Editor's Note

Since HonestGirlScouts.com went "live" in March 2011, we have had a number of people write in relating their experiences with Girl Scouts; what they loved about scouting, what they want for their children, what they find troubling. We have also been challenged by others to justify our statements which have compelled us to respond with additional sources.

The letters selected below are presented with either permission to include their initials and state or are made anonymous to protect their families. --Susan Riedley, Editor

LETTERS SUPPORTING HonestGirlScouts.com

DISILLUSIONED BY GSUSA STAFF... THEN CURRICULUM:

"How sad to read all of your evidence of the connection of the Girl Scouts of the USA and Planned Parenthood! My first job out of college was working for a Girl Scout Council in New York as their program director. Up until taking the position I loved my life experiences as a Girl Scout in Ohio from Brownies through Seniors. I earned my First Class award, participated in three Wider Opportunities. I loved Girl Scouts so much that I volunteered at the council office in my high school years. When I decided to go to college, I knew I wanted to study education not to be a teacher but to become a professional Girl Scout.

And so it was with this determination that upon graduating from college, I landed a job as the Program Administrator at the age of 21. Within three months of joining the council, I was promoted to Program Director after the director had resigned. Up until this point I lived a very sheltered life and was raised in a strong Christian home. I became [disillusioned] very quickly with the amount of women working in the council office who were lesbians. The environment became very hostile and I left after 18 months of employment.

My oldest daughter became a Girl Scout as a Daisy and this past year as an eighth grader she decided to quit. I supported her leaving not because of the experience she was having [she had two amazing conservative leaders all of those years], but because of what I was seeing come out in the curriculum. I have a second young daughter who we have no plans of signing up in scouting." -- May 2011, A.S., Florida

TAKING HALF THE SERVICE UNIT:

"I love the money flow chart! Our numbers in [New York] are even worse for the troop as we only earn [40 cents] a box at $4.00 / box. When people ask for the break down, we tell them… all those who ask are appalled.

Does anyone get help from their council? We get next to nothing from our [Service Unit] and Council… nothing more than a difficult time. This organization has to change.

I'm leaving Girl Scouts after many years as a leader and [Service Unit] officer. We already sold... cases of cookies for the "machine". They will feel it next year as the cookie sales numbers have decreased every year for at least the last three years that I've lived in NY.

We are off to American Heritage Girls! What the GS used to be and what Juliette Low intended! I am taking [more] troops with me… over half the [Service Unit]… will they ask why? No way! They do not want to hear anything… and if you speak up, you will be crucified by this group! I was called in to the Council to endure a reprimand for speaking out and bringing issues like these to light. I fully plan to be "fired" as a volunteer this week. This is their [modus] operandi…and they wonder why they cannot recruit leaders? WOW! It is a very sad state of affairs!

I will not allow a penny any longer given to GSUSA to support their militant pro-abortion agenda! Running, not walking away from this organization with their anti-Catholic agenda! Have your read "Simply Maria?" A play included as part of a Journey. You must check it out… undermining the family and all things that my faith stands for… unacceptable!" -- April 2011, A.D., New York

BLOWN OFF BY GSUSA, FOUND AHG:

"...I was a Girl Scout for over 10 years as a girl, and loved being a GS leader for my daughter for 3 years. I wish I had known about this website last year when I first started learning about GS' ties with Planned Parenthood last year. It is a wonderful site that contains all the individual information I spent hours hunting for. Thank you so much for speaking the truth so well and for taking a stand for what is right.

In my Service Area, I contacted my SU leader and was blown off, and contacted the National Office and was shocked by the incredible lack of response I received when I tried to get direct answers. Then when the National office came out with their printed statement regarding the CSW incident, what they left out spoke louder than what they said.

I wish I had known there were other Scout leaders who felt the same way as I did at the time. I had to go with my conscience and stop contributing my money to the GS organization, so I along with two other moms quit and started an American Heritage Girls troop at our parish. I must say how refreshing it is to be able to stand up for my faith as part of being a leader rather than feel like I have to make excuses for it.

I will keep you in my prayers as you continue to fight this uphill battle. Please know that there are so many of us who agree with you, even if the executives in NY do not. I believe the values you are fighting for are much more in line with what Julliette Low intended when she founded this wonderful organization." -- April 2011, S.B, Maryland

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LETTERS DISAGREEING with WEBSITE INFORMATION:

FROM AN "EDUCATOR"

This letter, with our response, is presented because the jargon definitions in the sidebar (to the right) have been called into question. The original letter we received is in bold type.

Dear [name withheld],

Thank you for writing to HonestGirlScouts.com. You are right to be irritated by the information we present. We at HonestGirlScouts.com take no pleasure in disclosing what we know and will continue to build our website to include many of your concerns. We have taken the time to answer each point in your letter, so please see below.

HonestGirlScouts.com believes the role of Girl Scouts should be about helping girls; not politics, not explicit sex-ed, not agendas, not funneling money to WAGGGS, not forked-tongue deception. If you have facts with sources that negate any of the information we present, please submit them. Alll submissions are given a fair review and can cause us to make changes on the website.

For example, Sandy Thomas of GSUSA wrote in to tell us we had her title listed incorrectly and that each Girl Scout membership registration does not have the fee paid to WAGGGS taken directly from each $12/member submitted each year. Instead, every girl, leader, co-leader and other registered adult triggers a "quota" that requires payment from the general fund to be paid to WAGGGS for their "assocation" with it. That was $1.4 million in 2009, funded by cookie licensing fees, uniforms, books, badges, fun patches, jewelry and donations. We have made that correction on the website.

As you stated, Girl Scouts should learn about what they share. In our case, we are sharing what we have learned. We hope you will do the same and join us in our quest to return Girl Scouting to a safe place where girls can grow into confident people without supporting adults' agendas. Our contention is that GSUSA has proven it is incapable of neutrality, therefore sex education should be removed from its permission and curricula. This position, we believe, is the most fair and neutral for all parties. If you were a leader, you know full well that there is a Zero Tolerance policy for alcohol use before and during any Girl Scout event. We believe promoting explicit sex to children is just as dangerous to a young girl's mental and physical well-being, as ultimately, more than one life can be at stake. HonestGirlScouts.com is looking for consistency in policy and a separation from WAGGGS.

Honestly,
Susan Riedley
Editor, HonestGirlScouts.com and current Girl Scout leader of 7 years
honestgirlscouts@gmail.com
"...to be honest and fair... and be a sister to every Girl Scout." --excerpted from "The Girl Scout Law"

On May 24, 2011, at 9:17 PM, [anonymous] wrote:

Dear "Honest" Girl Scouts,

Having read an article about your organization I decided to look at your website for myself. I am interested to find your use of the word "Honest" given the extravagant use of straw man reasoning employed on your sidebar.

1. You imply that "Young People" as defined by Planned Parenthood and the United Nations would allow a pre-pubescent child and a full-grown adult with legal access to alcohol and pornography. This is, of course, nonsense. How the use of "young people" is used in organization [sic] materials does not in itself constitute a definition.

There is no implication, it is a fact. We agree that this concept being promoted by IPPF-WHO-WAGGGS is "nonsense." It is on the IPPF website:

http://www.ippf.org/en/What-we-do/Adolescents/FAQs+on+young+people+their+sexuality+and+their+rights.htm

"What do we mean by 'young people'? IPPF defines young people as all people between 10 and 24 years of age. This is the same definition used by the World Health Organization. IPPF recognizes that young people are very diverse and strives to deliver services and programmes that reflect and respect their diversity."

HonestGirlScouts.com finds this extremely disturbing, as they are basically defining a generation as occuring every 10 years. That means, within their defined age range of 10-24, you can have a parent-child combination (parent 21, child 10) having sexual relationships within the same circles.

These organizations certainly do not promote the use of alcohol and pornography for pre-pubescent children nor adults for that matter.

Common sense tells us that since it is legal for 21-year-olds to possess pornography, it is ludicrous to treat someone of that age within the same context as a 10-year-old. That said, it is naive to think a 21-year-old would refrain from using pornography in a sexual relationship with a minor. In the IPPF publication, "Happy, Healthy and Hot," Page 11 (within the red box), they most certainly give a nod to alcohol and drug use:

This is such a far fetched used [sic] of some statement from some source out of context that your website is immediately discredited.

Please present factual sources that the information presented is incorrect and we will change it on our website. Until then, we think citing original documents from their own sources is very credible.

2. "Accessible" does not mean without parental knowledge or consent. Nor does it mean abortion necessarily. "Accessible" means available to urban and rural; rich or poor; single or married; desperate or secure. Accessibility is dependent upon state laws. Again, your implications make broad sweeping generalizations.

To IPPF-WHO-WAGGGS, "accessible" includes minors sneaking around parental knowledge and consent for "good" services (medical examinations, contraceptive drugs, abortions). Again, from "Healthy, Happy & Hot":

3. "Comprehensive" "Informative" "Fact-based" "Good" Sex Education does not mean every act or topic nor does it mean to children of any age. Again, this is entirely misleading and shows a complete misrepresentation of curricula throughout the nation.

In 1994, when the "Sexuality & You" overnight camp for 4th-8th Graders in Ohio was discovered playing a game in which the words, "zoophilic," "sadist," "masochist," "voyeur," and "whore" were taped to girls' backs so they could define them, GSUSA had an opportunity to step up and object to such sordid and deviant-sex-promoting material. Instead, it kicked the whistleblowing mom out of Girl Scouts and hushed the whole thing up. There has been a history of cover-up and even more events that offer "factual" sex education (see the History Timeline on HonestGirlScouts.com "DISCOVER"), because to GSUSA's liberal executives, as long as it is "true," it is up for discussion. This is why HonestGirlScouts.com exists. We want all sex education removed from GSUSA's permission and curricula and a separation from WAGGGS, the most active participant in "comprehensive," explicit sex ed.

4. "Inclusive" = gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender. You're right. It also means religious minorities, racial minorities, and in some communities, political minorities. From the polls in America, I'd say you're in a minority about the "gay" issue. Youth in America are not as narrow as the authors of this website. It might be time to follow the teachings of Jesus on this one. Just saying.

The push within the organizations of IPPF, WHO, UNFPA and WAGGGS is for gay-lesbian-bi-transgender-intersex PROMOTION, not merely acceptance. In fact, GSUSA published an entire report testing the waters for this very topic in 2009, "Good Intentions." HonestGirlScouts.com takes the position that lifestyle/sexuality topics should stay out of Girl Scouts, making bias a non-issue. Tolerance is commendable, but promotion to children within Girl Scouts, especially in the "Journey" books, is a different matter altogether that should not be funded with Girl Scout cookie and registration money.

5. "Emergency contraception" = more than abortion. In fact, access to emergency contraception will prevent abortions. Your website should support access to such contraception.

The very definition of needing contraception in an "emergency" context means that fertilization of the egg has already taken place because the "non-emergency" forms (hormones and barriers) were either not used or failed. For many peope worldwide, conception is the beginning of life, therefore, the "emergency" destruction of the embryo is abortion, whether chemically-induced, with IUDs or dismemberment.

6. "Peer Counseling" = peer discussion. Parents who think kids aren't talking about sex are blind. Such discussions led by responsible, well-trained teachers or facilitators does not bypass parental consent and involvement, but incorporates it. Again, this entirely misrepresents programs and curricula being developed by teachers and parents together with the medical community.

Peer counseling is a movement occuring and growing within IPPF and WAGGGS in Africa and South America that includes children teaching children sex education, and, according to the website posting from the IPPF "Global Health" Magazine, December 2009, injections of contraceptive drugs from one child to another:

Citing "Media Matters.org" indicates the real origins and ilk of this organization, for it is merely a shell media front for conservative propaganda.

MediaMatters.org is recommended as a source in the Girl Scout "Journey" book, "MEdia." It is disingenuous for GSUSA to claim it is neutral on politics when Media Matters for America, funded by uber-Progressive George Soros, has proclaimed it has a specific mission to discredit Fox News for its conservatism. That is unobjective, non-journalistic, pro-actively, radically liberal. If conservative Girl Scout parents and volunteers call GSUSA out on the promotion of "left" over "right," why is tolerance, understanding, inclusion and a broader perspective not extended to us?

And one last point. To call Betty Friedan a "radical feminist" shows that you know nothing about feminism. Friedan is not of the radical school of feminism. In fact radical feminists criticized this pioneer of the Second Wave of Feminism as too bourgeois, too part of the cultural paradigm. If you're going to criticize feminism and one of the great icons of feminism, it might be a good exercise to learn something about it first. Which is exactly what Girl Scouts does. It gives young women a broader perspective. Something the authors of this website sorely need.

Sincerely [name withheld],
Former Girl Scout, former Girl Scout Volunteer, Educator of 27 years

Betty Friedan founded both NOW (National Organization for Women) and NARAL (National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League), both known for championing abortion, liberalism and casual sex. She was on the National Board of GSUSA for 12 years. Curiously, she is mentioned twice in the Girl Scout "Journey" book "GIRLtopia" for founding NOW and authoring Feminine Mystique, but her tenure at GSUSA is purposely -- or neglectfully -- left out. Hmmm, why do you think that is? A little shameful self-editing on the part of Girl Scouts, or did they fail to "learn something about" her "first?" If today's feminists are more rabidly radical than she, that does not detract from her own level of feminist activism, nor does that make her a conservative traditionalist.

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FROM A CATHOLIC YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE?

This letter is from someone claiming to represent a Catholic organization that works with youth organizations. The letter (in italics) contained documents attached that did two things: 1) admit Girl Scouts needs to pull inappropriate links from its website and books and 2) support the position that Girl Scouts is innocent of trying to radicalize girls. We replied [in pink brackets] with supporting documentation.
The writer did not return our request for the updates they offered.

On Apr 11, 2011, at 12:18 PM, [name withheld]. wrote:

I can understand the frustration on the many issues on your website about GS-USA.

Though some of [sic] letters discuss faith based concerns, most of the questions certainly apply to GS-USA in general.

Please critically review each letter, it will help to clarify your knowledge of Girl Scouting here in the Archdiocese of Detroit, and by extension, GSUSA nationally. I have been working for over a year on an Archdiocesan and National level to address information which is harmful to girls and adult volunteers.

You state on your website that you are made up of concerned parents and volunteers across the U.S. and our open to information on concerns posted on your website. Since I am part of a National team of individuals who are working to address the many questions that have been raised concerning GS-USA.

The need to have factual verifiable information in this day and age is very important. Now you have it and please share it will all you know.

If you wish I will keep you updated on future concerns/issues.

[name withheld]

[RESPONSE TO COPY OF LETTER ATTACHED]

Dear Julia, April 10, 2011

Thank you for your email. I appreciate your concern for Girls Scouts, your years of service to the organization, and the girls and adults we both serve.

Regarding your email of Mar 21, 2011:

• The Women's Media Center has been taken off the GSUSA website as of this writing. The link to the Women's Media Center in the Cadette Journey It's Your Story – Tell It! will be removed at the next printing of that publication per GSUSA.

[HonestGirlScouts.com (HGS) is glad for the removal of this link from the website, and can only wonder how many books have already been distributed with the current printing. THE REAL SIGNIFICANCE of this response is that GSUSA had the gall to recommend Women's Media Center (WMC) in the first place. Founded by Jane Fonda and Gloria Steinem, WMC has all the earmarks of a radical-left, pro-abortion organization. HGS's stance is that GSUSA is lacking in all judgment when it comes to reproductive information and should adopt a Zero Tolerance policy for sex -- just like it does for alcohol use -- and keep its pro-explicit sex education leanings away from children.]

• Regarding the play "Simply Maria" - Josefina Lopez wrote this piece as a satirical comment on the world she viewed. She won a playwriting contest at age 18, and advises that "If you are really upset about something in society, by writing about it you can inspire people to change it." Although Girl Scout materials do not include any of her works or any link to any of her works, the Journeys program materials feature hands-on activities that build leadership traits such as a strong sense of self, team-building and problem-solving skills. Ms. Lopez uses her writing skills to cope with situations she finds disturbing or disruptive, and as a skill, this is a highly valued and admirable coping mechanism. To help bring those concepts to life, the Journeys also profile a diverse group of women who have followed their passions to become leaders in their fields. (In this sense the new programming follows the example of the first Girls Scout handbook. Published in 1913, it highlighted female role models such as Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the pioneering physician who in 1872 opened a hospital for women staffed entirely by women.)

[GSUSA is ducking and weaving here (we have read this explanation before). The fact of the matter is, "Simply Maria" is mentioned by name in the aMUSE Journey book and one must read the play in order to "get" the continuous references to "giant tortillas" sprinkled throughout the spread (see attached PDF showing author protesting with a STRIKE sign). The play is clearly anti-Catholic. If GSUSA didn't want girls to read it, then why mention it? That GSUSA continually raises radical-leftist sources to present to children is most disturbing. HGS finds it impossible that Journey writers and editors could have stacked the decks of role models so high with liberal-progressive examples without an agenda of specifically promoting these ideas.

Additionally, the portion of the paragraph in parentheses highlights another complaint many HGS members have, which is, why remove historically important role models such as Elizabeth Garett Anderson only to replace them with previously-unknown contemporary liberals? Why not Margaret Thatcher?]

As a leadership organization, Girl Scouts aims to inspire girls with examples of women who have a wide range of beliefs but share a willingness to take a stand for their beliefs. While Girl Scouts doesn't claim to necessarily agree with the opinions of every woman who is a leader, the hope is that every girl who is a member will find the courage, confidence and character to lead in accordance with her own interests and the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. [...to be Honest and Fair... ...and be a sister to every Girl Scout? Current GSUSA leadership has not been modeling these tenets when it comes to answering questions on sexuality and WAGGGS.]

There are currently 48 Journey books (3 per age level plus corresponding leader guides). The issues you are raising apply to 2 specific books. I have personally reviewed these books on behalf of NFCYM and found them to be within the realm of Catholic social teaching.

[Two books equal two bad sources being used to influence young children to think in certain ways about role models and appropriate sources. However, if one looks closer, the Journey books are not limited to just two when it comes to the blatant promotion of socialist-progressive advocacy and radicalism. One goal of HonestGirlScouts.com is to reveal the bias the Journey books present to our youth on our website in the future.]

In your April 4, 2011 email, you indicate that requirements have changed. Completion of at least one Journey is now required in order to earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. This is also my understanding. Please know that the Girl Scout program is specifically designed to provide girls and their mentors with flexibility on their road to these awards. Your concerns reflect material in 1 book each at 2 different levels (one Bronze, and one Silver). There are 2 other complete Journeys that could be used to accomplish the girl's goals, and in every Journey, you as the leader always have the choice about what to present to your girls. (Please reference your Adult Journey Manual, and refer to www.Girlscouts.Org/program/journeys/

[The point missing here, is that one must be aware in order to avoid the offending curricula. How would any unsuspecting leader know where the Journey will take them until after they have purchased it? There is no online version to view prior to buying. It is disingenuous to claim that all one must do is pick and choose to avoid these recommendations. The real crux of the matter, is that GSUSA is completely comfortable offering these ideas and would not have pulled the WMC website link (or recently, StayTeen.org) if no one had complained about it.]

REMEMBER – a Girl Scout Leader ALWAYS has the option to substitute an alternate suitable activity in an effort to be sensitive to culture/faith/location, etc.

[Please verify this statement. One of our members attended her local Service Unit meeting this month and was told, under no uncertain terms, that old badges were being retired and no one could grandfather in former curricula to earn Awards. Period. Also, girls are now limited to ONLY ONE Make-Your-Own badge PER YEAR. If you think this is not true, please ask GSUSA directly for your own edification.]

Regarding your questions about WAGGGS - Please refer to the enclosed Statement to the Archbishop and the Q&A for further details on this matter. I would also like to refer you to the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry's statement on Scouting which can be found at www.nccgsf.org/index.htm. You will note on that page, that according to Catholic social teaching, we are called to remain engaged.

[RESPONSE TO "QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS" ATTACHMENT]

Questions and Answers Concerning Girl Scouts
Recently Girl Scouts has been attacked with a campaign of misinformation. This Q&A answers criticisms and claims that have come to GSUSA and GSSEM from various sources.

[HonestGirlScouts.com (HGS) was founded to uncover the misinformation coming out of GSUSA and encourages an open dialogue between GSUSA, its members, former members and the American people as a whole in regard to GSUSA's finances, affiliations and intent.]

What is the mission of Girl Scouts?
The mission of Girl Scouts is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Grounded in the Girl Scout Promise and Law, Girl Scouting is a non-formal, experiential, and cooperative education program that promotes girls' personal growth and leadership development. - Girl Scouts of the USA Constitution, Article 111

[HGS would like to know why the curricula of Girl Scouting has taken a turn to the promotion of sexual rights, group-think advocacy, and global-warming activism instead of focusing on the individual girl.]

Has Girl Scouts removed the word "God" from the Girl Scout Promise or placed an asterisk after the word "God"?
The Girl Scout Promise contains the word "God". The word "God" has never been removed.
The current Girl Scout Handbooks and materials do not contain an asterisk after the word "God". According to the Girl Scout Constitution, "The motivating force in Girl Scouting is spiritual. The ways in which members identify and fulfill their spiritual beliefs are personal and private." (Note: Some materials from 1993 used an asterisk after the word "God" in an effort to respect a variety of personal definitions and implementations of that concept).
The Girl Scout Promise is as follows:

On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

[HGS has not claimed "God" was removed, only made optional. It is not true that current books do not have an asterisk. Journey books A-maze, aMUSE, and MEdia all have an asterisk by "God." A-maze is from 2008, so this has been going on for awhile and remains an issue.]

Is it true that Girl Scouts places minimal emphasis on the family?
No. Families have always been encouraged to be part of their daughter's experience in Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts encourage families to get involved with their daughter's troop. Parents also must sign the membership form and provide permission for all Girl Scout activities.

[HGS has no comment on this.]

Is it true that Girl Scouts does not teach girls pride in their country?
No. The Girl Scout Promise states that girls will "serve God and my country". Girl Scouts participate in flag ceremonies, donate cookies to troops overseas, and wear the American flag on the sash as part of the official uniform. Patriotism, citizenship, and community service are basic tenets of the Girl Scout Program and are embedded in the Preamble to our Constitution.

[HGS has no comment on this.]

What is Girl Scouts' relationship to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts?
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts is comprised of 145 Girl Scout and Girl Guide member organizations worldwide, including Girl Scouts of the USA (similar to the USA's or Vatican's participation in the United Nations). As a WAGGGS member, Girl Scouts of the USA works in 2 collaboration with other members to encourage girls and young women to develop their full potential as responsible citizens. Each member organization creates its own programs and pursues efforts based on the needs and issues affecting girls in their individual countries.

[Yes, like the USA's participation in the United Nations, GSUSA is the driving associate that provides the most funding for WAGGGS. Therefore, like the USA/UN relationship, when WAGGGS participates fully in programs with International Planned Parenthood Federation and the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women, it is with GSUSA's full knowledge and monetary support.]

Does Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan donate money to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts?
No. GSSEM donates NO money to WAGGGS. Individual Girl Scout troops may donate to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund, a GSUSA fund that supports service projects, training and international exchange events, as well as exchange visiting programs. A portion of the funds is used to provide scholarships for girls to travel to Pax Lodge in London, Our Cabana in Mexico, Our Chalet in Switzerland, and Sangam in India where girls have the opportunity to participate in international service projects. Each Girl Scout troop is encouraged to make its own decision as to whether or not to donate.

[The key word in this question is "donate." That is the only way they can answer "no." The real question is: Does GSSEM help fund WAGGGS? The answer to THAT question is, "YES." Every year, each Girl Scout membership registration triggers a fee that must be paid to WAGGGS for each member to be associated. This was clarified to HonestGirlScouts.com by Sandy Thomas of GSUSA in April 2011. That is why the WAGGGS pin is part of the uniform, worn above the GSUSA pin. This fee, paid from the GSUSA coffers is funded with cookie licensing, licensing of the Girl Scout logo on products, books, uniforms, awards, badges, fun patches, membership fees and donations. WAGGGS receives a large bulk of its money from GSUSA, as American Girl Scouts comprise the wealthiest of its associations.]

Was Girl Scouts of the USA's participation in the recent 54th Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations intended to "promote a number of radical sexual rights, including abortion and other controversial sexual rights," as alleged by critics?
No. The girls from several countries who participated were there to promote action on global issues concerning women and girls worldwide. The statement prepared by the girls who participated does not reflect Girl Scouts of the USA's position, or influence any policy or action of the national organization or local councils.

[It is technically true that GSUSA intended to expose the girls to a sexual rights agenda, but the answer is intentionally phrased falsely. The "Girls Only" workshop hosted by GSUSA did not appear to have sexual rights on its agenda during its particular session, BUT, what they are hiding is the fact that GSUSA offered up those teenage Girl Scout delegates to participate in the following session hosted by WAGGGS (from their own released document entitled "PRCSW2010.pdf")...

"The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts with its partner the World YWCA hosted a Young Women's Caucus at the CSW which ran every second day. This was designed to bring young women and young women's organizations together to discuss and develop their joint responses to issues affecting girls
and young women. The statement the caucus wrote focused on leadership and empowerment of girls and young women, ensuring the safety and security of girls and young women, involving boys and men in the fight against violence against women, ending the sexualisation and stereotyping of girls and young women and the right to sexuality education for all young people."

...This is the event that touted sexual rights. Since GSUSA is an associate of WAGGGS and funds WAGGGS, and sent the American teenagers to the WAGGGS workshop, then technically, it is true that the promotion of sexual rights was intended by GSUSA, via WAGGGS.]

Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute (C-FAM) reported that Girl Scouts allowed Planned Parenthood to distribute material to girls who participated in the UN meeting. Is this true?
No. This factually did not happen. GSUSA did not provide girls with any materials from a third party at the workshop conducted in March 2010 at the United Nations. GSUSA was not contacted by C-FAM to discuss the facts of this event for its initial story. Had these basic journalistic standards been applied, perhaps the true details of this event would have been reported.

["Factually," again, refer to the technicalities above. Also, please read the attached statement from the C-FAM author, Sharon Slater, "open_letter_to_Girl_Scout_Councils_000.pdf" regarding the word "distributed."]

Is there a mandate against praying or Christmas caroling at meetings?
No. Although Girl Scouts has policies supporting religious diversity, no policy by GSUSA prohibits or requires the saying or singing of a grace, blessing, or invocation before meals, or at a meeting, conference or other group gathering. The decision to say a grace, blessing, or have an invocation is made locally at the troop or group level and should be sensitive to the spiritual beliefs of the participants.

[HGS has no comment on this.]

Does Girl Scouts of the USA support Planned Parenthood?
No. There is no relationship - past, present or planned - between Planned Parenthood and Girl Scouts of the USA, or Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. As is clearly articulated in the document, What We Stand For, "The Girl Scout organization does not take a position on abortion or birth control. Our membership is a cross-section of America's diversity with regard to opinions on religious and social issues and practices. We believe these matters are best decided by girls and their families."

[This answer is a falsehood. The informal relationship, clearly stated by GSUSA CEO Kathy Cloninger (and has not been retracted to our knowledge) has a long history via WAGGGS and local Councils. If you have been to the HonestGirlScouts.com website and seen the history, we challenge you to negate each incident, one by one. Currently, the New York Council is a partner in the Planned Parenthood "Real Life. Real Talk." program. In the view of HonestGirlScouts.com, permission is promotion. GSUSA PERMITS Councils to partner with Planned Parenthood to provide sex education, therefore, it PROMOTES (supports) its agenda.]

What is the Girl Scout position on abortion and birth control?
Girl Scouts does not take a position on abortion or birth control. At the same time, Girl Scouts respects the moral teachings and theology of all Faith Communities. Again, we believe these matters are best decided by girls and their families.

[This answer is also false. Every time GSUSA provides a link to a pro-abortion organization, it is giving a nod towards their policies. By linking to WAGGGS, United Nations Millenium Development Goals, StayTeen.org, WomensMediaCenter.com and KidsHealth.org, they are taking a pro-sex, pro-contraceptive, pro-abortion position.

With the mention of respecting "all Faith Communities," this might be a good time to remind you of the insensitive inclusion of the anti-Catholic play "Simply Maria" in the aMUSE Journey book.]

Does the Girl Scout program provide sex education to girls?
Neither Girl Scouts of the USA nor Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan advocate for or against any issue regarding a girl's sexuality. If program opportunities address these issues, girls who choose to participate must have the fully informed consent of their parents or guardians. Again, we believe these matters are best decided by girls and their families.

[If this is true, then why not eliminate all permission of sex education from curricula and website and disassociate from its most ardent advocate for explicit sex education, WAGGGS?]

Is it true there is a Girl Scout badge, called "Our Rights, Our Responsibilities", which requires girls to role play sexual activity and learn about birth control?
No. An optional patch program by this name was available 2005-2008 from GSUSA, but did not include these requirements, nor was this program option a requirement for any girl. The focus of that optional, supplemental activity was to teach girls about age-appropriate human rights issues around the globe.

[Again, they slip by this answer simply because the question has the word "requires" in it. Yes, the badge existed and included the suggested activities of role-playing relationships (not necessarily sexual), but did encourage listing bodily fluids that may contain the HIV virus and learning about condom use.]

Does Girl Scouting teach girls "to support a decision to pull a life support system from a dying relative" and "give information and justification for ending a pregnancy," as alleged by critics?
No. These statements are false. These issues are best discussed and decided within families.

[HGS has no comment on this.]

Is there an article in a Girl Scout book entitled "All I really needed to know about being a lesbian I learned at Girl Scout Camp"?
No. There is no book published by Girl Scouts of the USA that contains an article with that title or subject matter.

[No, the book is separate from GSUSA, but claims to have inside knowledge of GSUSA leadership.]

Is Girl Scouting "anti-boy" in its curriculum?
No. The Girl Scout program does not portray boys negatively. Research shows that girls benefit from a program designed specifically for them and delivered in an all-girl setting. Boys have unique needs and interests as well, which are best addressed by an organization structured to meet their specific needs.

[HGS has no comment on this.]

Are Girl Scouts able to earn Wiccan badges?
Girl Scouts has no relationship (and never has) with Wicca. Guiding philosophies of the two organizations are incompatible. Just because an outside organization states that their patches may be worn on a Girl Scout uniform does not mean that it is sanctioned or endorsed by Girl Scouts. Official GSUSA insignia (badges) representing sanctioned program and objectives is worn on the front of the uniform vest or sash. Optional, interest-related activity patches are worn on the back. Girls attend or participate in all activities with the direct permission of their parents or guardians.

[HGS has no comment on this.]

Does Girl Scouts support Susan G. Komen for the Cure?
No. Girl Scouts, in their capacity as Girl Scouts, may not raise or solicit money for any other organizations. Individuals or troops may choose to volunteer their support for such organizations in non-monetary ways.

[The only other organization Girl Scouts may raise or solicit money for is WAGGGS, which, depending on how the wind is blowing, may or may not be an "other organization." It is important to remember that the annual Thinking Day appeal to the Juliette Lowe World Friendship Fund goes straight to WAGGGS and that the World Fund for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, created for American tax-deductible donations, is split between GSUSA and WAGGGS.]

[RESPONSE TO GSSEMStatementARCH(final).pdf]

Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan Statement to Archdiocese of Detroit, February 28, 2011
Girl Scouts in the Archdiocese of Detroit
A Valuable Partner in Developing Girls Strong in the Catholic Faith
Girl Scouts is officially recognized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

[HonestGirlScouts.com members hope and pray the USCCB will challenge GSUSA on its intentions.]

We the members of Girl Scouts of the United States of America (are) united by a belief in God…

-Preamble, Constitution of Girl Scouts of the United States of America

Throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit, hundreds of parents and adult leaders are working together through Girl Scouting to promote girls' personal growth and leadership development. Girl Scouting builds on Catholic faith development in Catholic communities. Each girl is encouraged to develop her own strong values within the context of family, faith, and the Girl Scout Promise and Law. For nearly 100 years, Girl Scouts has partnered with the Catholic community to serve girls and inspire their growth and development. Both the Catholic community and Girl Scouts recognize that religious instruction is the responsibility of parents and religious leaders.
Girl Scouts provides many opportunities for girls to grow in their Catholic faith, including religious recognitions that are facilitated at an individual or troop level through a Catholic community.

• Family of God for Girl Scout Brownies in grades 2-3
• I Live My Faith for Girl Scout Juniors and Cadettes in grades 4-6
• Mary, the First Disciple (Marian Medal) for Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors in grades 7-10
• The Spirit Alive for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors in grades 9-12

Recently Girl Scouts has been attacked with a campaign of misinformation. We would like to set the record straight on these essential truths about the Girl Scouts:

• The word "God" has always been—and remains—central to the Girl Scout Promise, with no alternative wording:

"On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law."

[However, "God" is currently asterisked in publications as an option, making "God" less unifying than the Preamble boldly states.]

• There is no relationship—past, present or planned—between Planned Parenthood and Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (the regional council that covers the Archdiocese of Detroit) or Girl Scouts of the USA.

[This is untrue, via the WAGGGS relationship with IPPF, our financial support of WAGGGS and the history provided in HonestGirlScouts.com]

• Girl Scouts does not take a stand on abortion or birth control. At the same time, Girl Scouts respects the moral teachings and theology of the Catholic Church. We support the right of pastors to verify that troops in their parishes are in compliance with Catholic social/moral teachings.

[Please see information in RESPONSE TO "GSSEM_QA_Document(final).pdf" for documentation to the contrary.]

• Girl Scouts does not advocate for or against any issue regarding human sexuality. If programs address these issues, girls who choose to participate must have the fully informed consent of their parents or guardians. We support the right of pastors to verify that troops in their community are in compliance with Catholic teaching.

[Please see information in RESPONSE TO "GSSEM_QA_Document(final).pdf" for documentation to the contrary.]

• The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) is the international organization for Girl Scouts. Much as the United States and the Vatican are each only one of the 192 members of the United Nations, Girl Scouts of the USA is one of 145 members of WAGGGS. Girls Scouts of the USA sets its own policies and programs without influence from WAGGGS.

[Like the US-UN relationship, however, as the wealthiest associate with the largest number of participants (over 3 million), we fund WAGGGS' agenda, thereby we endorse it and its relationships with pro-abortion entities.]

You can find information on the attached document, Questions and Answers Concerning Girl Scouts.
Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan is proud to share responsibility with parents and the Archdiocese of Detroit for developing the women of tomorrow. By living our mission, we are committed to building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

[HonestGirlScouts.com hopes to educate all Girl Scout supporters on the financial and ideological connections between GSUSA and its associates. The intent is not to discourage, but rather encourage all who care about Girl Scouts to fight for its original identity of building girls of good character without funding agendas with which we do not support, ethically, morally and/or religiously.]

[RESPONSE TO "NFCYMPositionStatementOnGSUSAIssuesJan282011.pdf"]

[HonestGirlScouts.com has already commented on many of the points in this document and will only add to previously unaddressed topics.]

Serving Those Who Serve the Young Catholic Church
415 Michigan Avenue, NE, Suite 40 ? Washington, DC 20017
Telephone: 202-636-3825 ? Fax: 202-526-7544 ? www.nfcym.org
National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) and Girl Scouts USA (GSUSA)
Position Update: January 28, 2011

Background

Several issues have arisen in the past two years that have caused some leaders and organizations to question the relationship between GSUSA and the Catholic Church and the GSUSA and NFCYM, through our National Catholic Committee on Girls Scouts and Camp Fire (NCCGSCF). This position update identifies the main issues and the official NFCYM and GSUSA responses based on our mutual communications, knowing that not all issues affect every diocese or council.

The formal relationship between GSUSA and the Catholic Church dates back to at least 1914 when Cardinal Gibbons endorsed the work of Girl Scouts and their relationship with the Catholic Church. In 1975 a formal plan of cooperation was signed between the Representative for Youth Activities in the Department of Education at the United States Catholic Conference and GSUSA. In 1988 the Secretariat for Laity and Family Life was assigned to serve as liaison to GSUSA.

In 1982 the NFCYM was incorporated as a ministry organization, which included the NCCGSCF as a constitutive member and GSUSA as a collaborating member. The NFCYM assumed all responsibility for Catholic religious recognition programs serving Girl Scout and Camp Fire units. Building on the relationship created through USCC, the NFCYM entered into a plan of cooperation with GSUSA in 1997, through our NCCGSCF. This plan highlights the role of GSUSA in providing information on religious recognition programs developed by NFCYM to all councils and troops and the need for continuing dialogue to assure respect for Roman Catholic religious practices and teachings and Girl Scouting?s basic principles. The 1997 Plan of Cooperation was updated in 2005 and includes a grievance process for when issues arise and recommendations for strengthening communication between GSUSA leadership and youth ministry leadership at the parish, diocesan, and national levels.

There is significant history to the relationship between the Catholic Church and her agents for youth ministry and GSUSA. This is a relationship that needs to be continually reviewed and strengthened.

Current Issues

Serving Those Who Serve the Young Catholic Church

In 2010 several issues arose concerning GSUSA triggered by a March meeting at the United Nations where GSUSA supposedly distributed inappropriate materials on human sexuality and a campaign was begun to have the Catholic Church and all her agencies sever ties with GSUSA. These issues included the GSUSA relationship with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and the GSUSA relationship with Planned Parenthood, both of which called into question GSUSA?s position on providing resources and programs on human sexuality. The fundamental accusation is that GSUSA distributes materials reflecting an official stance contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church on marriage, abortion, contraception, and sexuality.

Our practice as an organization is to investigate such matters by going directly to the sources involved so we contacted GSUSA and several of those who had made accusations concerning the UN meeting. In a March 16 e-mail to NFCYM membership we shared the GSUSA response to the UN meeting, which included in part:
"The Girls Only Workshop was hosted by GSUSA, UNICEF?s Working Group on Girls, Girls Learn International, and The Grail. The meeting was only open to the girls and participating sponsors. The girls received a copy of the only document they were working on, titled The Girls Statement. No other documents were given to the girls as part of the event. The room in question was also used to host other events over the course of the multi-day conference. Prior to our girls entering the room, we did not "sanitize? the room to ensure that no trash or other items were left behind. GSUSA was not contacted by C-Fam regarding its initial story to discuss the facts of this event. Had they applied these basic journalistic standards, the true details of this event would have been reported."

NFCYM was satisfied with the GSUSA account of the UN meeting. However, the accusations about the UN meeting served to spur a multitude of articles, e-mails, and phone calls. Coupled with ongoing concerns about GSUSA?s relationship with Planned Parenthood, NFCYM leadership arranged a meeting with GSUSA leadership in Washington, DC in November 2010. NFCYM staff, Joan Treacy from NCCGSCF and NFCYM?s Board of Directors, and Sr. Eileen McCann from the Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women and Youth at USCCB met with three national GSUSA leaders with a two-part agenda:

1. To identify and clarify the critical accusations about GSUSA?s relationship with Planned Parenthood and their advocacy of resources contrary to Catholic teachings on human sexuality, family and marriage;

2. To review the relationship between NFCYM and GSUSA in the promotion of our religious recognitions programs.

At that meeting we asked for an official statement clarifying their relationship with WAGGGS and Planned Parenthood and their approach to education in human sexuality. Their December 3 statement emphasizes the primacy of parents in all matters concerning human sexuality and denies any formal relationship with Planned Parenthood.

This statement reinforces our 2005 Plan of Cooperation, where it is written:

"GSUSA policy is not to take a stand on or advocate for or against any issue regarding a girl?s health and sexuality, especially outside the confines of Girl Scout programs. We also believe that parents have the primary responsibility for the safety and well-being of their girls within the context of Girl Scout programs. These policies enable the Girl Scout program to fully respect and yet remain responsive to the varying beliefs of individual girls and their families. Importantly, when a council or troop offers programs that address many of these issues, they are offered with the fully informed consent of the parents or guardians of the girls who choose to participate."

[This statement is categorically false. In 1995, when the infamous "Sexuality and You" Girl Scout overnight camp in Ohio was revealed to parents as having girls pass around a life-size phallus and learning the meaning of "zoophilia" and "sado-masochism," the whistle-blowing mother was kicked out of Girl Scouts. Those parents were not fully informed, but rather, thought the education was going to be about menstruation and puberty. In 2004, when the Bluebonnet Council in Waco, Texas was discovered giving a "Woman of Distinction" award to the Planned Parenthood Director, people were shocked to find out that 10-year-olds were being given soft-porn cartoon books that show sexual positions, recommend masturbation and give reasons to abort at sex education workshops that had been sponsored by Girl Scouts for years. Neither one of these events caused GSUSA to question its open policy on sexuality because leadership believes no-holds-barred sex education, including contraception and abortion, is good. This is not consistent with Catholic teachings, but it is consistent with WAGGGS.]

Many Catholic Girl Scout leaders are feeling torn between their commitment to Girl Scouting and their commitment to their Catholic teachings because of the real or perceived relationship between GSUSA and organizations like Planned Parenthood. The NFCYM approach to this complex issue has been one of engagement, rather than detachment or withdrawal. NFCYM, through NCCGSCF, needs to stay connected to GSUSA not only because thousands of Catholic girls and Catholic adult leaders are involved in scouting, but because Girl Scouting—like Boy Scouting—provides excellent character development for young people through their programs. NFCYM can only influence secular organizations by staying in relationship with them... by being at the table.

In addition to releasing their public statement, GSUSA has taken two other actions:

1. On Thursday, January 27, GSUSA conducted a conference call with their council executives to assist them in working more closely with faith based organizations. NFCYM sees that as a significant action in promoting our religious recognition programs.

2. GSUSA has agreed to a follow-up meeting between their national leadership and NFCYM leadership this summer to continue to review and access our relationship and the critical issues.

[HonestGirlScouts.com encourages NFCYM to take each occurrence of sex education (in local workshops and at the United Nations), links to pro-sex and pro-abortion websites, publications of anti-Catholic ideas and role models, and the WAGGGS affiliations point-by-point to the aforementioned follow-up meeting this summer.]

NFCYM will continue to closely monitor any new issues that arise and, through our NCCGSCF, continue to engage GSUSA leadership in their active support of NFCYM religious recognition programs.

[HGS sees the new faith-based awards as being a small bone thrown to distract concerned parents from the heart of the matter, which is, GSUSA has an agenda of supporting WAGGGS' international friendships with the IPPF and the UN, amongst others. Only the insistence of its members and supporters will cause GSUSA to sever its ties to radical, progressive ideas and stop the flow of money supporting this agenda. Americans are nothing but cash cows to leadership, and they are laughing all the way to the bank, riding on the backs of our cookie-selling children. We contend that Americans are being badly used and lied to. HGS sincerely hopes NFCYM and NCCGSCF will continue to search for truth, with the help of God. No asterisk, here.]

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