GSCSNJ and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice

For more than 100 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.

• Read former GSUSA CEO Sylvia Acevedo's statement on racism
• Read GSUSA Chair and National President Kathy Hopinkah Hannan's statement on racism
• Read GSCSNJ CEO Ginny Hill's statement on racisim
• Sign the GSUSA pledge against racism
• GSCSNJ's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice Action Plan

Following the racial injustice that we all saw so vividly last summer, 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.

DEI & Racial Justice Advisory Team

In January, our Council's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice Advisory Team convened to begin this transformational work. The DEIRJ Team brings together board members, volunteers, parents, staff and girls, and our goal is to develop a written action plan for our Council. Below you'll see the names of all the individuals who serve on this team, as well as charts that show our demographic as compared to our Council as a whole. As our work unfolds, there will be opportunities for all members of the GSCSNJ family to weigh in as we are striving for a plan that reflects who we are, the opportunities before us and the actions we need to take to get there. We're on a journey together with you to build an inclusive Girl Scout Council and movement that welcomes every volunteer and girl who ascribes to our mission, Promise, and Law.

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!