Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 6

April 19, 2013 Matthew and I went to go evaluate the Beihle Blue House. With us were the Parks and Recreation Director, the Assistant Parks Director and the Parks and Recreation Commission Board Chair.

We toured the home, told them what each room might be used for. Suggested what might need to be changed or added. I think that overall, the evaluation and tour went great. James Bowlin the Director enjoyed the idea and said he would do what he could to create this outdoor education center.

Before the tour Matthew and I looked at the house first and wrote down things we knew we needed to touch on, all were addressed and will be fixed soon. So excited!

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 5

In schools nowadays, teachers have the ability to decide how much science is being taught to children. As well as what kinds of sciences are to be taught and how. I don’t agree with the current way teachers are teaching sciences and feel that the science resources and opportunities are not enough.

I feel that more schools should teach environmental science and feel that schools should make it a must. The reason that less and less kids are outside anymore, is because kids feel that they have no connection to the outdoors. If teachers take them outside during school to lean about the environment through science, I think that more kids will want to be outside and share with friends and families what they’ve learned. Because the more kids interact with the outdoors, the more they will want to be outdoors.

 

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 4

Just recently I learned that kids in Pflugerville travel 25 miles to visit the Nature Center in Austin. I feel that outdoor education opportunities should be closer and more accessible to the youth of Pflugerville. I have pondered the idea of a nature center in Pflugerville and can’t see a better time than now.

In the past couple of years I’ve participated in the city’s Arbor Day Nature Pfest. I’ve asked multiple kids what their favorite subject is and many say science. I’m happy to hear this, but what I didn’t know, was that they like this subject because very little effort was needed for this subject.

Now that I know that science isn’t looked at as a priority in schools. I really do feel that this Nature Center is something we need. Because if this center is accessible to teachers, then they might be more inclined to teach science and environmental science.

Justice - Ambassador Journey Session 2 -

Look High, Look Wide

 

Being the student position on the Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the City of Pflugerville, I am able to bring to attention things that I think are worth bringing up. In my first term I brought up many things in the parks regarding trees. At the close of my first term, I found the need for more youth education. So I ran for a second term.

Now in my second year as student position, I will be addressing an issue that is a big problem everywhere: Youth Environmental Awareness. And the best way to get to youth is by interaction and fun opportunities. So I will work with the Director and Assistant Director on ways to address this issue in the best manner.

Justice Journey - Ambassador -- Session 1

Toward Justice

 

The environment is everything around us, the sky, the land and the sea. And what is important is that we care for each of these. But what is even more important is that we educate others on, not only the issues at hand, but the solutions. And if solutions are not yet able to be put into practice, then others should be included on the process of coming up with the solutions.

Who better to teach about environmental issues and solutions than children. Youth in schools and at home are the target audience needed to raise awareness. But this opportunity is not being seized and no one sees is as one to be seized.

So if I were to list what matters to me about the environment, number one, would be youth environmental education, then finding the issues and finally coming up with the solutions!

The Power of Advocacy #5 - Ambassador Journey - Meeting Follow Up -- Take Action (Take 2)

Step 6:  Since my original meeting didn't allow me to really make my pitch.  I am counting this  call as my pitch.  I had GSUSA staff - 3 of them on the call with me.

On December 9, 2013, I had a follow up conversation with GSUSA. I requested this second meeting because my previous one with Ms. Joann Berge, I felt that I was not heard or listened to. So I sent her an agenda and gave her a time frame. I feel that in this meeting I was given the opportunity to speak about my survey and journey plan/idea.

Throughout this phone meeting GSUSA commented on my efforts and leadership, these were the extent on what these comments were about. I was also asked questions on my journey such as “If girls had this journey do you really think that they would go for the Gold Award?” or “Do you think that awards are necessary for older girls after they have received their Gold?” I answered each question with a yes.

The agenda:

Introductions

    - Who

    - Why

        - The lack of Girl outdoor badges, journey's of interest to older girls – therefore NOT doing higher level awards and opportunities

-      Used to be 24 Outdoor Badges, now there is 4 (total in all three levels combined: Cadette, Senior, Ambassador)

-      We need more skill building badges to keep outdoor program/camp pathway a reality at council levels

 Survey Results

          Share and discuss 1739 respondents

          Plan for follow up survey – asking point blank questions – with the intention to be a national survey of girls 4^th grade and “up”

 

Journey Plan – sample STEM in the Outdoor journey idea

Conclusion

    - What will it take to make this reality?

        - Is it money?

        - Is it Council commitment?

    - When can you find out more for me

    - Thank you for your time and help

            I would love comments on

• whether or not you would use an outdoor journey and if you had it for your use,
• would you be more inclined to go for your Gold?
• Also, for those who have earned their Gold, would you be more inclined to do more in Girl Scouts, if you had an “award” of some sort?

 

I plan on creating another survey soon! Look out for it on my blogs and on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CSAGirlScoutsOutdoors/

The Power of Advocacy #7 - Ambassador Journey - - Thank You

Ms. Berg,

I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me.

I don't feel I got to talk with you about my survey and the results.  Please review and share with all departments that have girl impact.

It is important to get the girls outside.  Studies across the country back the importance of nature and its connection to academic success.

GSUSA needs to take the lead- councils and girls will follow.  Listen to the girls- ask current members what they want.

I would appreciate a time to actually talk about the survey, and for you to listen to my journey idea and not be told what you think can be done.   I worked hard to put together information and you wouldn't let me share it with you.  Although discouraging- I will continue to pursue.

When is a good time to talk with those who could answer my questions?

1.  What would it take to make this type of journey happen?

2.  Is it money?  If so how much?

I can talk by phone the first two weeks of December on Mondays or Wednesdays.

I look forward to our next discussion.

Sarah Young

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 25, 2013, at 4:51 PM, "Berg, Joanne" <JBerg@girlscouts.org> wrote:

Dear Sarah:

Thanks so much for coming in today to meet with me and to share your ideas.  Truly appreciated!

Have a great Thanksgiving in New York City!

Regards,

Joanne

Joanne L. Berg

Executive Editor, Girl Experience

Girl Scouts of the USA

420 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

212-852-5093