DEIRJ

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.

GSCSNJ's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice Action Plan

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. We commit to doing all we can, using our collective power, to help create the change in our communities that is long overdue. We will do our part to dismantle systemic racism. We recognize that this is far from easy or fast work, but we are Girl Scouts—we believe in sisterhood, justice, and fairness—so we are in it for the long haul. We take action when we see a need and we live by our Girl Scout Law, which demands we seek racial equity for everyone.

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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Raising Awesome Girls from GSUSA has released a variety of helpful parenting articles from our experts on navigating this time with your girls.

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.

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Girl Scouts offers the following badges that promote civic engagement: Public Policy, Inside Government, Netiquette, Finding Common Ground, and Girl Scout Way. 

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Safety Activity Checkpoints

Pages 21-22 cover emotional safety, mental health, and equity.

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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

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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.

Ways To Take Action

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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.

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GSUSA’s Commitment to Anti-Racism

Commit to taking action to make the world a more equitable place.

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.

Daisy & Brownie Diverse. Inclusive. Together. Patch

Patches are sold in the council Juliette Closets.

Earn the Racial Justice Patch from Girl Scouts of Central Maryland and YWCA

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!