On Nov. 12, Preston Elliott, chairman of the Franklin Transit Authority along with Debbie Henry, executive director of the TMA Group, presented a framed Girl Scout Transportation Patch to the city of Franklin. Agenia Clark, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, and Girl Scouts were on hand for the presentation at the Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting.
The Transportation Patch was developed by the Franklin Transit Authority’s board members and the Girl Scouts Middle Tennessee Council. This is the first partnership between Franklin Transit Authority and Girl Scouts making this the first transportation patch available for Girl Scouts in the state of Tennessee.
The Transportation Patch teaches and celebrates alternative methods of transportation, such as walking, bicycling, and using mass transit. Each Girl Scout must complete activity requirements, tailored to her age level, to earn the Transportation Patch. Franklin Transit Authority assisted Girl Scouts in development of the program, and will provide materials to help girls earn their own Transportation Patch.
“The goal of the Transportation Patch is to broaden the education of today’s local youth about alternative transportation – what it is, the basics, the benefits of green trips, and how to use public transportation,” stated Elliot. “This initiative is especially important as locally and nationally women make up a larger share of transit riders. Having the knowledge, understanding, and confidence of using public transportation is a value that will serve these young individuals for years to come. The Franklin Transit Authority is pleased to partner with such an outstanding entity as the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee on this impactful project.”
“We are honored to work with Franklin Transit Authority to educate young women on the various alternative methods of transportation,” said Clark. “Through this patch, Girl Scouts will learn the value of public transportation and will be able to pass along this information to generations to come.”
