“Radical Brownies” Merges Scouting With Social Justice
As Jorge Rivas writes over at Fusion.net, not all girl scouts sell cookies. Rivas’ latest article spotlights a new organization based in Oakland, CA that represents an “edgier” version of the Girl Scouts of America:
“The girls, ages 8-12, are part of the ‘Radical Brownies,’ an edgier, younger version of the Girl Scouts, where girls earn badges for completing workshops on social protests, and a beauty workshop that celebrate racial diversity.
Radical Brownies is dedicated to providing young girls of color relevant life experiences, explains the group’s co-founder Anayvette Martinez.”
The Radical Brownies sports 12 members, all girls of color or mixed-race. Martinez tells Rivas that membership will open to everyone once the organization expands, but the focus will always be on racial issues. Martinez cites groups like the Black Panthers and Brown Berets as inspiration.
Merit badges are granted upon participation in acts of social justice such as attending a “Black Lives Matter” protest. Other focuses include lessons related to gender roles, LGBT issues, and media depictions of beauty. Martinez explains that it’s important “not to shelter children from real issues” and that they’re much more perceptive than most adults assume.
Check out the full piece below, visit the Radical Brownies on Facebook, and let us know what you think of this new group. Is this a welcome riff off of scouting or a disturbing radicalization of young children? Share your take in the comments.
Read more at Fusion.net and Radical Brownies on Facebook
Photo credit: Radical Brownies [Facebook]
