Girl Scouts of North East Ohio forms first troop of men

Men's fraternity supports girls' leadership development

Macedonia – Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) serves 40,000 girls and 14,000 adult members – many of them are men.  Men have daughters, nieces, granddaughters, neighbors and friends who could benefit from the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. That’s why ten executive board members of Delta Alpha Lambda, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Cleveland Chapter decided to get involved and form Honorary Troop 71906.  They have become the only registered volunteer male troop in the country.

“I’m proud to be a Girl Scout member,” said Tony Dunlap, Area Director for the fraternity in Northeast Ohio and IT Manager for GSNEO.  “People volunteer for countless reasons, but we are motivated to help girls reach their full leadership potential and make a difference in the world.  Of all the programs out there for girls -- Girl Scouts has it all,” he said.

Girl Scouts helps cultivate values, social conscience, and self esteem in young girls, while also teaching them critical life skills that will enable them to succeed as adults.

“Today’s young girls will become the mothers, volunteers, and work force of tomorrow,” said Dunlap.  “They will have a strong influence on the future of this country, and it’s very important for us to help guide girls in the right direction,” he said.

Founded in 1906, Delta Alpha Lambda is a local alumni chapter of the oldest and one of the largest Greek-lettered organizations, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.  The fraternity consists of mostly African-American professional business men.  Its mission is to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy to this community.

The fraternity meets monthly, and now they will be discussing how Troop 71906 can help the council with volunteer and girl recruitment efforts as well as cookie deliveries and other volunteer opportunities.

No matter what your age or occupation, Girl Scouts could use your help to make the next 100 years as positive and life changing as the first 100 years for thousands of girls in Northeast Ohio.  Visit gsneo.org to learn how you can get involved today.