side menu icon

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts has carried forward the legacy of openness, inclusion and unity that Juliette Gordon Low established in 1912. Equity, diversity and inclusion are core values of Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington, and we recognize that a commitment to these values is a living commitment that requires attention, reflection and continual action. That's why, since 2015, GSOSW's board of directors and staff have been engaged in equity learning and efforts to make our programs more welcoming and accessible to all girls.

 

Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington Equity Statement

Each year, thousands of girls in Oregon and Southwest Washington discover new experiences, build friendships and grow as leaders through Girl Scouting. Even so, thousands more do not know or feel that Girl Scouting is for them.

Girl Scouts exists to help girls thrive. When girls lead, our families are stronger, our communities are stronger, and as an organization we are stronger. We are committed to offering a safe, inclusive, welcoming place for all girls and their families. We want all girls to know that Girl Scouts is an opportunity available for them, and feel welcome as members.

Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington will identify the barriers we have created or allowed to limit this opportunity. We are committed to understanding how these barriers have impacted girls of different races, religions, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, immigration statuses, sexual orientations, abilities, gender identities, geographic locations, and those impacted by other forms of bias and oppression. We must eliminate these barriers, responsively change our culture and practices, and actively embrace inclusion as an approach and an attitude. We will be allies and not bystanders in the face of discrimination or bigotry.

We commit to the ongoing accountability, transparency and organizational changes this work will require. We make this commitment to ensure that our mission - Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place – truly includes all girls. We will continually work to be an organization where all girls feel welcome, represented and empowered as they discover, connect and take action in their world.

Milestones

Equity Lens
GSOSW's Equity Lens is a set of questions designed to guide decision making at every level of the organization. 

Equity Team and Committees
GSOSW's Equity Team is comprised of staff members from a variety of backgrounds, life experiences and Girl Scout perspectives. The Equity Team meets twice per month to support ongoing organizational learning and advance GSOSW's equity, diversity and inclusion goals. Committees, focusing on specific areas such as service delivery and human resources, meet monthly (or more frequently) to take in-depth action in support of the council's larger equity goals.

How You Can Make a Difference

Start a Girl Scout Troop!
Caring, supportive adults help girls tap into their potential. All girls deserve this opportunity, and you can make it possible as a Girl Scout troop leader! As you can see in the video above, Girl Scouting is for every girl. Girl Scout troops are a place where girls can shine just as they are, celebrating what makes them unique and what connects them. Learn more and become a Girl Scout troop leader today!