Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

The differences between human beings.

Diversity

Psychological, physical, and social differences that occur among any and all individuals; including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical ability, and learning styles.

Diversity asks “Who is in the room? What perspectives are missing?”

Equity

Ensuring everyone gets what they need.

Equity

The guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically underserved and underrepresented populations and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is needed to assist equality in the provision of effective opportunities to all groups.

Equity asks “Have we removed barriers that have prevented people from feeling they belong in the space? Does everyone have what they need to fully participate?”

Inclusion

We welcome, support and honor all the parts of you.

Inclusion

The act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate and bring their full, authentic selves to work. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in the words/actions/ thoughts of all people.

Inclusion asks “Is this environment safe and does everyone feel that they belong? Has everyone been heard and listened to?”

Belonging

The differences between human beings.

Belonging

True belonging is the practice of believing in and belonging to yourself so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world and find sacredness in both being a part of something and standing alone. It’s being part of something bigger but also having the courage to stand alone and to belong to yourself above all else.

Belonging asks “Does everyone feel accepted even when we do not always agree? Can everyone share their differences openly, without judgment or defensiveness, while focusing on our connections?”

Celebrating Diversity

Join us for our Heritage Month Patch Program Events that help celebrate the diversity across our council.

Black History Month
Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

Increasing Equity Throughout our Program

Our goal is to make sure every girl has the opportunity to be a Girl Scout. We help make the Girl Scout experience equitable through:

Providing Financial Aid
Offering both Volunteer-Led and Council-Led Troop options to participate
Conucting annual surveys and audits to track our progress.
Holding DEI-related trainings for all staff
Finding ways to eliminate the barriers to participation that geography can create, especially in rural communities.

Creating an Inclusive Environment for all of Our Members

GSSN is an Anti-Racist Organization

Girl Scouts builds leaders who create equitable communities which is why we center racial justice in all that we do. Racism has no place in the lives of future generations and certainty should not prohibit any girl or Girl Scout from full participation in the premier leadership organization that uplifts all girls.

We deliver on this promise by challenging norms so that we can continuously build a more relevant and equitable Girl Socut experience that embraces fresh perspectives and innovation from our rich cultural legacy.

To help girls and volunteers live out this commitment to ending racism we have created the Racism & Hate Have No Place Here Patch Program. This program teaches girls how to recognize racism and hate in their communities and helps empower them to speak up.

GSSN is Committed to Being a Safe Space for LGBTQIA+ Youth

At GSSN, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth and their families. We allow youth to join our program if they feel that this environment supports their gender identity and expression. Staff and volunteers are given additional trainings to help them best support LGBTQIA+ youth in our community.

We are here for your questions!

How does GSSN show up for disabled or neurodivergent youth? toggle arrow

We celebrate, welcome and affirm people living with disabilities and/or neurodivergence (such as people with learning differences, autism, or mental health factors). We strive to make our programs accessible for kids and families with disabilities and/or neurodivergence. We work with troop leaders to identify accommodations that can be made in order to meet the needs of every girl, focusing on their strengths, gifts and assets. Troop leaders must be thoughtful to meet each child’s needs without excluding or stigmatizing anyone for their difference.

In the rare occasion that a troop leader is not able to meet the needs of a Girl Scout in their troop, they should contact their Service Unit Leader for further guidance, and the Service Unit Leader may reach out to GSSN staff for support. A support plan may be coordinated to include added parent/caregiver support, or structural changes to group activities. Every possible effort should be made to keep each Girl Scout who wants to participate in the group. We must guard against the hurt and stigmatization of not being included.

In the event that a Girl Scout’s needs are unable to be met by both the troop and the Service Unit, the Girl Scout’s parent or caregiver should reach out to a GSSN staff member. GSSN staff will work with the Girl Scout and family to find an alternative troop, or they may choose to continue to participate in Girl Scouts as an Independently Registered Girl (IRG), also known as a “Juliette”.

Please see Stanford University’s Disability Language Guide.
Please see Buzzfeed’s guidance on 8 Ways To Be An Ally To The Disability Community.
Please see the CDC’s guidance on how to Become a Disability A.L.L.Y. in Your Community and Promote Inclusion for All.

Does GSSN welcome LGBTQIA+ identified youth and families? toggle arrow

Yes! GSSN welcomes and celebrates young people and adults who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Agender, Two-Spirited, and more (LGBTQIA+).

A person’s gender identity (how they express and identify) and sexual orientation (who they love) are two different things and are never up for debate. This means we never force anyone to disclose or discuss these parts of their identity. At the same time, we make room for children, adults and families to have the choice and opportunity to share their full selves with pride. LGBTQIA+ identified youth in our programs are to receive equal access and opportunity to participate in every way without being stigmatized or othered.

In the event that a Girl Scout does not feel included in their troop, the Girl Scout’s parent or caregiver should reach out to a GSSN staff member. GSSN staff will work with the Girl Scout and family to find a troop that welcomes and celebrates their identity, or they may choose to continue to participate in Girl Scouts as an Independently Registered Girl (IRG), also known as a “Juliette”.

Please see Human Rights Campaign’s Direct Online and Phone Support Services for LGBTQ Youth.

Does Girl Scouts welcome trans-identified youth? toggle arrow

Yes! GSSN is proactively working towards understanding and educating ourselves on how to be good allies for our trans-identified Girl Scouts. We welcome transgender youth who are active Girl Scouts to participate in all program activities, including overnight camps/trips. Please consider the following when planning an inclusive environment for transgender Girl Scouts:

Physical and emotional safety is a top priority for overnight camps/trips, and we are committed to never using safety as a reason to harm, police, or “out” a transgender person’s identity.
For sleeping arrangements at Girl Scouts camp, transgender campers should sleep in the same cabin as their identified gender. If they are willing and open to discuss, it is okay to ask if they have specific privacy needs (use of restrooms, changing room, etc.). Be willing to accommodate requests if possible, and be honest if accommodations are not possible.

If the transgender camper is willing and open about their identity, it is okay to ask them questions about how the staff/troop can be more inclusive while they are participating at camp or the overnight trip.
It is never okay to ask invasive or personal questions about any camper or volunteer’s gender identity (what their name was at birth unless it is absolutely necessary for legal paperwork, what gender they were assigned to at birth, about their transition or surgeries, or about their personal relationships).
Always refer to the young person by their chosen, preferred name. This is respectful in any situation, regardless of how the young person identifies.

Does GSSN offer Financial Assistance? toggle arrow

GSSN welcomes youth and volunteer members in any financial situation.

GSSN is committed to helping all girls and volunteers participate in Girl Scouting. We offer financial assistance to new and existing members. Financial aid can help cover the cost of membership, uniforms, and Girl Scout events.

Learn more about Financial aid and how to apply.