Working Together

Since the summer of 2021, GSNI has continued building on the momentum of our Appreciative Inquiry process by expanding our Action Teams and Task Forces. These collaborative groups—led by GSNI staff and supported by dedicated volunteers and older youth members of all gender identities—are actively working to grow our membership and strengthen a culture of belonging across the diverse communities we serve.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to reaching today’s youth and the next generation of members. We are creating inclusive and welcoming spaces where all young people—regardless of gender identity or expression—can thrive, while staying grounded in the core values and long-standing traditions that have shaped Girl Scouts for over a century. If a participant lives their life as a girl or feels connected to girlhood, they are welcome to be a Girl Scout.

The work of these teams is essential in ensuring that every member—current and future—feels seen, supported, and empowered to lead.

GSNI's Commitment to Inclusion:

A Place Where I Belong

A Place Where I Belong - Spanish

Multicultural & Religious Holidays Calendar

Belonging Team

The goal of GSNI’s Belonging team is to create an atmosphere of inclusivity, share resources with one another, and ensure GSNI is welcoming to any member who would like to join. Our Belonging team is actively seeking diverse members of the community who would be interested in sharing their voice to volunteer on our individual task forces.

These task forces work within recurring Belonging meetings to discuss improvements to council initiatives, plan and support inclusive opportunities, and increase overall belonging for Girl Scouts throughout northern Illinois. GSNI’s Belonging Task Forces include Engaging Black Families, Exceptional Children, Hispanic Engagement, LGBTQ+, and Native American.

All task forces will meet quarterly as a group to share updates, collaborate, and strengthen our collective efforts to support all Girl Scouts. Between quarterly meetings, individual task forces will meet to work on action items, continue discussions, and advance their specific goals. Participants are welcome to join more than one task force based on their interests and areas of focus.

Click on the link to sign up.

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Native American Task Force focus:

Ensure GSNI is honoring and not appropriating Native American culture
Form relationships with local Native American communities and agencies
Educate and inform Girl Scouts on Indigenous culture
Honor and disseminate GSNI’s Land Acknowledgement
Invite and create a welcoming environment for Indigenous families to join Girl Scouts

Native American Task Force flyer

LGBTQ+ Task Force toggle arrow

LGBTQ+ Task Force focus:

Create a welcoming community and safe place for all Girl Scouts where they experience a true sense of belonging
Provide education, resources, and training for troop volunteers to create an inclusive welcoming environment.
Represent our Girl Scout members as fierce allies and advocates in our communities
Make the world a better and safer place by overcoming barriers and becoming leaders in our community and world.

LGBTQ+ Task Force flyer

For more information on Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Girl Scouts visit www.girlscoutsni.org/diversity or download the PDF resource below:

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Girl Scouts resource

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Engaging Black Families Task Force focus:

Grow our adult membership among Black women so the girls can see themselves represented in leadership roles
Building awareness within the Black communities so adults see the value of Girl Scouts
Educating the Black community of the benefits/outcomes of actively participating in Girl Scouts
Increasing membership and engagement of girls in the Black communities within GSNI
Seeking diversity among our Board of Directors.

Engaging Black Families Task Force flyer

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Hispanic Engagement Task Force

Aumentar nuestra membresía adulta entre las mujeres hispanas/ latinas para que las niñas puedan verse representadas en roles de liderazgo / Grow our adult membership among Hispanic / Latina women so the girls can see themselves represented in leadership roles
Crear conciencia dentro de las comunidades de habla hispana para que los adultos vean el valor de las Girl Scouts / Building awareness within Spanish-speaking communities so adults see the value of Girl Scouts
Educar a la comunidad de habla hispana sobre los beneficios/ resultados de participar activamente en las Girl Scouts / Educating the Spanish-speaking community of benefits/outcomes of actively participating in Girl Scouts
Aumentar la membresía y la participación de las niñas en las comunidades hispanas/latinas dentro de GSNI / Increasing membership and engagement of girls in the Hispanic/Latina communities within GSNI
Reclutar diversidad en nuestro junta directiva / Seeking diversity among our Board of Directors

Hispanic Engagement Task Force flyer

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This group brings together families, caregivers, and community members to help ensure that Girl Scouts is welcoming and accessible for youth with disabilities and diverse needs.

Together, we aim to:

Share feedback on how policies and programs can better serve youth with disabilities.
Help families of youth with special needs have a voice in shaping a more inclusive Girl Scout experience.
Offer advice on topics related to participation, safety, and belonging for all members.
Raise awareness about needs that may be going unmet in our current programs or services.
Encourage collaboration with local organizations, school districts, and community groups to strengthen support for Girl Scouts of all abilities.

Exceptional Children Task Force Flyer

Council Finder

Action Teams & Task Force

Working Together

Belonging Team