Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) is proud to unveil ways for everyone, not just girls or Girl Scouts, to develop an appreciation for the rich diversity of various cultures in their community and around the world.
GSCO is partnering with Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Mountain College, Denver Public Schools, and Denver7 on new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming, adapted from a program developed by our Girl Scout sisters in Minneapolis. The programming is designed to help participants start the conversation about race and racism by learning to appreciate diversity and honor and celebrate differences. In addition, our “Conversation Starters: Let’s Talk Differences” virtual roundtables will give families the tools they need to begin talking about issues related to race and racism. Both parents and children will deepen their understanding and respect for people who may be different from them and learn how to better relate to others.
Experts from GSCO, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Colorado Mountain College will answer questions about these important topics, with Anne Trujillo from Denver7 moderating the discussion. There will be two Conversation Starters, one for parents and caregivers on July 30 about how to talk with children about differences, race, and racism; the other on August 13 is specifically designed to answer questions on these topics directly from children. Questions can be submitted in advance here.
Everyone who completes the activities as part of GSCO’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming will earn the “Diverse. Inclusive. Together.” patch. This program is designed for everyone, including families, communities, schools, and religious groups. The developmentally appropriate activities ease the way to having meaningful conversations with youth starting at kindergarten through 12th grade. The programming includes hands-on activities, reflective writing, discussions on understanding, and more. All programming is also available in Spanish, thanks to translation services from Denver Public Schools. For a comprehensive list of activities for each age level, visit the Girl Scouts of Colorado website or contact Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper. Also, because not everyone who will complete these activities has a Girl Scout vest or sash, we have created a digital patch that can be proudly displayed on social media to show the recipient’s commitment to appreciating, understanding, and respecting people of all races and cultures.
“The Girl Scout Movement has been about social justice, equity, and inclusivity from its very beginning, and part of the Girl Scout mission is to make the world a better place,” said Chief Executive Officer Leanna Clark. “As an organization, Girl Scouts of Colorado is recommitting to that mission. That’s why we’re opening up this programming beyond girls and beyond our Girl Scout community to make it available to as many people as possible. We hope families will take part together to deepen their understanding of themselves and others.”
Diversity and inclusion have been core values of Girl Scouts since its founding in 1912. Girl Scouts prepares girls to lead, to speak up and speak out, and to take action for change, fairness, equality, civility, and compassion for all people, and to arm them with the courage, confidence, and character they need to make our world a better place. Girl Scouts will always stand for justice, for respect, and for the inherent value and worth of each individual who makes up the beautiful and richly diverse tapestry of the United States.
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