center, with Girl Scout Sarah, left, of Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, and Program Service Director Kim Clark, of Girl Scouts — Seal of Ohio Council.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns is hosting Farm Bill Listening Sessions to help our national leaders better understand the impact of federal funding and programs in rural America. Designed to help the Administration in formulating recommendations for the reauthorization of the federal farm bill next year, these sessions are giving Girl Scouts a chance to highlight their programs in rural communities. The Public Policy and Advocacy staff has teamed up with the Funded Initiatives staff and local Girl Scout councils to bring the Girl Scout perspective to these events.

Council representatives from Girl Scouts — Seal of Ohio and Girl Scouts of Utah participated in the listening sessions with great success. They stressed the role of youth as integral in creating the infrastructure for rural economic development and preventing "brain drain" in rural communities. Kim Clark, program services director for the Seal of Ohio Council, used an excerpt from a letter written by a parent of a Girl Scout. The letter illustrates how youth in rural communities are struggling with drugs, violence, and teen pregnancy, and how Girl Scouting is helping her daughter cope with these challenges.

Elaine Gause, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Utah, told the story of how a young woman from a rural community made a connection with a VP of a bank who issued loans in rural areas. Their interaction showed this high-school senior the opportunities that exist in her small town and inspired her to secure an internship normally reserved for graduate students.

Girls shared their stories about how Girl Scouting has shaped their lives, and the value of these rural initiatives. The Girl Scout from Utah ended her remarks by saying, "Mr. Secretary, when you are considering the Farm Bill, don't forget about the girls!" and got a round of applause.

These sessions educate the Secretary about the value of Girl Scouting, increase Girl Scouts' visibility in the community and give girls and adults the opportunity to add their voice to the policies that impact rural areas. As Kim Clark, Program Service Director for Girl Scouts — Seal of Ohio Council stated, "If other councils have the opportunity to do this I highly recommend it!" These listening sessions will continue across the country through the fall. The Public Policy and Advocacy Office and Funded Initiatives staff will continue to work with councils to help them take advantage of these important opportunities.