The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is taking a firm stance against racism, aiming to transform the organization into a bastion of anti-racism.
The term "anti-racism" extends beyond the simple absence of prejudice. It involves identifying individuals as either oppressors or victims, with the former category often being associated with Caucasians. Kimberl Crenshaw, a law professor at UCLA, defines anti-racism as:
Antiracism is the active dismantling of systems, privileges, and everyday practices that reinforce and normalize the contemporary dimensions of white dominance. This, of course, also involves a critical understanding of the history of whiteness in America.
The Girl Scouts, known for their activities such as mastering campcraft, making tie-dye shirts, first aid training, hosting charitable spaghetti dinners, and selling cookies, are now committed to challenging any form of white dominance within their ranks. As stated on their webpage on "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice":
Our commitment to antiracism:
Girl Scouts of the USA is working to become an antiracist organization.
Our antiracism pledge reflects who we are: an organization that is rooted in values set forth in our Girl Scout Law, including honesty, fairness, caring, courage, and respect for self and others. All of these are hallmarks of Girl Scouts broader commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice. ... [G]irl Scouts commits to taking action to support Black girls, their families, and their communities.
The organization's pledge includes the endorsement of the Black Lives Matter movement, with a commitment to effecting long overdue change in communities.
The Girl Scouts are also hosting a four-part DEI Racial Equity seminar, courtesy of The Equity Paradigm. The seminar is part of the organization's broader efforts to combat racism and promote diversity.
Beyond the Racial Equity workshop, the Girl Scouts of the USA offers a range of resources to help parents teach their children about racism. This includes advice on how to identify racism and bias, and how to promote diversity in their children's media consumption.
Across the country, Girl Scout councils are taking a stand. The Orange County, California council has endorsed the Black Lives Matter organization and encourages troops to donate cookie proceeds to the cause. The Eastern Massachusetts branch has declared its solidarity with protestors and denounced white supremacy. It also welcomes nonbinary youth and transgender boys, along with anyone who identifies as a girl. The Eastern Pennsylvania faction encourages participants to read Ibram X. Kendi's "Antiracist Baby" and the "1,000 Black Girl Books Resource Guide." The West Central Florida branch stands in solidarity with transgender girls.
In July, the 56th National Council Session (NCS) of the Girl Scouts approved a motion to add "antiracism" to the Preamble of the Girl Scouts Constitution, further solidifying its commitment to combating racism.
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