I had so much fun writing about the new program changes that amount to nothing new in my book, that I thought I would complete the trilogy this week with an article focusing on the rest of the information I have related to the changes.

The first two articles focused on the window dressing of name changes, mission statements, and a new leadership model. This week, I will sort out the rest of the news. If you have read my previous two articles on the changes to be implemented, you may have gleaned that I am unimpressed. What then does National say will be the benefit of the new leadership model?

"a.. Making it easier for busy volunteers to join, stay involved and serve in flexible ways.
b.. Providing user-friendly new materials, resources and training that make it easier for volunteers to deliver a fun and impact-driven Girl Scout experience.
c.. Helping volunteers to better see (and show others) the difference they are making in girls' lives."

Uh, ok. I can't wait to see how that works out. If the new leadership philosophy is any indication of what they think of as "user-friendly", then I am not too hopeful. I also am not sold that this glop they've dished up will somehow morph into making it easier for volunteers. Announcing changes filled with name changes and philosophies that, on the face, change nothing and providing no actual concrete plan of action does not make the lives of busy volunteers any easier.

Moving on, National has also assured us that we are still Girl Scouts:

"The values of the Girl Scout Movement, as expressed in the Girl Scout Promise and Law, remain the cornerstone of the Girl Scout experience. In fact, the renewed Girl Scout leadership development experience places increased emphasis on teaching girls to live out the commitments expressed in the Promise and Law. The leadership development program will do this through Discover, Connect and Take Action activities.

Outwardly, the revitalized program also retains many of our important Girl Scout symbols. Girls will continue the practice of earning official awards to display proudly on a tunic, vest or sash, culminating with the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Additionally, Girl Scouts will remain united by a national dress code."

Ta da! Just as I thought. It doesn't matter one iota how many press releases, name changes, leadership models, or mission statements are released, it all comes back to the same center that we've had since 1912: the promise and the law.

To further underscore the lack of change encompassed in the change, National also suggests that:

"So much remains the same! Continue celebrating everything that girls love about Girl Scouting-troops, camping, the Promise and Law, badges, uniforms, a girl-driven approach and much more. In fact, when girls strive to live out the Girl Scout Promise and Law, they're already on their way to becoming confident, courageous leaders. As Girl Scouts of the USA continues to honor the traditions that have always made Girl Scouting such a positive experience, join the national effort to move forward and make that experience even better."

Someone alert me when there's something really new that I have to worry about while I go about my business as usual.