Advocating for Girls
The Girl Scouts Public Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., builds relationships with
members of Congress, White House officials, and other federal departments and agencies, continuously
informing and educating them about issues important to girls and Girl Scouting. The office also
supports Girl Scout councils, at the state and local levels, as they build capacity to be the voice for girls.
These advocacy efforts help demonstrate to lawmakers that Girl Scouts is a resource and an authority
on issues affecting girls. Visit the Advocacy office at girlscouts.org/who_we_are/advocacy.
Using “I” Statements
Perhaps the most important tip for communicating with parents/guardians is for you to use “I”
statements instead of “you” statements. “I” statements, which are detailed in the aMAZE Journey for Girl
Scout Cadettes, tell someone what you need from her or him, while “you” statements may make the
person feel defensive.
Here are some examples of “you” statements:
● “Your daughter just isn’t responsible.”
● “You’re not doing your share.”
Now look at “I” statements:
● “I’d like to help your daughter learn to take more responsibility.”
● “I’d really appreciate your help with registration.”
If you need help with specific scenarios involving parents/guardians, try the following:
If a Parent or Guardian . . . You Can Say . . .
Is uninvolved and asks how she can help but
seems to have no idea of how to follow through or
take leadership of even the smallest activity, “I do need your help. Here are some written
guidelines on how to prepare for our camping
trip.”
Constantly talks about all the ways you could
make the group better, “I need your leadership. Project ideas you would
like to develop and lead can fit in well with our
plan. Please put your ideas in writing, and perhaps
I can help you carry them out.”
Tells you things like, “Denise’s mother is on
welfare, and Denise really doesn’t belong in this
group,” “I need your sensitivity. Girl Scouting is for all girls,
and by teaching your daughter to be sensitive to
others’ feelings you help teach the whole group
sensitivity.”
Shifts parental responsibilities to you and is so
busy with her own life that she allows no time to
help, “I love volunteering for Girl Scouts and want to
make a difference. If you could take a few
moments from your busy schedule to let me know
what you value about what we’re doing, I’d
appreciate it. It would keep me going for another
year.”