Do the right thing. Girl Scouts of America. Transgender.
Would you accept money in the form of a donation if it meant compromising your principles? Do the right thing is not always an easy concept to follow.
Megan Ferland, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Western Washington (part of the Girl Scouts of America) was put to the test when she was offered a $100,000 donation. This generous donation to the Girl Scouts of Western Washington came with a condition, a condition Megan Ferland wasn’t willing to accept. The donor specifically asked for a guarantee that none of the money be used for transgender girls. If any portion of the donation was to be used for transgender girls, the donation was to be returned. Prejudice rears its ugly head once again.
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. Megan’s belief in the concept, “Do the right thing” was tested. “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!
Yeah Megan. You go girl!!!
How many people sell-out their principles every day in return for money, fame, or a career? I’m not downplaying the need for food, shelter, and security. Believe me, I grew up poor in the South Bronx eating plaster off the walls and having an intimate relationship with powdered eggs and powdered milk. I know what’s it’s like to be in need and feel you have no choice as to where your money comes from. But I also know what it is like to trust the God I say I believe in and take action to help myself out. Megan Ferland did just that. She knew she needed the money, she knew she did not want to compromise her values, so she took an action—went to crowdfunding. It 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 is not always easy, but it 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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