Embracing Diversity: The Girl Scouts' 56th National Council Charts a Course for an Inclusive Future

One "Man Enough to be a Girl Scout" from the Northeast Texas council plays a key role in a national change.

August 14, 2023

Orlando, Florida, was alive with energy and enthusiasm last month, hosting over 8,000 delegates and members from every council nationwide for the 56th National Council Session (NCS) of the Girl Scouts. Fourteen delegates represented Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, many of whom participated in the virtual session in 2020 and were invited back for the in-person event. Their dedication was evident, with each delegate investing nearly 29 hours in preparation for this impactful meeting.

As the convention unfolded, delegates engaged in a spirited debate over seven core proposals that spanned two and a half intense days. Proposal Four, which focused on DEI&RJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice) language, took center stage. The proposal was to add "anti-racism" to the Preamble of the Girl Scouts Constitution, codifying the organization's guiding principle as an inclusive, anti-racist organization where all members feel welcome, respected, and empowered.

The proposed amendment would read: "Girl Scouts advance diversity, pluralism, and anti-racism and actively identify and oppose racism by removing systemic barriers to participation in our Movement and the communities in which we live." The updated 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”).

_{Matt Barnes calling the vote during the 2023 Girl Scout Convention, a pivotal moment leading to the DEI&RJ Language Proposal approval.}

Many councils, including GSNETX, have invested significant effort in promoting these principles. Still, many delegates felt that a national stance was essential. This discourse was marked by passionate yet respectful opinions on both sides, with girls' voices playing a leading role. The authenticity and preparedness of the young Girl Scouts were impressive.

When the session resumed, Matt Barnes, a GSNETX employee, volunteer, and dedicated Girl Scout's dad (his daughter Adriana was our top cookie-seller this year!), was first in line at the approval microphone. When at the mic, a delegate can call for a vote, make a statement in support or opposition, or make an amendment. Having met with Tiffany Washington, Vice President of DEI for GSUSA, and resource team members to discuss his participation, he called for a vote and concluded the discussion. The result was resounding approval of the new DEI&RJ language that moved many delegates to tears.

_{Delegates voted overwhelmingly in favor of a proposal to add "anti-racism" to the preamble of the Girl Scout Constitution.}

With his unwavering commitment, Matt Barnes is a testament to being "Man Enough to be a Girl Scout." His actions underscore our council's ongoing dedication to DEI&RJ work to ensure that girls, particularly those from historically excluded and marginalized communities, know they belong in our Movement.

"This was not a time I could idly sit back and be silent, said Matt. "This was a chance to stand up and be a part of shaping the history for our Movement." His words resonate deeply with the collective mission, exemplifying that silence is never an option when there's an opportunity to make a difference.

While Matt's duty to call the vote prevented him from reading his prepared speech on the national stage, it was shared during an all-staff meeting with GSNETX employees. His sentiments, however, deserve widespread recognition to reinforce the relevance of the Girl Scout community and the dedication of our volunteers:

I am a Black Father. I am a Cadette troop leader, service unit volunteer, camp director... all the things. I have a multi-background/multi-cultural troop. I'm also a council staff member whose job is to go into our Black and Brown communities, foster relationships, and help them establish successful troops.

I asked my daughter how she felt about this. She asked how Girl Scouts feel about showing they're anti-racist and what about those girls who aren't Girl Scouts. Do they know how we feel about being anti-racist and being for racial justice?

One girl in my service unit asked, "If this doesn't pass and we don't add this language, does this mean Girl Scouts doesn't care about racism and systematic barriers?" I think we do, and now let's prove it. Let's make that public declaration for everyone to see.

Yes, it's just a piece of paper, but so is the US Constitution. So is our membership card. Not only does this reaffirm that we are a sister to every Girl Scout and that we recognize each other's uniqueness and celebrate that uniqueness, but we will actively and proactively seek to break down any barriers that all girls will encounter.

Girl Scout volunteers are more than just helpers; they are architects of a brighter future and history makers in their own right. Their work today is empowering the female leaders of tomorrow and paving the way for a better, more compassionate world.