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Promoting Pluralism in Girl Scout Activities
Girl Scouts is open to all girls who want to be members and who agree to accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law. A girl will not be denied admission or access to Girl Scout program because of race, color, ethnicity, creed, national origin, socioeconomic status, or disability. Reasonable accommodations will be made for girls with disabilities to ensure that girls have access to activities. Girl Scouts strives to be inclusive. Here are two terms that show how Girl Scouting is for every girl, everywhere:
Pluralism is a term we use in Girl Scouts to refer to how we treat people; in other words, it is what we do to make people feel welcome in Girl Scouting. It allows for the development of a common tradition, while preserving the right of each group to maintain its cultural heritage.
Diversity relates to what makes a person unique or special -- that makes her or him different from anyone else on earth. Examples of diversity that might be found in any group include race, ethnicity, cultural identity, experiences, education, religion, age, gender, ability, skills, lifestyle, income, and family.
Check each example below to see suggestions on how to be more inclusive.
| Situation | Suggestion |
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| Troop meeting is on Friday night. There are several young Jewish families in your area. | Survey the girls and their families to find the best meeting times. Meet on days that are free of religious observances. |
| The troop sponsors "Mom/Dad and Me" events. | Some girls may have a significant adult who is not their parent. Design and name events so they can bring the adult they choose. |
| Girls are expected to wear uniforms and have their own handbooks. | Although Girl Scouting does have uniforms, girls are not required to wear one to be a member. Financial assistance is available. |
| Girls must pay all troop dues for the year at the first meeting. | Paying troop dues at one time may be a burden for some families. It also does not teach the girls planning and budgeting. Have the girls pay dues at each meeting. |
| Girls must attend all meetings to take part in special events. | Help girls with busy schedules feel a part of the group. Encourage them to participate as much as possible. Be flexible and allow them to work on activities individually. |
| Girls pay their own way for high-cost activities. | Try to keep cost for activities low. Plan ahead and raise funds through council-sponsored product sales when money is needed for special events. |
| The troop wants to sing Christmas carols at a nursing home. | Suggest they sing winter songs or wait until Valentine's Day and sing love songs to accommodate girls who aren't Christian. |
| Girls don't fit in because of differences of race, weight, health, clothing, schools, etc. | Be sensitive to the differences that make a girl not fit in, and help the whole troop to celebrate their individuality and similarities. Talk about not just looking at the cover. |
| Crafts are the only activity done during the year. | Remember girls need to be exposed to a wide variety of experiences to develop the four Program Goals. |
| The troop or group meets in a church meeting hall. | Check with parents/guardians to confirm a meeting site that is acceptable to all. |
| Girls take turn bringing treats to each meeting. | Help adults plan healthy treats for all girls. Provide a guideline of foods to avoid because of allergies or religious practice. |
| A girl with a disability joins your troop. | Examine your activities to accommodate girls with disabilities so all can take part and have fun. |
Here are ways you can make every girl in your troop or group feel that she belongs:
- Help the girls to appreciate each other as special and unique individuals.
- Use the Girl Scout Promise and Law to guide behavior.
- Help the girls to be sensitive to others' needs when planning troop or group activities and events.
Let's Review:
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