Equipping a National Youth Organization for Anti-Racism Leadership

Client Context

The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is one of the most recognized and respected youth-serving organizations in the country, known for empowering girls through leadership development, civic engagement, and a strong commitment to inclusion. In 2023, against a backdrop of continued national conversations about race, equity, and belonging, GSUSA sought to deepen its approach to anti-racism and align that work with its enduring values. 

While GSUSA had taken significant steps to advance DEI/RJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice), leaders within the organization recognized the need for more structured, confident conversations—especially among council delegates and other adult members. They turned to Symphonic Strategies to design and deliver a strategy that could equip their leaders with practical tools, shared language, and a clear path forward.

The Challenge 

GSUSA’s leadership faced a dual challenge: increase internal capacity for having complex conversations about race and equity while maintaining alignment with the organization’s values, mission, and membership culture. Specifically, they needed:

• Practical tools that leaders and volunteers could use in real time

• Clarity and consistency in how DEI/RJ values were communicated

• A way to support honest dialogue without divisiveness

• Leadership guidance that respected the volunteer nature of the organization

At a pivotal moment leading up to the National Council Session, GSUSA wanted to ensure its delegates were prepared to lead—not avoid—conversations about anti-racism.

The Symphonic Approach

Symphonic Strategies designed a customized consulting engagement that would build capacity across multiple layers of the organization. The project included virtual facilitation, resource development, and leadership coaching—all designed to meet the organization where it was while pushing forward with intention.

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Listening

We began by convening up to eight virtual meetings with the National Council Session (NCS) Resource Team. These facilitated conversations helped surface high-priority concerns, internal tensions, and opportunities for growth. By starting with listening, we ensured the strategy was grounded in real member experience.

2. Delegate Forums and Peer Dialogue

Symphonic led three virtual forums for NCS Delegates, creating a safe space for learning, practice, and honest reflection. These sessions focused on building shared language around DEI/RJ and preparing delegates to guide conversations within their local councils.

3. Conversation Guide Development

One of the core deliverables was a structured Conversations Guide designed to help leaders engage others in meaningful, respectful dialogue. The guide included facilitation tips, language framing, and practical do’s and don’ts—equipping leaders to lead with clarity and care.

4. DEI/RJ Audit Video and Talking Points

To support asynchronous learning, Dr. AJ Robinson recorded a 20-minute educational video walking through the results of GSUSA’s DEI/RJ audit. In addition, we provided a set of Anti-Racism Talking Points to help leaders address common questions and concerns with confidence and consistency.

The Impact

The engagement delivered both strategic clarity and practical tools to GSUSA’s national leadership.

Confidence in Conversation

Leaders reported feeling more grounded and better prepared to facilitate meaningful conversations about race and equity—particularly in politically or culturally sensitive environments.

Tools That Travel

The Conversations Guide and talking points were praised for their usability and impact, giving council delegates and local leaders the tools to model productive dialogue throughout the movement.

Shared Understanding

The forums, videos, and resources helped align organizational messaging and reduce confusion, creating a shared vocabulary for talking about DEI/RJ across GSUSA’s diverse network.

Positioned for Continued Leadership

The work helped GSUSA demonstrate its commitment to equity and set a tone of courageous leadership for the future of its DEI/RJ journey.

Reflections

This case shows how even the most well-intentioned organizations benefit from structured, facilitated dialogue on complex social issues. By investing in its people and taking time to listen, GSUSA was able to turn a challenging moment into a strategic opportunity. Symphonic Strategies continues to support organizations in translating values into action—and creating the tools leaders need to do that work well.

Client Voice

“The tools Symphonic gave us weren’t just helpful—they were essential. They helped us speak with courage, respect, and a shared commitment to our mission.” — GSUSA Leader (anonymous)