We recently received from GSUSA the first charter for Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. What does that mean? First, it means that within the Girl Scout organization, our new identity and jurisdiction are confirmed through Dec. 31, 2010.

Second – and equally important to us – since ours is an unqualified (that is, unrestricted) charter, it means that GSUSA acknowledges that we have the membership base, the team of talented volunteer and employed staff leadership, and the financial resources to be a healthy, high-capacity Girl Scout Council.

Of course we knew that! But it’s great to have the affirmation from our national organization, especially since one of the main reasons GSUSA embarked on the national realignment was because so many councils were not in a viable position and did not have the full spectrum of resources needed to serve girls at an optimum level.

Now it’s up to all of us to use our time, talents and treasures to help the girls of West Central Florida use their courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place.