●
“Try talking to me about it. I’ll listen,” “I know you’re mad—talking it out helps,” and “I can handle
it—say whatever you want to.”
E = Empathize: Let her know you can imagine feeling what she’s feeling, with comments such
as, “I’m sure that really hurts” or “I can imagine how painful this is for you.”
Addressing the Needs of Older Girls
Consider the following tips when working with teenage girls:
● Think of yourself as a partner, and as a coach or mentor, as needed (not a “leader”).
● Ask girls what rules they need for safety and what group agreements they need to be a good
team.
● Understand that girls need time to talk, unwind, and have fun together.
● Ask what they think and what they want to do.
● Encourage girls to speak their minds.
● Provide structure, but don’t micromanage.
● Give everyone a voice in the group.
● Treat girls like partners.
● Don’t repeat what’s said in the group to anyone outside of it (unless necessary for a girl’s safety).
Girl Scout Research Institute
It’s amazing what you can learn when you listen to girls.
Since its founding in 2000, the Girl Scout Research Institute has become an internationally recognized
center for research and public policy information on the development and well-being of girls. Not just
Girl Scouts, but all girls.
In addition to research staff, the GSRI draws on experts in child development, education, business,
government, and the not-for-profit sector. We provide the youth development field with definitive
research reviews that consolidate existing studies. And, by most measures, we are now the leading
source of original research on the issues that girls face and the social trends that affect their lives. Visit
girlscouts.org/research.
When Sensitive Topics Come Up
According to Feeling Safe: What Girls Say, a 2003 Girl Scout Research Institute study, girls are looking for groups
that allow connection and a sense of close friendship. They want volunteers who are teen savvy and can help
them with issues they face, such as bullying, peer pressure, dating, athletic and academic performance, and
more. Some of these issues may be considered “sensitive” by parents, and they may have opinions or input
about how, and whether, Girl Scouts should cover these topics should be covered with their daughters.
Girl Scouts welcomes and serves girls and families from a wide spectrum of faiths and cultures. When
girls wish to participate in discussions or activities that could be considered sensitive—even for some—
put the topic on hold until you have spoken with parents and received guidance from your council.
When Girl Scout activities involve sensitive issues, your role is that of a caring adult who can help girls
acquire skills and knowledge in a supportive atmosphere, not someone who advocates a particular
position.