In 2017, we’re putting the spotlight squarely on girls for the premier event for every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ who wants to make the world a better place—and we’re calling it G.I.R.L. 2017. And Columbus is the host city!

The time is now—time to give girls and young women the tools to empower themselves for a lifetime of leadership, to connect and share ideas with one another in friendship, and to act together in true team spirit to let the world know girls can make awesome, game-changing things happen!

In October 2017, you can join Girl Scouts, the biggest girl-serving organization in the world, as we come together to celebrate girls in a big, big way. From educational sessions to inspiring speakers and tons of one-of-a-kind FUN, this is the girl-power event of the year. You don’t want to miss it.

And guess what? There are so many ways for everyone (yes, everyone!) to participate—Girl Scout or not! Here’s how:

1. Represent GSWO in the Opening Flag Ceremony.

Take part in carrying flags from our 50 states and all of the countries represeted by WAGGGS during the opening flag ceremony! Girls will get to meet Girl scouts from all over the U.S. and the world before representing Girl Scouts of Western Ohio to the Girl Scout world!

They’ll learn about the governance of Girl Scouts and the meaning behind our symbols and flags, plus have a pizza party before the ceremony starts!

A full uniform is required, and flag ceremony experience is a plus. This opportunity requires girls to leave school early. If your girl(s) are selected to participate, it will be important for you to get permission from parents and/or school officials prior to the event. There are 20 slots available, and it is our goal to send a diverse group of girls of varying ethnicities and grade levels. Selections will be made and notifications sent by June 15, 2017.

Apply today! Applications are due Thursday, June 1, 2017.

2. Volunteer during the convention.

Choose your interest area from the links below to create a profile on our G.I.R.L. 2017 volunteer portal. From there, you will be provided a quick questionnaire to discover the role most suitable for you. All volunteers must create a profile to volunteer at G.I.R.L. 2017.

General G.I.R.L. 2017 Volunteer Team
G.I.R.L. 2017 Hall of Experiences Team

Once you’ve created your profile, we will communicate next steps in the coming months. We can’t wait to have you join us!

3. Have your company featured in the Hall of Experiences.

Do you or someone you know own a small business? We’d love to have you featured in the Hall of Experiences!

G.I.R.L. 2017 will be bigger and broader than any Girl Scout convention exhibition ever before! Not only Girl Scouts, but girls and their parents from around the country have marked their calendars for the single biggest girl event held every three years!

You’ll be able to showcase your brand, resources, and products to an audience of more than 10,000 people! Not bad, eh? Plus, you can sell directly at your booth to recoup the expenses before you even leave Columbus!

Read more about the opportunity and apply here!

4. Register as an attendee!

Conversely, if you want to experience everything G.I.R.L. 2017 has to offer without participating directly, you and your girl can register as attendees! Registration just opened, so don’t delay—reserve your spot!

Register as an attendee today!

So there you have it–4 awesome ways to participate in G.I.R.L. 2017 this October in Columbus! Will we be seeing you there? (We hope so!)

Still have questions? Check out the FAQ here!