For 110 years Girl Scouts has stood for making the world a better place, and pledged to “help people at all times.” Those words carry great weight and responsibility and inspire us with strength as we denounce institutional racism, violence, injustice, and inequity.
Following the racial injustice that we’ve seen so vividly, not only in past years, but in the present day, the Girl Scout movement is taking action by first looking at ourselves to ensure that as an organization, we are mirroring the change we envision and want our girls to make in the world. As Girl Scouts, we aim to enhance society and give our members opportunities to make the world a better place by ensuring they learn about themselves, experience acceptance and inclusion, and deepen their appreciation of other human beings.
While we should be having conversations about race and racism regularly, checking in with your girl is crucial when racist violence claims lives and sparks widespread protest, grief, and unrest around the nation. See the resources below for guidance on navigating racism with your girls.
As a Girl Scout volunteer, making all girls and families feel welcome and offering a safe space for your girl to talk about important issues is vital. Review these resources as you navigate discussions.
If you have ideas, suggestions, or experiences you'd like to share with us, please feel free to reach out to one of our members, or you can email us at deiaction@gscsnj.org. We value your input and thank you!