| Dear Girl Scout Members, Girl Scouts of Western New York is an organization that values inclusivity and diversity, and we stand firmly and strongly against racism in any form. Our community is reeling and we are heartbroken over the unconscionable murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, among others. In times of injustice in our community we cannot remain silent. As an organization which stands up for girls’ potential, we stand firmly against forces which harm girls’ potential. We vehemently oppose racism, and we stand with our staff, volunteers, girls, and families of the black community and with all of our members of color who disproportionately experience the insidious violence of racist, demeaning, and hateful comments, taunts, and acts. For more than 100 years, we have prepared girls to be leaders in our world, to speak up, speak out, and take action for fairness, equality, civility, and compassion for all people, and to arm them with the courage, confidence, and character they need to make our world a better place. Girl Scouts will always stand for justice, for respect, and for the inherent value and worth of each individual who makes up the beautiful and richly diverse tapestry of the United States. Shortly before the COVID-19 shutdown, GSWNY started a staff Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee to help further the conversation and actions needed to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion at GSWNY and will soon provide members of our membership with the opportunity to be part of this committee. In addition, be on the lookout for the upcoming release of GSUSA’s Raising Awesome Girls tool kit on how to have conversations with girls about diversity, equity, and inclusion and we will continue to provide resources when available. At Girl Scouts, we seek to instill in girls the fundamental values of respect for all, inclusivity, equity, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s belief that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We must acknowledge these murders and racist behavior because as a community it is essential to call out violent and racist behavior to promote much needed change in our culture and society. Racism and hate have no place here. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Customer Care at email: customercare@gswny.org or call 1.888.837.6410. Yours in Girl Scouting, Alison Wilcox CEO, Girl Scouts of Western New York |
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GSWNY Blog 
I am requesting that anyone who attended the Bonfire Ceremony there at Windy Meadows held for Barry Goldwater in 1964 (?), check for photographs. Plz let me know if any are available and I can send payment for copies. Thank you very much ! Yours, Marie Connolly-Whitmore