Binghamton, NY – Joining together at the Roberson Museum and Science Center Monday, the Broome-Tioga Suffrage Anniversary Committee (BTSAC) and the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways unveiled a brand new patch celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in New York State. Girl Scouts throughout New York will be eligible to earn the patch by completing a variety of activities that help them learn more about the fight for women’s suffrage.

“The primary goal of our local committee, as well as the State Suffrage Commission, is to educate residents about the role New Yorkers played in the suffrage movement,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Co-Chair of BTSAC. “This patch will encourage girls to learn more about local women who paved the way for equality, and hopefully motivate them to stay involved as they get older.”

“As a former Girl Scout, I am very excited about this new patch honoring Women’s Suffrage in New York State,” said Martha Sauerbrey, Co-Chair of BTSAC. “I know firsthand the impact Girl Scout programs have on young girls and this patch adds another important component in the group’s work to educate and prepare girls for their futures.”

During Monday’s ceremony, Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways’ CEO Julie Dale spoke about the requirements to earn the suffrage patch, which include:

• Learning the names of the women who lead the suffrage movement.
• Identifying 3 places which were key to the movement
• Understanding the definition of civil disobedience
• Visiting the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY
• Playing a game that was played by children in the early 1900’s
• Learning about the first Women’s Rights Convention
• Create a poster or banner on a current Women’s Rights issue

"The first convention on women’s rights was held in 1848 in Seneca Falls, a historic town in our council. Those pioneering women were audacious and remind us that all people must be accepted as equal. As modern Girl Scouts, we continue their mission and guide girls to become leaders with the courage and conviction to make the world a better place,” Dale said. “We are excited to take part in today's celebration to unveil the new Girl Scouts Suffrage Patch and Patch Program with Broome-Tioga Suffrage Anniversary Committee Co-Chairs Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Tioga County Legislative Chair Marte Sauerbrey."

Additional information on the suffrage patch can be found on the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways’ website.