Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Sisterhood and Belonging Statement:
“Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council fosters belonging and respect for all girls. We empower all girls, volunteers and staff to fulfill their potential and make the world a better place. Our Girl Scout Promise drives us to provide experiences where all girls, volunteers and staff are confident they belong. We stand firm in these commitments and united by these ideals.” The Ervan Chew Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to supporting pluralism in the Girl Scout community. Award recipients demonstrate a sustainable commitment to making Girl Scouts a more diverse and inclusive movement. Pluralism is not just diversity, but the active engagement and inclusion of girls and adults of diverse backgrounds and abilities who otherwise do not have access to Girl Scout programs/activities. This model of pluralism “extends a hand” to build relationships, understanding, acceptance, and respect among the Council community with the goal of fostering a better world.
Examples of Sisterhood and Belonging in action include:
Establishing a long term, sustainable recreational program for disabled adults or children.
Creating social and/or Girl Scout outreach programs that are inclusive and involve and/or benefit underserved girls in our community.
Implementing sustainable community service projects that aim to bring diverse groups together for education/social/recreational purposes. (Completed Gold Award projects are not eligible since the girl is receiving the Gold Award for the project).
Candidate Eligibility: One award may be presented in each category, each year.
Girl Member (grades 11-12)
Adult Member
Member of the community
Candidate Criteria:
Demonstrates a true commitment to GSSJC Sisterhood and Belonging and the values of Girl Scouting by making a concrete, sustainable contribution that impacts girls, our community, and Girl Scouts.
Nomination Process: Two letters of recommendation by adult members in good standing are required. Completed nominations must be received by the Adult Recognition Committee by March 1.
Presentation Opportunities:
Annually, each spring at the Adult Recognition Event (nominator must register nominee and speech reader for the event when notified of award).
Or, venue appropriate for and/or selected by the recipient with a council Board Member, former Board Member, council-wide appointed volunteer, staff director or above presenting the award.
Note: GSSJC Board, Adult Recognition Committee members and/or GSSJC staff are not eligible for the award. This award is NOT associated with the Ervan Chew Scholarship and no monies are attached to this honor.