How to Lead Like a Girl When the Government Doesn't Step Up

Did you know that Mount Vernon (George Washington's home) is not a state park? Or even a federal landmark? In fact when the estate was in horrible disrepair and Washington's ancestors asked the government if they'd like to buy it to preserve the home of our nation's founding father...they said, "No thanks."

Can you imagine? The government was too busy to step back and recognize the sad impact not preserving this historical landmark might have on generations to come. Now...this was 1854 and there was some pretty big trouble brewing as the tensions leading to the civil war mounted. But isn't that how life works? Don't the best opportunities come to us and the least opportune times?

Maybe it takes leading like a girl to deal with all the ups and downs.

Thankfully, Ann Pamela Cunningham was up to the challenge. Her mother had sent her the following note after traveling from Pennsylvania to South Carolina along the Potomac River:

“It was a lovely moonlit night that we went down the Potomac. I went on deck as the bell tolled and we passed Mount Vernon. I was painfully distressed at the ruin and desolation of the home of Washington, and the thought passed through my mind: Why was it the women of his country did not try to keep it in repair, if the men could not do it?”

At a time when it was thought appropriate for a woman’s name to appear in a newspaper only on the occasion of her marriage or death, Miss Cunningham sent a letter to the Charleston Mercury, making a plea to the ladies of the south to join together and save Mount Vernon. This courageous action resulted in the formation of small societies and donations throughout the south. Miss Cunningham increased her outreach and eventually formed the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. In 1858, the association purchased Mount Vernon and began restoring the dilapidated property to its full glory. The property has been fully woman owned and operated ever since.

WOW! It took the nations mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives to recognize the importance of preserving the history and legacy of our founding fathers. Hats off (or perhaps bonnets?) to these pioneer women who pushed the boundaries of how women were allowed to lead at the time.

Check out this link for more on the full story and some of the other amazing women involved in the preservation of this historic home: http://www.mountvernon.org/visit/plan/index.cfm/pid/811/

What opportunity are others missing where you can step in and lead like a girl? The fate of the nation (or maybe the world) could be counting on you!