Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Racial Justice
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Racial Justice

We ask all girls, volunteers, alums, supporters, families, staff, and our suppliers and service providers to pledge to take action to make the world a more equitable place.

Girl Scouts Stands Against Racism and Pledges to Work for a Just Society for All

Black Lives Matter.

We need to make that clear. Racism goes against the values of Girl Scouts, and although we have acted to counter racism throughout our history, we know we have enormous work ahead of us to build a truly anti-racist organization. We are prioritizing these efforts, both on an individual level and within every aspect of Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts of the USA and all 111 Girl Scout councils will engage in challenging discussions, center voices we haven’t listened to in the past, act with integrity, and learn from any missteps. We pledge to never stop working to create the just and equitable world that every girl, and all of us, deserve.

Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey is outraged by the violence that took the lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and too many others. To GSNNJ's Black Girl Scouts, their families, volunteers, colleagues, partners, and the Black community whose lives, health, and safety are under attack, we stand with you. Black Lives Matter.

Girl Scouts stand against racism. We must challenge, stereotypes, assumptions, and structures that are racist. Girl Scouts stand for inclusion and as our founder, Juliette Gordon Low said in 1912, “I have something for ALL the girls of America.”

These are troubling times in so many ways but, sadly, times have been troubling for so many members of our community for a very long time. We must work together to support our current members and future members, so everyone has better times ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GSUSA’s position on the Black Lives Matter movement?

Girl Scouts believes Black lives matter and supports the Black Lives Matter movement. We recognize we all have a role to play in dismantling the systems that fuel racial inequities and injustice—and in creating just systems that truly work for everyone.

What work is GSUSA doing to help end racism?

At Girl Scouts of the USA, we build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. In this moment of suffering in our nation, Girl Scouts commits to taking action to support Black girls, their families, and their communities. We want to reiterate to all girls, volunteers, alums, supporters, families, and staff that we do not tolerate racial injustice and we know that Black Lives Matter.

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.

We teach girls to lead by example, and to that end, we are committed to doing the difficult work to become an anti-racist organization. We are making an initial financial investment to partner with experts in the areas of race, inclusion, and equity, with a focus on girls and women.  Learn more about how this will support specific actions we will take at all levels of our national organization:

Girl Scouts Stands Against Racism and Pledges to Work for a Just Society for All

Will GSUSA be donating any funds to Black Lives Matter or related organizations or causes? Can girl members contribute cookie funds to these organizations and causes?

As 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Scout councils cannot solicit financial contributions for purposes other than Girl Scouting and cannot contribute to another nonprofit, such as Black Lives Matter. However, if a Girl Scout troop would like to donate cookie proceeds to Black Lives Matter or related organizations/causes, they can do so.

What programming is currently available to girls that focuses on taking civic action to fight 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.

What other resources are available to share with members of my council?
Does this mean Girl Scouts can wear their vests/sashes in Black Lives Matter rallies and marches?

Yes. We support girls standing up for the causes they care about. If a Girl Scout wants to participate in a peaceful protest or march in her uniform, she can absolutely do so.

Does Girl Scouts/GSNNJ still support the law enforcement community?

Girl Scouts take action in their communities in a variety of ways, including by supporting local first responders through the Girl Scout Cookie Program. This has not changed. Our support of the Black Lives Matter movement reflects the commitment of Girl Scouts of the USA and our 111 Girl Scout councils to never stop working to create the just and equitable world that every girl, and all of us, deserve.