Understanding Differences

The values and behaviors on any one group are only different, not superior, to those of any other group of people. Remember this is a sensitive issue and discussions on this subject can be uncomfortable. When you’re a G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) you do great things. You believe in taking action and in righting the wrongs, you see.

In this Patch Program, you will Discover words you may not be familiar with, you will Connect with different cultures and races and Take Action to not just be a bystander.

To earn the patch: Daisies/Brownies must do two activities from each section. Juniors must do one activity from each section plus one additional activity. Cadette/Seniors/Ambassadors must do one activity from each section plus two additional activities of your choice.

Discover

Look up the definition of racism, diversity, pluralism, inclusion, and xenophobia? And create a chart with words that are synonyms?
What is institutional racism? What is societal racism? Is there a difference?
Create a “Word Cloud” using words that describe race.
Discover the history of another culture or race and share what you have learned?
Research current issues, and discover how/if racism has changed through the decade, century?
The Most Beautiful Orange: (Materials: orange markers, stickers, towel or cloth, bowl or plate) Have an orange for each girl or family member. Give the girls markers or stickers to decorate their oranges. Tell the girls you will be having a contest to choose the most beautiful orange. When the oranges are decorated, place them in a bowl and send them to the judges. Tell the girls that the judges could not decide so have them to describe their individual orange and then have all the girls to unpeel their oranges. Once the girls unpeel their orange, explain that what matters is not on the outside, that inside we are all the same with the same feelings, same needs.

Connect

Explore a famous female civil rights leader and read about her. What do you have in common with her?
Virtually visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African Museum and listen to virtual musical performances, or listen to scholars speak, or listen to conversations that drive change. Or when it is safe to do so visit it in person.
Talk to a person from outside of your troop about a different race or culture and ask them how they celebrate holidays? What traditions are important to them? What are their feelings? What would they want you to know about their race?
Research another culture or race to find out differences. Or visit an ethnic or multicultural grocery store or bakery and sample foods you have never tried.
Make a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Collage.
Explore inclusion and diversity by playing the Tight Hands Game. With a group hold hands with other and make a circle. Have a few people be “outsiders.” The outsiders must try to get into the circle through spaces between people, while everyone else tries to keep them out— no pushing or shoving allowed. When the outsiders get into the circle, choose someone new to be “outsiders” until everyone has had a chance. Discuss how it feels to be an outsider.

Take Action

Go through each of the ten parts of the Girl Scout law and assign yourself an action item on ways to promote diversity and inclusion. Talk about what inclusion means. Focus on the last lime of the Law and talk about what it really means to be a sister to fellow Girl Scouts.
Create a poster of to show support of another culture or race and display it in your window or share with others in another way. Try not to use caricatures or stereotypical images that could be hurtful.
Create a puppet show showing cultural acceptance.
Write a letter to your elected representatives urging them to support anti-racist policies.
Make a short video of the importance of understanding different races than your own. Share your video with your family, friends or troop.
Stand up for someone is being bullied, or profiled. Be their friend and get to know them and their feelings.
Attend a peaceful protest or rally in your community.

Resources for you and your family:

The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s “Talking About Race” resources for parents and caregivers.

The Conscious Kid

Embrace Race

Tips for civic engagement and taking action through the G.I.R.L Agenda

Additional tips from Raising Awesome Girls on how to talk to her when she encounters violence on the news and social media.

Talking to Kids About Racism in the Media: