Dear Girl Scout Friends and Family,
We must not be silent. We choose to be present in the conversation, we choose to be of the times, and deliberate in our actions. We choose to live up to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who once described Girl Scouts as "a force for desegregation." We choose equality and equity for all people. We recognize and claim this as a moment for us all to stand up and speak out against racism and violence. And to speak up for justice for all humankind.
For far too long, our Black sisters and brothers, and all people of color, have faced discrimination in education, jobs, voting rights, health care, law enforcement and opportunity. And far too many have suffered abuse, and even death, at the hands of people misusing their authority and power caused by systemic racism.
We must not be silent. This is a critical moment in time and history. We hope and pray that this moment is a pivotal and powerful turning point to justice. We must pay attention – that’s why the protesters are marching across the nation and calling us all to claim this moment and to be a collective voice and outspoken advocate for real change. We must listen and we must act. We must call out the injustices. Change will only come from action.
This is everyone’s problem. What can you do, you ask? Take action. That’s what Girl Scouts do. Here are three suggestions:
- Take the Pledge to Stand Against Racism. Educate yourself about racism and its historical context in this country (read a book, take a class, go to a seminar). It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.
- Remember, you don’t have to be a perfect ally to speak up. Speaking up about human rights violations is not political, it’s moral. Don‘t be silent.
- Become more civically engaged locally. If there is violence or brutality against people of color in your community, speak up – call or text your local district attorney, your mayor, and your police chief to pressure for justice.
More suggestions for taking meaningful action.
We stand together with our Black Girl Scouts and their families, and all people of color, in the sisterhood that is Girl Scouts. We love and support you. As an anti-racist organization, Girl Scouts stands firmly against the racism and violence that continues to silently seep into every part of our society.
We must not be silent. We choose to amplify our mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character whose actions will make the world a better place. Our girls and young women are watching us, and we endeavor to live the values we believe.
In the coming days, our council will be looking at what more we can do to support racial healing in our community and Girl Scout family and will be looking for your involvement to help us find our way. Together we can create a more just world for everyone.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Tamara Woodbury & Lupe Camargo
GSACPC CEO GSACPC Board Chair
