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Racism and hate have no place here.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice

Since our founding more than 100 years ago, Girl Scouts has been, and will continue to be, an organization rooted in activism and advocacy—in making the world a better place. As we reflect on this core value, we are reminded that our world is made up of many different people with unique cultures, values, and traditions.  

It’s with this “one world” and not a “divided world” mentality that we work to build a truly anti-racist organization so that everyone, regardless of differences, feels that they belong and have a voice. But it’s not enough to say it. We need to educate, support, and provide ways for our Girl Scouts to become lifelong advocates and allies for change. 

These are our promises to you.

  • Ongoing Commitment: We know we do not have all the answers, but we pledge our commitment diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice as an ally and advocate for underserved and/or underrepresented members of our community, regardless of race/ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, religion, or socioeconomic status.  
  • Recruitment: We will stand firm in valuing diversity and inclusion and will not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We will actively recruit membership and staff from communities that historically have been underrepresented in Girl Scouting to create a truly equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization.
  • Black Lives Matter: We stand in solidarity with protestors across the world who are lifting their voices against systemic racism, police brutality, hatred, and anti-Blackness. We denounce racism, inequity, and white supremacy, and believe that rallying for real structural change is long overdue.
  • Indigenous Peoples: We will acknowledge the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Pawtucket, Wampanoag, Nauset, and Massachusett peoples, and will pay respect to these communities' past and present when we gather for Girl Scout activities.
  • Gender Inclusion: GSEMA welcomes non-binary youth and transgender boys in addition to anyone who identifies as a girl. As a youth-serving organization, our priority is the safety and well-being of the young people in our community. Troop leaders, families, and GSEMA staff can work together to support and empower non-binary and transgender youth within Girl Scouting. 
  • Educate: We will listen, learn, and leverage our resources to learn how to be anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-homophobic, anti-ageist, and accessible. We will seek to understand that inclusive troops lead to better innovation, higher creativity, improved problem solving, and increased curiosity and sensitivity towards others.
  • Take Action: We will inspire our girls to help make our world more equitable and just, so all can thrive. We will not just talk—we will take action. We encourage all troop leaders to think outside of the box when developing their troop plans to ensure diversity and inclusion are at the forefront. It’s only through open dialog that we can share, reflect, listen, and then act. 

We are all on this journey together, and there is no magic formula to getting this right. We will all make mistakes along the way, and it might not be easy. But together, with open hearts and open minds, we will build girls of courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place for all.         

Resources for Girl Scouts


We support our Girl Scouts working to make a difference within their own communities, and recommend the following programs and resources for Girl Scout advocates.

Girl Scout Badges, Journeys, and Live Events

Agent of Change Journey for Girl Scout Juniors
GSEMA Anti-Racism Patch Program
GSEMA Lift Your Voice Patch Program

Girl Scout Highest Awards

Bronze. Silver. Gold. These represent the highest honors a Girl Scout can earn. All three awards give girls the chance to do big things while supporting an issue they care about. Learn more about how to earn your Highest Awards.

Additional Girl Scout Resources

Girl Scouts of the USA on Civic Engagment
Girl Scouts of the USA on Advocacy

Resources for Volunteers and Caregivers

Whether you're a caregiver or Girl Scout troop leader, offering a safe space for your girl to talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is vital. Review these resources as you navigate sensitive discussions with girls and adults you know.

For Girl Scout Volunteers

Safety Activity Checkpoints
Pages 18-20 cover emotional safety, mental health, and inclusivity in Girl Scout troops.

Take Action Guide for Volunteers
This guide includes helpful information for volunteers who want to help their girls organize a Take Action Project.

Volunteer Essentials: Engaging Girls & Families
Sections include Creating a Safe Place for Girls, Communicating Effectively with Girls of Any Age, When Sensitive Topics Come Up, and Volunteer Policies and Procedures (includes our non-discrimination policy, whistleblower procedures, and more).

For Caregivers

100 Race-Conscious Things You Can Say to Your Child to Advance Racial Justice (Raising Race-Conscious Children)

Anti-Racism Resources for Parents and Kids (Healthline)

Books about Racism and Social Justice for Grades K-12 (Common Sense Media)

Books For Talking To Children About Race (Boston Public Library)

The Conscious Kid

Helping Your Child Cope with Media Coverage of Community Racial Trauma and Civil Unrest (YouTube video)

Here We Read

How to Talk to Your Children About Protests and Racism (CNN)

Raising Awesome Girls
Girl Scouts of the USA's parenting blog, including articles "Help Your Kids Take Action Against Racism", "Teach Her How to Fight Injustice", "Why Tolerance Isn't Working", and more.

We Need Diverse Books

Wee the People

Resources for All

Do you have additional resources that you would like to share with us? Contact our Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee to let us know.