Diversity, Equity, Inclusion/Racial Justice
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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 
Resources for Volunteers and Caregivers
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.
