NCS 2023 Proposal: Constitutional Amendment – DEIRJ Language Proposal

SUBMITTED BY:

Girl Scouts of the USA National Board on recommendation of the DEIRJ Board Advisory Committee

STATEMENT OF PROPOSAL:

To amend the Preamble of the Constitution by inserting the words “and anti-racism” after the word “pluralism” in both places where that word occurs. If approved the text would read as follows:

DIVERSITY, PLURALISM AND ANTI-RACISM
Girl Scouts advance diversity, pluralism, and anti-racism in our Movement and in the communities in which we live.

This proposal amends the Preamble to our Constitution to emphasize our existing commitment to “diversity” and “pluralism,” as Girl Scout values. It underscores our dedication to the work of antiracism as a fundamental principle of the Girl Scout Movement and its sustainability.

Understanding that racism involves addressing institutional policies and practices of society that shape the cultural beliefs and values that directly and indirectly exclude communities based on race, the updated language will create a comprehensive approach to not just attract and include people of different backgrounds in our Movement (“diversity” and “pluralism”), but to actively work to dismantle the structures that preclude their full participation (“anti-racism”).

The amendment strengthens and updates the references to “diversity” and “pluralism,” while naming and reflecting the contemporary language, actions, and priorities of Girl Scouts to actively work in opposition of racist structures (“anti-racism”).

As we prepare to develop the leaders of tomorrow, our success will be determined by the ability to create pathways towards full inclusion and belonging across the Movement. Dedicating this line in our Constitution not only to reinforces our anti-racist values but signals our sustaining commitment to this work and paves the way for girls in all historically excluded communities to be a part of this Movement. As we know, the structural barriers created by racism are the foothold and foundation for societal effects experienced by other marginalized communities. Within those communities, race is one—in many cases the primary—factor, in determining how individuals are affected.

This amendment is urgent, timely, and important as it seeks to support the sustainability of decades long Movement-wide efforts made by our colleagues, volunteers, and Girl Scouts. In proposing this Constitutional amendment, it is the intent of the National Board to codify in governing documents our commitment to be an anti-racist organization. In our Anti-Racism Pledge, Girl Scouts of the USA has stated:

We will do our part to dismantle systemic racism. We recognize that this is far from easy or fast work, but we are Girl Scouts—we believe in sisterhood, justice, and fairness—so we are in it for the long haul.

GSG Note: Please see pg. 22 of the Early Alert for the background of this proposal.

FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT

While this proposal does not have an immediate financial impact, future decisions based on activating our Movement’s commitment to anti-racism may require financial investments that will be considered during the normal planning and budgeting processes.

WEBINAR RECORDING: