
Dear Girl Scouts,
I am devastated by the recent mass shootings in Uvalde, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Chattanooga, and Laguna Woods, California. These senseless acts of gun violence have left dozens of people killed or wounded and countless others suffering from emotional trauma. These events are more than any of us should have to bear.
We are heartbroken to share that one of our Girl Scouts from Southwest Texas was killed during the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde last week. The entire Girl Scout community mourns the loss of Amerie Jo Garza, along with the families of the victims and everyone affected by the violence.
Amerie was posthumously awarded the Girl Scout Bronze Cross for her bravery. The Bronze Cross is awarded for saving or attempting to save life at the risk of the Girl Scout’s own life. Amerie, a 10-year-old 4th-grader, was shot dead as she attempted to call 911 for help. Amerie had bridged to Juniors the previous week.
For ways you can help our sisters in Uvalde, please visit our Girl Scout Strong for Uvalde web page here.
Our nation continues to suffer unfathomable losses from gun violence at an alarming rate. The shooting in Uvalde is the 27th school shooting to take place this year and the 63rd mass shooting during the month of May. * It leaves us reeling in anger and grief.
While it is difficult for us as adults to process these events, children are especially vulnerable to fear and anxiety. Below you will find some resources you may wish to use as you navigate difficult conversations with your girls.
May our nation find the courage to heal, the confidence to stand in solidarity with all children who need our protection and the character to do what is right to end gun violence. Thank you for all that you do.
When Violence on the News Shakes Her World
The National School Crisis Center has resources which offer practical tips for supporting youth and opening conversations¬—for example: Talking to children about tragedies
The National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG) offers videos and an FAQ section aimed at understanding grief in children and helping caring adults guide them through loss. Their “Hero Toolkit” offers activities for talking about grief with children and teens.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has many resources on grief and trauma, but here are some aimed at helping adults talk to children about violent events and grief:
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Amy S. Dosik
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
*School shooting data supplied by Education Week. Mass shooting data supplied by Gun Violence Archive.