Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) 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.
Our Beliefs
GSSWT has a long and proud history of serving girls throughout the
region. Girl Scouts has a reputation of being the best leadership
development organization with an outstanding record of community
service and programs for girls. The organization is able to accomplish
this with the help of exceptional adult volunteers, alumnae,
supporters and friends. It is out of respect to the nearly 30,000
members in Southwest Texas that the record is set straight.
In some areas of the country, Girl Scout troops or groups may
choose to hold discussions about human sexuality and/or pregnancy
prevention and may choose to collaborate with a local organization
that specializes in these issues. Participation in these discussions
is optional, and parental consent must be provided prior to a girl’s
participation. However, please consider that the Southwest Texas
region has among the highest rates of teen pregnancy in the nation and
for girls in some communities, it would be appropriate for them to
receive pregnancy prevention education from a factual perspective in
Girl Scouts.
Girl Scouts of the USA is an organization
whose membership represents a cross-section of America. Girls and
families hold various religious beliefs and opinions on social issues
and practices. As a result, GSUSA does not have a position on specific
issues such as abortion and contraception. Rather, GSUSA
recognizes and supports the primacy of parents as they educate
their daughters with regard to human sexuality and pregnancy prevention.
This policy is not new. Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas
affirms that parents/guardians may be certain their daughters will not
be exposed to information on these topics that they don’t want them to
have, and it is unfair to expect an organization as large and diverse
as Girl Scouts to take on the role of parents and/or religious
organizations.
The mission of Girl Scouting is
to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the
world a better place, and the organization will never shy from
its duty or waver from its commitment to be an advocate for all girls.
Frequently Asked Questions: Social Issues
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What is GSUSA's position regarding human sexuality, birth control and abortion?
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Does GSUSA have a relationship with Planned Parenthood?
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Did GSUSA distribute a Planned Parenthood brochure at a United Nations event?
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Did GSUSA send a tweet in support of Texas State Senator Wendy Davis, suggesting she be considered for Woman of the Year?
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Why were Girl Scouts pictured in a photograph with State Sen. Wendy Davis in the San Antonio Express-News?
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Where exactly do proceeds from the Girl Scout Cookie Program go?
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What is Girl Scouts’ process for reviewing materials?
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What is Girl Scouts’ position on serving transgender youth?
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Does Girl Scouting support families of faith?
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What is GSUSA’s relationship with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)?
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Does GSUSA have a financial relationship with WAGGGS?
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Is any money from Girl Scout cookie activities used to pay the WAGGGS quota?
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Are girls individual members of WAGGGS?
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Do girls have to wear a WAGGGS pin?
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What corrective actions is GSUSA taking regarding palm oil, cacao beans and the production of Girl Scout Cookies?