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.
