At Girl Scouts, we've always believed in the power of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We strive to create an environment where every member feels valued and empowered to tap into their full potential. This is why we are grateful for the generosity of donors, like MacKenzie Scott, whose contributions accelerate our promise to create and uphold an inclusive community. One example of putting these gifts into action is the establishment of our new department dedicated to making Girl Scouts even more inclusive and accessible for ALL, supporting our camps, programs, financial assistance and more.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are not just buzzwords—they are the cornerstones of our Girl Scout community. We understand that our strength lies in our differences and that every youth and adult member deserves equal opportunities to succeed and thrive. By embracing DEIA principles, we can ensure that all young leaders who dream of becoming a Girl Scout have the chance to do so, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances.
The DEIA department, led by Monica Brile, will focus on several key areas to help us become a more inclusive and accessible organization:
Accessibility Initiatives: The DEIA Department is working to ensure that all our programs, resources, and events are accessible to Girl Scouts with diverse abilities. We'll invest in training and more resources to make Girl Scouts a welcoming place for everyone.
Training: To foster greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, our Council is developing resources including training and education on inclusion and disability awareness.
Community Outreach: We are expanding our outreach efforts across communities in our region, ensuring that joining Girl Scouts is offered to all families in every community. . This includes partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community centers.
Reduce Economic Barriers: Every girl should have the chance to be a part of our program. The generosity of our donors enhances our financial assistance program, designed to help registered Girl Scout youth and adult members participate in Girl Scout activities where financial considerations might otherwise hinder such participation.
Conflict Resolution: In response to challenges in fostering fair, equitable and inclusive interactions, we have established a program for escalation and mediation. Additionally, we are committed to delivering training and resources aimed at addressing root causes of conflict throughout our Council.
Feedback and Evaluation: We will actively seek feedback from our members, parents, and volunteers to ensure that our DEIA efforts are making a meaningful impact. Regular evaluations will help us fine-tune our strategies and initiatives and help us identify sustainable ways to maintain our progress along the way.
The official establishment of a DEIA department is a significant step toward strengthening our DEIA journey and we invite you to join us. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Girl Scout community in our region, where diversity is celebrated, equity is championed, inclusion is our norm, and accessibility is our promise.
