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Girl Scouts stands against racism and pledges to work for a just society for all

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council will not tolerate racism in any form. We are committed to providing an anti-racist environment built through meaningful and lasting work in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

What do the terms in DEI mean? What do they mean in the context of Girl Scouting?

Diversity is about difference. A group has diversity when the people present (e.g., our organization’s girls, volunteers, staff) reflect differences across socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, physical ability, gender, sexual orientation, age, education, religion, political beliefs, and so on. Different groups reflect different forms and degrees of diversity.

Equity is about seeking to give everyone access to the same opportunities while acknowledging that we don’t all start from the same place. Through equitable practices, people are given the support they need to have an experience (e.g., participate in Girl Scouts). Tackling this part of the work requires that we understand the underlying causes of outcome disparities in society.

When inclusion is happening, people who are present feel a sense of belonging (e.g., have a voice, hold leadership positions, feel Girl Scouts is for them). In the words of inclusion strategist, social commentator, and author Verna Myers, “Diversity is being asked to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” While a truly inclusive group is necessarily diverse, a diverse group may or may not be inclusive.

For more information, please see our Volunteer Policies & Procedures

DEI Trefoil

Stand with us against racism.
Sign the pledge.

 

 

Learning Resources

 

Image of Naomi Gold Award Girl Scout
C3 Conversations

Hosted by Naomi, GSSGC's own Gold Award Girl Scout. C3 Conversations fosters conversations of courage, confidence, and character make the world a better place through a commitment to anti-racism. Subscribe to her Youtube Channel or join her Instagram for resources and important conversations.

Judith Batty Mashable
Girl Scouts launches major effort to become anti-racist

An Interview with Interim CEO Judith Batty


 

Resources
Books & Short Video Stories

Daisies & Brownies

We're Different, We're the Same, by Bobbie Kates

Sulwe, by Lupita Nyong'o

I Am Enough, by Grace Byers

The Day you Begin, by Jaqueline Wood

I Am Human, A Book of Empathy, by Susan Verde

All Are Welcome, Alexandra Penfold

Junior

All Are Welcome, Alexandra Penfold

Counting on Community, Innosanto Nagara

The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!, Carmen Agra Deedy

Something Happened in Our Town, Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard

Let's Talk About Race, Julius Lester

Cadettes

I Am Enough, by Grace Byers

This Book is Anit-racist, Tiffany Jewell

One Crazy Summer, Rita Williams-Garcia

New Kid, Jerry Craft

We Rise, We Resist, We Raiser Our Voices, Wade Hudson

Seniors & Ambassadors

The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas

White Fragility, Robin DiAngelo

Me and White Supremacy, Layla F. Saad

How to be an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi

New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, Michelle Alexander

Terminology

Anti-Racism - the policy or practice of opposing racism and promoting racial tolerance.

Culture - shared values, beliefs, customs, arts, etc. of a particular group, area, or time.

Discrimination - the practice of unfairly treating a person or group of people differently from other people or groups of people.

Diversity - having many different forms, types, ideas, etc.; having people who are of different cultures in a group or organization.

Equality - the condition or state of being the same in number, amount, degree, rank, or quality. Equality is achieved when people are treated the same, regardless or what they look like or where they come from.

Equity - fairness or justice in a way people are treated.

Ethnicity - belonging to a common group with shared heritage, often linked by race, nationality, culture and language.

Inclusion - including and accommodating people who may be excluded because of their background or ability; creating opportunities for everyone to be included.

Injustice - lack of fairness or justice; an unjust act or occurence.

Multiculturalism - including and appreciating many different cultures.

Prejudice - an unfair feeling of dislike for a person or group because of race, sex, religion, etc.

Race - a group that people can be defined by physical qualities (such as skin color), country of origin, or history.

Racism - poor treatment of or violence against people because of their race.

Social Justice - justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.

Traditions - a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time.