A Call to Action - What can Girl Guides and Girl Scouts do to continue the fight against racism?

What can you do as an individual?

21^st March marks The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  Take the pledge against discrimination on the website for the World Conference Against Racism. The pledge reads as follows:

"As a young citizen of the world community, I stand with the United Nations against racism, discrimination, and intolerance of any kind. Throughout my life I will try to promote equality, justice and dignity among all people in my home, in my community, and everywhere in the world."

• Start examining your beliefs about other races. ask yourself, "Is that really true, or could it be just a stereotype?"
• Learn more about different racial groups by reading a book, seeing a movie, attending an event, or making friends with people from different backgrounds.
• Speak up when you hear people making fun of others based on their race. You can say "I feel hurt when you say ________ ." or "Do you know another joke that doesn't put people down?"[1]

"On Being Myself" is a UN project that uses interviews to tell the experiences of ten young people living in Denmark as ethnic minorities. After reading their stories you can share your own experiences at Voices of Youth, UNICEF's bulletin board for young people.

What can you do in your Association?

The Europe-wide Action Week Against Racism takes place from 13 to 21 March 2009 organized by United For Intercultural Action

Thousands of people across Europe actively engage themselves for tolerance, equal rights and celebrate the diversity of Europe. This campaign aims to highlight the issues of racism from a non-governmental perspective on all levels - local, national and European. 

Visit the website to find out and join in the activities taking place in your country.  

[1] United Nations Cyber Schoolbus Lesson On Discrimination Based On Race