Thursday, January 19, 2012

Day 19: Bought Girl Scout Cookies


When my daughter grows up, I want her to be a strong, independent woman. I want her to always be a leader rather than a follower. I want her to be able to build strong friendships like the ones I have been able to develop over my life. I want her to always have high self esteem and the confidence that if she always strives to be the best person she can be, great things will come to her. This year, the Girl Scouts of America celebrate the 100th anniversary of helping to instill these traits in to girls nationwide. You may have read the title for this day and thought, "Buying cookies? How is that an act of kindness?" Before knowing exactly the impact the Girl Scout Cookie program had, I probably would have asked the same questions. Not only does the program generate about $700 million for the Girl Scouts (money that is then utilized for expansion of programs for the girls and different charities), but even the act of selling the cookies teaches the girls goal setting and interpersonal skills. So although it may be unkind to my waist line, today's random act of kindness is buying some cookies from a girl in my building. If you have someone in your neighborhood selling these treats, maybe buy a box. It is a delicious way to have a real impact.

7 comments:

  1. It's Thin Mints and nothing else.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1LUnPTlpbQ

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  2. Ryan,

    This blog is very very cool -- I wanted to reach out via email but could not find your contact info.
    I am documentarian working on a film in which I traveled the country relying on strangers for a home each night. (We actually stayed in Chicago!) I would love to connect and see if there was someway I could help.

    Please be in touch!
    Sarah
    snsellman@gmail.com
    americanbearfilm.com

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  3. Ryan:

    Very inspirational! The world, when left to it's own devises, becomes selfish and unkind. You've got the right idea, my friend! I, too, love to help others and will work harder to do it daily :)

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  4. Hi, Ryan! This is an incredible journey and very inspiring.
    I own a sugar free bakery in the Chicago suburbs and we are always trying to find new ways to get our name out there, especially if it's for a good cause, like this.
    If you're interested, I would love to talk to you about being a part of one of your days of kindness. It would be a helpful contribution to you and it would also help us out a bit as well.
    We would be honored to take part!
    Looking forward to your daily updates.
    You can contact us at sugarlessworld@aol.com or by phone at (708)995-5923

    Thank you!
    Marie Martinez

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  5. So, what kind did you buy??? Inquiring minds want to know! :)

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  6. When i was younger I was in scouts. My parents didn't have the extra money to send me to camp and buy all the stuff required to go to camp. I sold cookies with all my heart. You see for every box I sold a very small protion was set aside in a account to be used for going to camp. Well several cases later I had enough to go for a whole week to camp. So if you know a girl in scouts who has parents that are not so wealthy as to send her to camp please buy a few extra boxes.

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  7. You also have the option to donate Girl Scout cookies to a cause. My boss's daughter is selling cookies and there was a checkbox option on the form. I bought two boxes and donated two boxes. Two years ago in Boston I also came across a woman selling Girl Scout cookies and asking for donations to send boxes to our troops. Good for a cause and your waistline!

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