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Thursday, 18 November 2010 06:00

For the first time in nearly a decade, Girl Scouts of the USA is putting the manufacture of its uniforms out to competitive bid. News of this led to reports that the uniforms might soon be manufactured overseas, and over the last few weeks, Girl Scouts of the USA has been contacted by parents, members and volunteers urging that the iconic Girl Scout uniform continue to be made in the USA. These concerns have been taken into consideration, and GSUSA has altered its request for proposals to require that Girl Scout uniforms be manufactured in the United States.

In Western Pennsylvania, our council received calls from our members and nonmembers alike on this issue. Our residents are concerned that an alarming 26,000 U.S. manufacturing plants have shut down since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, pushing more hard-working men and women out of jobs. As consumers, we understand that garment labels from other countries are no longer isolated to the shelves of big box stores but have been on the increase in all areas of retail. While this results in discounts at the cash register, we know that the economic fallout when jobs are lost is more long-lasting and does not represent a "bargain" to the American public or its future work force.

We are proud to be part of an organization that listens to its current and former members who voice their interest in maintaining a quality of goods and quality of life.

PATRICIA A. BURKART
Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania
North Side

Comments (6)

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written by regis, November 18, 2010 - 08:26 AM

Good on ya! I'll buy extra cookies this year!

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written by Deke, November 18, 2010 - 08:36 AM

Great Patricia. I will be buying additional boxs of mint and peanut butter cookies for my grandkids.

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written by Ironman, November 18, 2010 - 08:54 AM

My wife and two daughters are involved with Girl Scouts. Please buy more cookies. It supports a great organization.

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written by regis, November 18, 2010 - 09:15 AM

We always do. I'm a thin mint man myself.

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written by GBRetired, November 18, 2010 - 09:34 AM

While I applaud the move, I believe that the "uniform" requirements were changed.

From girlscouts.org:
"The GSUSA National Board updated the Girl Scout uniform policy as of October 2008 to reflect the changing needs of our members and transformation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Girl Scouts at each level have one required element (Tunic, Sash or Vest) for the display of official pins and awards which will be required when girls participate in ceremonies or officially represent the Girl Scout Movement.

For girls ages 5 to 14, the unifying look includes wearing a choice of a tunic, vest, sash for displaying official pins and awards, combined with their own solid white shirts and khaki pants or skirts."

Hopefully, this change in uniform requirements will ease the cost for parents when outfitting their scouts.

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written by slavicdiva, November 18, 2010 - 03:08 PM

Good on ya, Patricia - extra cookies for me, too! Samoas, please. Thin mints rock, too!

I was a Girl Scout - and I'm happy to see so many of my colleagues' daughters participating now. I end up buying cookies from several Scouts, quite happily!

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