Social Justice Seeker | Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

Although many of us are hesitant to discuss race, racism, and injustice, it is critical that we do so. Racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. are so embedded in our culture, our education system, and the media, that without conscious effort to unlearn these things, we will continue to internalize these beliefs. The racial equity and social justice challenge is designed to help you and your troop build a greater understanding of how racism impacts our daily lives and how we can work together to create a more equitable world.

What is the Social Justice Seeker Challenge?

Designed in partnership with the YWCA of Greater Cleveland and based on the YWCA’s 21 Day Challenge, the challenge is intentionally designed to take a few weeks to complete. The virtual challenge is hosted on the gsLearn platform and has four topic areas – Exploring Identity, Anti-Racism, STEM for Social Justice, and Leadership and Activism. Throughout the course, adult learners are presented with challenges such as reading an article, watching a video, participating in an interactive website, or reflecting on personal experience. Participation in the activity is designed to help discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact our community and to identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. Some of this content may feel a little uncomfortable — we ask that you approach each activity with an open heart and open mind.

How can I participate?

We know that people have different levels of comfort and knowledge when discussing and facilitating programs around social justice and racial equity. Volunteers can engage with the content in a way that’s most comfortable to them.

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Join us for a discussion circle. Discussion circles are small group of volunteers and consist of five meetings in weekly succession. We’ll explore each of the content areas (Exploring Identity, Anti-Racism, STEM for Social Justice, and Leadership and Activism) through a discussion-based format. During the final session, we’ll review some of the girl content, explore practical ways to engage with girls about social justice and racial equity, and discuss tips on how to facilitate the program with girls. To build a trusted environment for learning, volunteers should plan to attend every session and prepare for each session by reading the content ahead of time. These sessions are recommended for those who are newer to the social justice and racial equity scene as well as those who really want to challenge themselves to dive deeper into the content.

To sign up, visit our event calendar.

Complete the Social Justice Seeker Challenge on your own, with guidance on how to implement with girls. toggle arrow

We recognize that some of our volunteers are a little further along in their study of diversity, equity and inclusion, and racial justice. Perhaps you’ve taken the YWCA’s 21-day challenge and studied some of the concepts on your own but you’re a little nervous about leading activities and conversations with girls. This option allows you to take the Social Justice Seeker Challenge on your own and join us for a one-time session that explores practical ways to engage with girls about social justice and racial equity and discuss tips on how to facilitate the program with girls. Participants in this option should plan to complete the Social Justice Seeker Challenge before attending the session.

To sign up, visit our event calendar.

Complete the Social Justice Seeker Challenge and implement the activities with girls on your own. toggle arrow

We recognize that some of our volunteers are well versed in diversity, equity and inclusion, and racial justice. Perhaps you’ve taken the YWCA’s 21-day challenge or even led diversity programming yourself. Currently an option in pilot phase, a limited number of volunteers may choose to pursue the Social Justice Seeker Challenge and coordinating girl activities on their own.

To sign up, visit our event calendar.

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As adult volunteers complete sections of the challenge and gain a base of knowledge, a set of age-appropriate resources and activities for girls become available. The books, activities, and discussion prompts are curated to help volunteers lead crucial conversations with girls, engaging them in social justice to create a more equitable future. When possible, activities tie directly to current badge and Journey requirements.

Permission slips for girl participation and an overview of age level content can be found here: