As many of you may be aware by now, local and national media ran a story last night about an Indiana lawmaker who will not support the 100th anniversary resolution in Congress because Girl Scouts is a radical organization that sexualizes young girls. This story mentions several issues considered to be sensitive by the Girl Scouts. If you have any questions, please contact Hilary Perry, Director of Communications & Advocacy. Frequently Asked Questions on Sensitive Issues
What is GSUSA’s position regarding human sexuality, birth control and abortion?
Girl Scouts of the USA does not take a position or develop materials on these issues. We feel our role is to help girls develop self-confidence and good decision-making skills that will help them make wise choices in all areas of their lives.
Parents or guardians make all decisions regarding program participation that may be of a sensitive nature. Consistent with that belief, GSUSA directs councils, including volunteer leaders, to get written parental permission for any locally planned program that could be considered sensitive.
What is GSUSA’s and GSNCA’s stance on serving transgender youth?
It’s important to remember that councils are separate organizations with separate bylaws, and different ways of conducting business in accordance with their state laws. Our business is not the same as Colorado, New York or other areas of the country. What happens in other areas of the country does not direct GSNCA’s focus.
Girl Scouts of the USA Statement on Transgender Youth -Girl Scouts of the USA is an inclusive organization, and we welcome all girls in kindergarten through 12th grade as members.Acceptance of transgender youth is handled on a case-by-case basis, with the welfare and best interests of the child in question as a top priority.
Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama Statement on Transgender Youth - Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama has not dealt with this type of membership request. However, GSNCA remains an organization for girls only, and we will continue to serve all girls in kindergarten through
12th grade.
Does GSUSA or GSNCA have a relationship with Planned Parenthood?
No. Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama do not have a relationship or partnership with Planned Parenthood, nor does either organization plan to have one. Girl Scouts does not take a position on abortion or birth control.
It should also be noted that not having a relationship with Planned Parenthood includes not having a financial relationship. - They do not give Girl Scouts money, and Girl Scouts does not give them money.
- In fact, GSNCA has gift acceptance policies which state we have the right to refuse funds from organizations that do not enhance, promote and ensure the purpose of Girl Scouting. Planned Parenthood would fall under this category.
Does Girl Scouting support families of faith?
Yes. Girl Scouting supports girls from all backgrounds and beliefs. While we are a secular organization that refrains from teaching religious or spiritual beliefs or practices, we believe that the motivating force in Girl Scouting is a spiritual one, and we greatly value our longstanding partnerships with religious organizations across many faiths that share the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
We encourage girls to develop connections to their own spiritual and religious beliefs by earning recognitions provided by their faith communities and by earning the new My Promise, My Faith pin, which helps a girl deepen the connection between the Girl Scout Law and her faith. We support the right of faith leaders to verify that programs delivered to girls in their places of worship is consistent with their faith’s teachings.
What is GSUSA’s relationship with the First Lady?
It’s important to note that every First Lady since Lou Henry Hoover in 1929 has been a national president of the Girl Scouts. It is an honor reserved for the First Ladies of the United States regardless of their political affiliation. |
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