Girl Scouts is an organization committed to providing a safe space for young people while encouraging sampling, civil discourse, social-emotional growth, and grit, all to produce sensitive, successful change makers of the next generation. Yet Generation Z, current teens and young adults, is the most cynical generation of our lifetime according to The New York Times. Growing up in social turmoil--unrepentant mass shootings in schools, racially motivated violence, alarming climate change, a bungled response to global pandemic, unprecedented uncertainty--Gen Z’s disaffection for legacy institutions is justified. As Sofia Chang was welcomed as National CEO, she noted that “as Girl Scouts [enters] its 110th year of service, the mission to develop and create opportunities for all girls is more critical than ever.” If Girl Scouts wishes to “grow, become more inclusive, and positively impact the lives of all girls and young women,” then the Movement must take bold steps to modernize—beginning with our core values: the Promise and Law.
The proposed change to the Girl Scout Promise and Law is inspired by Troop 20923 when they learned of the teachings of Dr. Cindy Wahler, a psychologist and expert in human behavior. Dr. Wahler posits that individuals who use more potent, actionable language are more successful. In her lecture, Dr. Wahler points out that American women tend to diminish the power of their own communication through word choices like “It’s just my opinion, but…” Further, women’s habitual resistance to self-promote leads them to interject phrases like “I hope to…” or “I would like to…” as opposed to using declarative, deliberate language like “I will…” Individuals who use impactful language to clearly articulate ideas and goals are more likely to receive an interview, be promoted, and find success. Troop 20923 instinctively understood this, noticing that even in their fifth-grade class differences in behavior—and resulting outcomes—were a reflection of divergent communication styles. If the line between childhood self-identity and future ambition is clear, then Girl Scouts plays a key role in teaching one million of tomorrow’s leaders to express themselves with authority and assurance.
Girl Scouts’ recent rebrand is already demonstrating impactful communication principles: “To move our story forward, we use a voice that’s encouraging, emotive, thoughtful, inclusive, and bold. As Girl Scouts, we speak and show up distinctly.” Our brand tenets include being emotive and substantive, speaking thoughtfully but unreservedly, with bold determination. Removing “try” from the Promise and Law is all that is necessary to transform them into potent, motivating calls to action, fully embracing and internalizing Girl Scouts’ aspirational brand. Removing “try” signals Girl Scouts’ willingness to examine traditions, remaining faithful to customs that serve our members and doing away with those that are no longer relevant to this generation.
“Trying” remains the key inspiration for Girl Scout programming at all levels: exploring, experimenting, failing, innovating, growing. The Girl Scout Law, however, describes foundational behaviors—a moral compass—instilled into every member who promises to live by them. They are universal values, evolving over time, meant to affirm every Girl Scout’s potential and ambition regardless of culture, religion, or family history. There is no space for “trying” when it comes to morality or core values.
In the increasingly competitive youth development market, there is no space for disregarding the impact of today’s social chaos on our youth. Over the four years that Troop 20923 has been advocating for this change, they’ve discovered an increasing appetite for participating in traditions while adapting them for modern self-expression. A national survey following national delegates’ discussion of this topic during the 2020 National Council Session suggests a high tolerance for this change, and an agreement on its timeliness within the context of our current political and social climate.
Gen Z is a nuanced, politically motivated group, seething with moral passion and ready to create cultural transformation. Girl Scouts can lead the charge. Girl Scouts will lead the charge.
