Volunteer of the Month: Hanan Amer

April is Volunteer Appreciation month, but EVERY month is an opportunity to celebrate and show gratitude to our amazing Girl Scout volunteers! Join us each month as we highlight the oustanding volunteers who help guide, mentor, and inspire local Girl Scouts to unleash their limitless potential, shatter expecations, and be the change-makers our world needs.

November 2024 Volunteer of the Month: Hanan Amer

Hanan Amar is a a longtime supporter of Girl Scouts as a volunteer, learning facilitator, and Girl Guides alum. Through her involvement with Girl Scouts of Western Washington, Hanan has served as a co-leader and service unit delegate, volunteers at a day camp in the summer, and supports the learning department as a facilitator empowering other Girl Scout volunteers in their leadership journeys. Hanan says through volunteering with Girl Scouts she has learned invaluable lessons, formed incredible friendships, and has witnessed the transformative power of guiding young Girl Scouts as they develop skills and confidence. Read on to learn more about Hanan and what she loves about volunteering with Girl Scouts!

How long have you been a Girl Scout volunteer?
Between Girl Guides in Libya and Girl Scouts here, it’s been about 36 years.

Are you a Girl Scout alum?
Yes, as a Girl Guide.

What types of volunteer roles have you filled as a Girl Scout volunteer?
As a Girl Scout volunteer, I’ve served as a co-leader in Auburn and as a delegate for the service unit. Now, I volunteer at the Auburn Wilderness Day Camp in the summer running the archery range, and I also volunteer with the learning department as a facilitator. I facilitate different workshops such as outdoor workshops, Jump into Journey, program aide, event planning, planning weekend camp, and archery instruction.

Another role I enjoy is being part of the planning team for regional conferences like the Big Deal, Super Saturday, and South Region Conference. These roles allow me to support Girl Scouts as they learn, grow, and embark on new adventures.

What is your favorite part about being a Girl Scout volunteer?
My favorite part about being a Girl Scout volunteer is the opportunity to make new friends while cherishing the old ones. As the saying goes, "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other is gold." Being a part of Girl Scouts means gaining a sisterhood filled with support and connection.

Is there anything surprising or less known about being a Girl Scout volunteer that you want to share with others?
One surprising thing about being a Girl Scout volunteer is getting to enjoy our amazing camps. These camps have lots of fun activities and are a great place to make friends. I hope every new volunteer can go to an outdoor workshop. You might go with one or two friends, but you’ll come back with many more!

What makes the Girl Scout Leadership Experience such an important program for Girl Scouts to participate in today?
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is essential because it empowers girls* to discover their skills, connect with others, and take action to make a positive impact in our community. Girl Scouts is inclusive and allows each girl* to gain confidence in who they are and be part of a team, preparing them with life skills for now and the future.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you and why?
Girl Scouting means so much to me because it has been a significant part of my life for many years. Through my involvement as a leader and mentor, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of guiding young Girl Scouts as they develop their skills and confidence. I have learned invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and community service, which I strive to pass on to others. The friendships I've formed along the way have created a strong sense of community that I cherish. I look forward to continuing to empower the next generation of girls*, instilling in them a love for service and the belief that they can make a difference.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Girl Scout volunteer?
I would encourage anyone considering becoming a Girl Scout volunteer to take that step! Volunteering with Girl Scouts is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a positive impact in the lives of young girls*. You’ll have the chance to inspire them, help them develop important skills, and foster a sense of community. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for guiding and empowering the next generation. Every moment spent with the girls* can be fulfilling, and you’ll learn as much from them as they do from you.

What has been one of your most memorable moments as a Girl Scout volunteer?
One of my most memorable moments as a Girl Scout volunteer was attending an outdoor workshop as a leader at Camp Robbinswold. Having been a Girl Guide for years and attended camps in Libya, this experience was truly unique. Girl Scouts of Western Washington kept the camping traditions alive, creating a special atmosphere. Another highlight has been serving as a facilitator in the learning department, where I’ve had the chance to foster sisterhood and build lasting friendships, deepening my journey as a lifelong Girl Scout and continuing my journey as a volunteer.

If you had to describe what it means to be a Girl Scout volunteer in one word, what word would you choose and why?
I would choose the word "empowerment." As a Girl Scout volunteer, I have the privilege of helping girls* and new leaders build confidence, develop leadership skills, and realize their potential. Empowerment is especially meaningful to me as a Muslim woman, as it allows me to inspire and support others in their journeys, fostering a community where everyone can thrive.

Is there anything else about being a Girl Scout volunteer or Girl Scouting in general that you'd like to share?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Girl Scouts of Western Washington for allowing me to be part of this incredible organization. I appreciate how you embrace my culture and religion, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Your commitment to accommodating everyone truly enriches our community, making it a better place for all girls* to learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you for your support and for all that you do!

Do you know an amazing Girl Scout volunteer who deserves to be recognized as a Volunteer of the Month? We want to hear about them! You can nominate a volunteer by sending an email to stories@girlscoutsww.org with the volunteer's name and a few details about why they should be highlighted. Please include "Volunteer of the Month" in the subject line of your email.

*Girl Scouts of Western Washington uses the term girls inclusively to speak to everyone who identifies with the Girl Scout experience, which includes cisgender girls, gender-expansive youth, transgender youth, non-binary youth, gender nonconforming youth, genderqueer youth, and any girl-identifying human.