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From the CEO: Response to Recent Mass Shootings

June 06, 2022

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.

Girl Scout Raising Awesome Girls content:

When Violence on the News Shakes Her World

For child-centered grief and trauma resources:

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:

Tip Sheet on Coping After Mass Violence: provides common reactions children and families may be experiencing after a mass violence event and what they can do to take care of themselves.
Guidance for parents for helping youth after mass violence: Offers parents guidance on helping their children after a mass violence event. This fact sheet describes common reactions children may have, how parents can help them, and self-care tips after a violent event.
Helping teens with traumatic grief: Describes how teens may feel when struggling with the death of someone close and offers tips on what caregivers can do to help.
After a Crisis: Offers tips to parents on how to help young children, toddlers, and preschoolers heal after a traumatic event.
Guiding Adults in Talking to Children: Provides ways to navigate children’s questions about death, funerals, and memorials. This fact sheet discusses this challenging, but manageable, task and includes sample Q&A to help guide discussions.
Tip Sheet for Teens on Coping after Violence

For mental health crises

Call 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
The Crisis Text Line connects you to a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message: text NAMI to 741741
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7 national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling (more info at National Institute of Mental Health): Dial 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor

For families or troops seeking mental health care services

National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG) links to local support groups and professionals
SAMHSA's Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Mental Health America (MHA) links to affiliates across the country and offers resources for finding treatment

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.