Months went by - almost a full year really, and I kept thinking about it. There was a nagging to do something about the experience, and so I picked up the phone and called the COO. I finally knew what needed to be done. I needed to turn my tears into triumph and bring the full concept of inclusion to my local Girl Scout organization. I proposed bringing the story of Meet ClaraBelle Blue to their youngest troops, with the possibility of building it into a patch or badge program. My gut told me that if I could get the kids on board, the adults would follow, because let's face it, as adults, we can be dense at times. She went for it, and the VIA (Visibility, Inclusion, Accessibility) patch program was born.
To say that I am proud of this collaboration is an understatement. I almost missed an opportunity to continue my work as an advocate for inclusion, behind hurt feelings and anger. But in my gut, I knew that if this happened to my Emory, it happened to someone else's Emory. I instinctively understood that the actions were likely not intentional - they just didn't know better, and I am of the belief that when you KNOW better you DO better. So, here we are, a full two years later, collaborating....turning tears into troops. I'll be leading an inclusion workshop for troop leaders, writing columns on inclusion and inclusive activities for the Girl Scout newsletter, and leading the VIA patch program with the Tucson Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes. I couldn't be more excited about this venture with Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona and for their openness and commitment to inclusion for ALL girls. Sometimes, when we get past our feelings, the universe shows us how to BE the change instead of waiting for the change to just happen.
Are your kids scouts? Were you a scout? What were some of your favorite things to do?