From the Times West Virginian
CHARLESTON — Four Girl Scouts from West Virginia will represent their fellow Girl Scouts, Appalachia and the United States at the 70th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City, March 6-4.
The annual commission brings together youth, leaders, policymakers and changemakers from around the world to advance equality and the rights of women and girls. The 2026 theme will focus on strengthening access to justice for all women and girls and eliminating structural barriers.
Fairmont Senior High junior Emma O’Loughlin will attend along with fellow Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, Charlotte Hoblitzell, Eleanor Hoblitzell and Abigail Phillips.
Over the past months, the Girl Scouts have been preparing through bi-weekly virtual calls, gaining knowledge and strengthening their understanding of this year’s topics.
Now, the community can help make this experience possible. A fundraising portal has officially opened, to allow supporters to contribute to travel, lodging and participation costs. Every gift, big or small, ensures these young leaders can learn and bring back insights to inspire others at home.
“Our Girl Scouts will bring the voices of girls from our region to a global stage,” Director of Programs and Education Services Cate Phillips said. “This experience is a huge honor and demonstrates that girls from areas like ours belong in conversations about the future.”
A send-off event will take place on Friday, March 6, after the 2026 Girl Scout Day at the Legislature event at the West Virginia State Capitol Complex.
Community members are invited to support these Girl Scouts by donating online at https://girlscouts.info/unitednations.
For more information about the UN Commission on the Status of Women, visit https://girlscouts.info/csw70.
Working in partnership with more than 2,000 volunteers, Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council serves nearly 4,200 girls in 61 counties in West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, call 304.345.7722 or visit the council’s website at www.bdgsc.org.
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