Girl Scouts is for every girl! Ethics. Courage.
Would you accept money in the form of a donation if it meant compromising your principles? Well, Megan Ferland, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Western Washington was put to the test when she received a $100,000 donation. It takes great courage to do what is right, especially when you go against the status quo. Ethics, it’s one thing to talk about ethics, and it’s another to practice it.
This seemingly generous donation to the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, however, came with a condition, a condition Megan Ferland wasn’t willing to compromise on. The donor specifically asked for a guarantee that none of the money be used for transgender girls, or the money should be returned.
Ferland promptly returned the money saying “Girl Scouts is for every girl. And every girl should have the opportunity to be a Girl Scout if she wants to.” This wasn’t an easy decision because the Girl Scouts really needed that money. It was to be used to help families who couldn’t afford to pay for Girl Scouts enroll their children.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
Instead of accepting that the $100,000 was gone, the Girl Scouts used the unfortunate incident as a rallying call and started an Indiegogo fundraiser (#ForEVERYGIRL) in an attempt to recoup some of the lost donation. Wouldn’t you know it, before the end of the first day of fundraising they had surpassed their goal and were close to raising $200,000!
How many people sell-out their principles every day in return for money, fame, or a career? I’m not downplaying people’s needs, they are real. That’s why it often takes courage to do the right thing. But as is the case for the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, doing the right thing and living true to your principles usually pays off in the end.
So, how about you? Are you living your life in concert with your convictions and principles, or do you find yourself compromising or simply giving in?
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