How do you teach young children about responsibility? Take it to the top! On Thursday, April 9, 2026, Culver City Girl Scout Troop 2585 got the opportunity to talk with City Council member Yasmine Imani McMorrin (a former Girl Scout herself) about their efforts to earn two ‘petals’; “Making the World a Better Place,” and “Being Responsible for What we Say and Do.”
This troop of Daisy Scouts, ages 5 and 6, based out of El Rincon Elementary School, is led by Julie Spencer and incoming co-leader Jamila Veasley. These two ‘petals’ the Daisys were working to earn – the age level equivalent of a merit badge – were all about understanding the power of their words and actions, and how what we do matters in the big picture.
“This opportunity grew out of a shared experience in public policy advocacy, but it was really about the girls. We wanted them to see, even at this young age, that women are leading, making decisions, and shaping the communities around them,” Veasley stated. “Visibility matters, and it matters a lot as it helps them begin to imagine what’s possible as they grow up.”
The girls had some great questions for McMorrin, who was delighted to spend the time. “They were so energetic and fun! They asked what I was most proud of, and I said buying the gun store, and shared that it was being turned into housing. They were shocked that it was controversial to purchase the gun store. [The way they saw it] who would want to have a gun store near a school?”
The girls also took turns sitting on the dais, and getting the view that elected officials have of the council chamber. McMorrin reflected on how representation is important, and how being the only woman on the city council offered her a moment to give the girls a way to see themselves in that role.
Spencer expressed her thanks, saying “We’re so grateful to Councilmember McMorrin for welcoming our girls and giving them a behind-the-scenes look at how the city they live and play in everyday is thoughtfully led and cared for.”
McMorrin presented each child with a Culver City seal lapel pin and a “petal” which goes on the front of their uniform. Once they have all the petals on their Daisy, they will promote up to being Brownies, and they will still be Troop 2585. The structure of Girl Scouts allows scouts to stay in one unit all the way up to the Ambassador level, which is the senior year of high school.
Then, it’s time to run for office.
Judith Martin-Straw
Photo credit Dustin Klemann, City of Culver City
