DEIRJ: Embracing Our Differences
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Racial Justice (DEIRJ) are core values of Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia and align with Girl Scouts Constitution, codifying a guiding principle to be an inclusive, anti-racist organization where all members feel welcome, respected, and empowered.
Girl Scouts advance diversity, pluralism, and anti-racism and actively identify and oppose racism by removing systemic barriers to participation in our Movement and in the communities in which we live. We aim to empower every Girl Scout to make the world a better place. We value diversity in all its forms and are committed to creating an environment where all girls have the opportunity to participate in our Movement, one that encourages them to overcome barriers and become leaders in their community and the world.
All GSCV staff, volunteers, and members are expected to think, speak, and act in ways that ensure all people feel they belong and can meaningfully participate in all aspects of Girl Scouting.
Celebrate Diversity
The Girl Scout Multicultural Community Celebration patch was designed to celebrate the countless contributions that diverse communities have made and continue to make in the United States. Girl Scouts of all levels and their leaders have plenty of activities to choose from to earn each segment of this fun patch. We encourage girls from all ethnic backgrounds to participate, they are sure to learn interesting new things.
Black History Month (February)
Learn more about the history and culture of African American people, and pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who faced adversity in achieving full citizenship in American society. We’ve got plenty of activities for you to choose from as you join the Black History Month celebration. You’ll discover and learn your way to earning a fun patch !
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May)
This fun patch is designed for Girl Scouts of all levels and their
leaders, to celebrate the cultural richness of all people in the U.S.
whose ancestors came from the Pacific Islands or the Asian diaspora, and
to acknowledge the many contributions of the AANHPI community to our
nation. Girls and leaders have plenty of activities to choose from to earn
this fun patch
, and we encourage girls from all ethnic backgrounds to participate.
LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June)
The Girl Scout LGBTQ+ Pride Month Celebration Fun Patch is designed for
Girl Scouts of all levels and their leaders to honor LGBTQ+ history, to
celebrate the diverse cultures and identities of LGBTQ+ people, and to
acknowledge the many contributions of the LGBTQ+ community has made and
continues to make across our nation. Girls and leaders have plenty of
activities to choose from to earn
this fun patch
, and we encourage girls of all identities to participate.
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15)
The United States is home to about 60 million Latino and Hispanic
people. That's a lot of culture (and people) to celebrate! You can
celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your family and friends by
recognizing all the histories, cultures, and contributions that Hispanic
and Latino people have made. Take this opportunity to learn more about
the 21 Spanish-speaking countries and territories’ cultures honored
during these four weeks. And with plenty of activities to choose from,
the discovery and fun are endless. Get the Hispanic
Heritage Month Patch
!
Native American Heritage Month (November)
The United States has 574 federally recognized Indian Nations (variously
called tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities, and native
villages). You can celebrate Native American Heritage Month by
recognizing with your family and friends the histories, cultures, and
contributions of the Native American communities that were the first
inhabitants in the United States. Take this opportunity to learn more
about the cultures of the Indian Nations in your state and across the
country. We’ve got plenty of activities to choose from, so you can make
new discoveries and have tons of fun while earning
your patch
!
