Social Impact Programs

The Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona's Social Justice Program is focused on opening the doors of access and opportunity for everyone, by providing girls with opportunities that promote self-reliance, respect for others, and a sense of belonging and leadership skills to last a lifetime.

We serve thousands of girls with free programming led by specially trained college-aged female leaders. Program activities focus on hands-on experiential learning surrounding topics such as: life skills development, service learning projects, self-esteem building, financial literacy, educational excursions, career exploration and building sisterhood.

When a girl thrives, her entire community thrives. That's why Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona works to build girls of courage, confidence, and charatcer, who make the world a better place. 

"Girl Scouts has shown me that there is more to life that is happening in the present... Going to [AJ] meetings, I learned that even going through hard times, I can have a bright future." - Theresa, 15

Adelante Jovencitas (Spanish for "Young women moving forward") serves girls ages 13 through 17 who are involved or at risk of being involved in the Juvenile Justice System. AJ's positive and stigma-free environment gives girls the opportunity to explore new interests and skills without fear of judgement, focusing on their strengths and looking forward to their futures. Girls learn from program staff and guest facilitators who bring unique perspectives, and offer mentorship to girls on pursuing career and educational paths.

The community AJ program is also mirrored in Pima County Juvenile Detention, Yuma County Juvenile Detention and Santa Cruz County Juvenile Detention. 

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars is a program that brings girls and their incarcerated mother together to build/preserve relationships, reduce the trauma mom and daughter suffer from the separation and foster leadership development in both mom and daughter. GSBB visits occur twice a month at Perryville Prison. During the meetings, mother and daughter side by side on various hands on projects including STEM, self-esteem, budgeting and goal setting.

Unlike traditional visitation, girls and moms are engaged in activities that encourage them to relate and work together without the stress of being watched constantly by a guard.

Read more about the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program here.

"I come to [Girl Scout] group because it's fun, its great getting out of the room. I also get to do different activities with other girls that live here. I also really enjoy the Girl Scout staff that comes to lead our groups." Alycia, 17

GSSoAZ understands that foster care is a huge issue facing girls in our community. GSSoAZ supports girls in foster care by offering them free membership to Girl Scouts. Girl scouts provides a consistent, holistic program environment where girls living in out-of-home placement can discover their passions, values, and talents; take positive risks and overcome challenges; learn to make healthy decisions that can help them avoid risky behaviors; forge positive, sustainable relationships; and develop skills that prepare them for entering the workforce or higher education. 

Girl Scout staff facilitates programming at various group homes in Pima County. The Foster Care program curriculum focuses on building relationships, life skills and communication.

"I see [Naveah] taking risks to try in class. She used to be more defiant and angry in math but tries now." Diana, Tucson Educator

GSSoAZ offer after school troops at schools in low-income and high-need communities. Our school-based programs provide an accessible entryway to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls and their families who may otherwise perceive our programs as unavailable, due to social or economic barriers.

Girls become engaged as active members in their own community, as we highlight civic engagment and advocacy, financial literacy education and a chance to participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. 

Program Staff and volunteers facilitate program activities and serve as role models. We develop ongoing relationships with school prinicpals, staff, parents, and community partners to better align program curriculum to enhance girls' learning and mentor girls throughout their progression in Girl Scouts. 

Thank you to our sponsors:

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Girl Scouting builds a community. By giving a voice to the under-represented and reaching out to those in need, girls bridge gaps, heal wounds, and create lasting connections. 

We can't do this alone. Your partnership with us on this mission to change the world one girl at a time is simple. Give your time to bring programming to our girls or make a financial contribution. Whatever you choose, you will be making a lasting impact.