Happy Birthday Juliette! Founder of Girl Scouts, born October 31, 1860

In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low (1860–1927) founded Girl Scouts of the USA, an organization that today serves millions of girl members and alumnae, and reflects the arc of her remarkable life.

An ardent believer in the potential of all girls and the importance of fostering their individual growth, character, and self-sufficiency, Juliette is credited with establishing and nurturing a global movement that has changed the world.

Telephoning her cousin to tell her “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight!” This was the beginning of Girl Scouts in 1912.

From that first gathering of a small troop of 18 culturally and ethnically diverse girls, Juliette broke the conventions of the time – reaching across class, cultural, and ethnic boundaries to ensure all girls, including those with disabilities, had a place to grow and develop their leadership skills.

Using her innate talent for fundraising and public relations, combined with her vast network of friends and supporters, she led Girl Scouts with a passion and determination – ensuring it was, and always would be, an experience that was “girl-led.”

Juliette died January 17, 1927, at her home in Savannah, Georgia, after a long battle with breast cancer.

Girl Scouts of the USA is 2.5 million strong who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with program from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of  leadership, adventure, and success.

Our Mission
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.