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GSCSNJ and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice

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.


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Resources for Parents

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.


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Resources for Leaders and Volunteers

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.

Programming for Taking a Stand Against Racism

Girl Scouts offers the following badges that promote civic engagement: Public Policy, Inside Government, Netiquette, Finding Common Ground, and Girl Scout Way. In addition, we offer many resources through our nonpartisan G.I.R.L. Agenda initiative that encourage girls to drive positive social change in their communities and world. 

Volunteer Essentials

Volunteer Essentials: Engaging Girls & Families

  • Creating a Safe Place for Girls
  • Communicating Effectively with Girls of Any Age
  • When Sensitive Topics Come Up
  • Volunteer Policies and Procedures (includes non-discrimination policy, whistleblower procedures, and more)
Safety Activity Checkpoints
Safety Activity Checkpoints

Pages 16-17 emotional safety, mental health, and equal treatment.

Training Resources
gsLearn – Diversity and Inclusion

gsLearn, our online learning platform for all things training, offers several opportunities to increase your diversity and inclusion IQ. To view the trainings below, remember to log into your MyGS account to log into gsLearn.

In Foundation 3 (Well Being and Development) of The Successful Leader Learning Series, learn strategies to creating an inclusive, girl-led space, embracing troop diversity, and understanding how the role of the troop leader, sets this framework.

In addition, gsLearn houses several other training on Diversity and Inclusion that can be helpful for Service Unit Teams and for your own personal professional development.

  • What is Diversity and Inclusion?
  • Hiring for a Diverse Workforce
  • Identifying Diversity in Others
  • Leading a Diverse Workforce Part 1 and Part 2
  • Leveraging Diversity and Strengths in the Workplace
  • Your Unique Diversity in the Workplace
  • Creating Your Inclusive Troop
  • How Perceptions and Expectations Affect Motivation
  • Key Tools and Knowledge of Motivation
  • Motivation Process-Based Theory 
First Troop Meeting Annual Activity

First Troop Meeting Annual Activity

One way Troop Leaders can help create a welcoming environment for all is through inclusive planning with your Girl Scouts to understand the traditions, holidays, and celebrations that are important to them and their families. By following the simple steps in this resource as you plan your troop's annual calendar, you will be fostering a greater sense of inclusivity in your troop.


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Ways To Take Action

Girl Scouts Highest Awards

Through our Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, Girl Scouts can take a stand about an issue that they care about and make a lasting change. 

Learn more about our Highest Awards and get started.

Girl Scouts and Advocacy
GSUSA Pledge Against Racism

Commit to taking action to make the world a better place by signing our pledge against racism.

G.I.R.L. Agenda

A nonpartisan initiative to inspire, prepare and mobilize girls and those who care about them to lead positive change through civic action.

Advocacy and Public Policy

Our Public Policy and Advocacy Office works across party lines with Congress and the Executive Branch to educate and raise awareness about issues important to girls and young women

Patches

Earn the GSCSNJ Diverse. Inclusive. Together. Patch.
When Girl Scouts have earned this patch, they’ll have developed an appreciation of the uniqueness and commonalities of themselves and others, and the rich diversity of various cultures in their community and in the world. Girl Scouts will also deepen their understanding and respect for people who may be different from them, and learn how to better relate to others.

Patches are sold in the council Juliette Closets.


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!

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