COLUMBIA (WACH) -- South Carolina Girl Scouts will join elected officials and community leaders at the Statehouse Thursday to declare 2012 the "Year of the Girl". 

Organizers say the event is designed to raise awareness and recognition of girls' leadership potential and to gain support of balanced leadership in the workplace and in communities nationwide.

The proclamation also recognizes Girl Scouts of the United States of America for 100 years of "leadership and expertise as the voice for and of girls".

WACH Fox's OnPoint host Cynthia Hardy will emcee the program.  Hardy is also a board member of Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands.

However, not everybody will be celebrating the Year of the Girl.  Indiana Republican Representative Bob Morris sent a private letter to his party members saying the Girl Scouts is promoting an abortion and homosexual agenda.  He says this is why he did not sign a resolution celebrating the 100th year anniversary of the organization.

During the Year of the Girl, local Girl Scout councils across the country will mix celebrations of the organization's 100 years with efforts to create a sense of urgency around girls' issues.