Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England Partners with the Rhode Island 250 Commission
WARWICK, RI (November 5, 2025)—Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England (GSSNE) kicked off our partnership with the RI250 Commission at the Rhode Island State House on Saturday, October 25 for Girl Scout Advocacy Day!
At Girl Scouts, civic engagement is more than just learning about government—it’s about developing the confidence to lead, the curiosity to ask questions, and the courage to take action. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we want every Girl Scout to see herself as part of that story—a leader, a changemaker, and an active citizen in her community.
Our Girl Scouts started the day by hearing from Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Senator Jessica de la Cruz, and Rhode Island National Guard member and former Miss Rhode Island Alexandra Curtis. They learned about leadership, service, and how women are shaping Rhode Island’s future. Girl Scouts from GSSNE were able to ask the panel questions, and our Girl Scouts asked questions ranging from AI in government to women’s roles in our local and national government.
Girl Scouts were able to explore the State House and then they joined in on a mock legislative session with Representative Teresa Tanzi, voted on mock ballots, and learned about Rhode Island’s revolutionary past while viewing a copy of the Declaration of Independence.
“We are honored to partner with the Rhode Island 250 Commission to celebrate this important milestone in our nation’s history. This event is the first of many that will take place throughout the coming year. We realize the importance for our Girl Scouts to not only learn about the founding of our country, but to also understand the pivotal role that Rhode Island played in shaping our democracy. By engaging with state leaders and exploring our shared history, Girl Scouts gained a deeper appreciation of civic responsibility, leadership, and the impact they can have in their own communities,” said Ginger Lallo, GSSNE Chief Operating Officer.
“The Rhode Island 250 Commission is thrilled to partner with Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England to help inspire the next generation of civic leaders,” said Lauren Fogarty, RI250 Program Coordinator. “As we commemorate 250 years of independence, we’re reminded that the story of our nation is still being written—by young people who are curious, engaged, and ready to make a difference. Programs like this ensure that Rhode Island’s revolutionary spirit continues to live on through them.”
This program was just the first in a series of events in partnership with the Rhode Island 250 Commission. This engaging session connected the Girl Scout Promise and Law to an interactive panel discussion, giving Girl Scouts the opportunity to see how the principles of leadership, integrity, and community service have shaped both our organization and Rhode Island’s history. Throughout the year, Girl Scouts will continue to participate in RI250 activities, deepening their understanding of our state’s pivotal role in the nation’s founding. Participants can also earn a special commemorative patch as they explore Rhode Island’s rich historical legacy.
The future of Rhode Island looks bright with young leaders like our Girl Scouts! To learn more about becoming a Girl Scout, visit gssne.org/join.
We Are Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs across Southeastern New England, girls and gender-expansive youth of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves in a safe space as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges. Backed strong friendships and trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. Girl Scouts feel comfortable trying new things without the pressure to be perfect, speaking their minds, and processing their emotions in healthy ways. They discover how being different makes them special, strengthens their sense of belonging, and, ultimately, makes them proud to be themselves. That’s the magic of Girl Scouting. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gssne.org, follow @gssne on Instagram, follow @GirlScoutsofSNE on Twitter, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GSSNE.