I realize I recently wrote a piece on Girl Scout cookies being made in the U.S.A., but I had to do a little write-up on this as well.
The Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. announced recently that their uniforms will continue to be made in America following a public uproar over reports it was considering bids from overseas manufacturers.
Girl Scouts spokeswoman Michelle Tompkins said the organization had been contacted by parents, members and volunteers urging it to keep the uniforms made in the U.S.A. She said the contract hadn’t been awarded but the bid request had been modified to require that the uniforms be made domestically and that companies adhere to strict guidelines regarding worker age, treatment and safety.
“We thank the many Girl Scout parents and volunteers who stood up for their beliefs and showed our 2.4 million girls that every voice makes a difference,” Tompkins said. “They are the role models who help build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.”
In a story first published in Woodland Park’s Herald News newspaper, the owners of the factory said the loss of its sole client could mean layoffs for its more than 90 workers and could force it to close.
Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. calls itself the world’s pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to girls. It says it helps girls build character, values and leadership skills for success in the real world.
What better message to teach young girls than the importance of buying American? Keeping those uniforms made in the U.S.A. saved American jobs at a time that Americans need them the most. I hope that Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. will make a point of communicating why they are sticking with American-made uniforms throughout their organization.
Kudos to Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. for making a really great decision and standing by their core principles!
Until next time, here’s to doing what we can to support our country by buying American.
Randy
Great to hear Randy. These kids can teach us all a few things about solidarity and patriotism.
I’m sure the savings from exported manufacturing were attractive and the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. will now have to cut, or forgo, other programs and opportunities.
Was there ever a discussion, or specific numbers, of what the cost comparison between U.S.A. vs. foreign made uniforms?
Devon,
Thanks for reading and commenting on the post.
I don’t think the Girl Scouts ever disclosed (or were able to disclose) specifics about the bids they received (or didn’t). The outrage from parents occurred as soon as the bid was put out. Will it cost more for the Girl Scouts to buy American-made uniforms, and could those resources be used elsewhere? It might cost a little more, though not as much as you might expect. And yes, money saved in one place could be used somewhere else. But let’s not forget what this organization is all about in the first place – teaching young girls good values to live by.
To me, buying American is a critical value that should be reinforced in young people. It teaches kids that our purchases have an impact on other Americans, a critical point that many Americans have simply forgotten over time (our grandparents knew it though). In my opinion, the Girl Scouts wearing uniforms made in USA when they might be able to get a cheaper imported uniform is a worthwhile program in and of itself. Plus, there is the risk of some parents objecting to the decision, and the organization losing more money from the decrease in participation than it gained from the cheaper uniforms.
The Buy American Challenge, for the very reason you stated, only applies to personal purchase decisions. People should not impose their personal values on others. But when the decision to buy American is in line with the organization’s values, like the decision made by the Girl Scouts to keep their uniforms made in America, I think we have to give them the credit they deserve for making that decision.
Thanks again for commenting.
Randy
WHO are you trying to kid? Upper management wished to send uniform-making jobs to China. On Facebook, alone, the uproar was tremendous, especially when the CEO’s 6-figure salary became known (& an outrageous salary, at that).
This article is sheer propaganda. And you know that. Quality wasn’t a problem within the N.J. plant; and the company’s prices already were low. But Kathy Cloninger and her voice, Michelle Tompkins, wished to desecrate the lives of the 90 employees therein.
Where are the online updates? They decided, only because of pressure–most of which came from the public NOT directly involved with the GSA–to rescind their offer to China.
Did the N.J. company keep the contract? Did the jobs go to a firm–sweatshop, in other words–in California?
I’d like to know what happened.
Cordially,
Patsy Jordanov
…and why would programs be cut? CEO makes over $633,000 per year !!! The comments provided and the threats are condescending at best…
…all propaganda
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