AHG ‘encourage[s] American Heritage Girls to make a difference in their neighborhoods and communities’

January 17, 2022

CINCINNATI, Ohio — As America celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., American Heritage Girls, (AHG, www.americanheritagegirls.org) one of the largest Christian, scout-type organizations in the world, is honoring his memory by promoting continued acts of service in local communities.

With progressive level Christian programming that is rich in opportunities for girls of all ages and abilities, AHG is dedicated to equipping young women with the biblical background, leadership abilities, and life skills to be a well-rounded woman of faith.

“January 17 is a great day of impact where communities can come together and really give back and honor Dr. King’s legacy,” stated AHG Director of Marketing and Communications Michelle Beckham-Corbin. “Just as Dr. King was passionate about inspiring change, we also encourage American Heritage Girls to make a difference in their neighborhoods, churches, schools and everywhere they go.”

AHG members have demonstrated a huge capacity for volunteer work. AHG Troops regularly perform service of all types within their communities year-round. In the last AHG Program Year ending May 30, 2021, AHG girls accomplished an impressive total of 417,295 service hours. 2022 is already starting strong with service hours.

Beckham-Corbin commented, “Volunteering can teach girls the importance of giving and expressing gratitude. Donating food to a local food bank, volunteering at a local animal shelter or soup kitchen, providing resources for a pregnancy center—there are so many ways to get young women involved in serving others. Girls often find that they look forward to the opportunity to make an impact in their communities!”

AHG also offers their prestigious Stars & Stripes Award, the highest recognition available to an American Heritage Girl. Those who earn this award put months of work into a leadership-building service project, which they plan, direct, and implement. Candidates gain a key understanding of the servant’s heart required to lead others with wisdom and humility—preparing them well for the responsibilities of adulthood. Achieving this Award consists of earning a minimum of 16 badges, holding a Girl Leadership Position, earning a Faith Award, and completing a life ambition essay and resume, all in addition to the major service project.

American Heritage Girls was founded in 1995 by a group of parents who wanted this faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters. At AHG, girls ages five to 18 meet together as a single Troop at the same time and then break out into Units by Levels. This gives AHG girls the important social experience of interacting with friends and godly mentors of various ages; members also learn leadership skills within a group setting. AHG Troops are located in local communities across the nation. If none exists in a given area, families can bring the AHG Program to their own area. An American Heritage Girls Troop Development Coach is available to provide resources to potential Charter Organizations and other families to form a new Troop. To hear more about the purpose, mission, and vision of AHG from Founder and Executive Director Patti Garibay, click here.

Today, there are Troops in all 50 states and girls being served in 15 countries around the globe. Girls can join a Troop at any time; if a Troop is not available nearby, they can become a Trailblazer and enjoy the AHG program alongside their parent. A variety of Christian denominations are also represented as Charter Organizations for Troops. Thousands of volunteer members across the country are helping girls grow in their faith, cultivate a heart for service, enjoy the great outdoors, and have more fun than they can imagine. 

The “Raising Godly Girls” radio feature and Raising Godly Girls blog shares guidance and biblically based advice on many key topics affecting girls today. It gives parents, educators, and faith community leaders a set of tools, resources, and Scripture-based advice to assist in raising girls after God’s own heart. The “Raising Godly Girls Minute” with Patti Garibay airs on 900+ Christian radio stations across the country. 

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