Assessing the needs of the growing Hispanic community is the focus of a joint project between the Clinton School and Girl Scouts-Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
Clinton School students Nicky Hamilton of Johannesburg, South Africa, Spencer Lucker of Little Rock, Molly McGowan of Little Rock, and Marc Peters of Laurel, Md., will collaborate with the Girl Scouts Diamonds Council to expand Hispanic membership and involvement.
They will compile research on the demographics and culture of Arkansas’ Hispanic community, as well as gather the perspectives of community leaders on engaging this growing population.
The Hispanic population of Arkansas has increased by more than 60 percent in the past decade, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Recent studies conducted by Girl Scouts of the USA show that Hispanics now make up 12 percent of its membership. The Diamonds Council recognizes this growth and the need to better serve the Hispanic community and to create programming to engage and enhance the experience of young girls.
The Diamonds Council was formed in 2008 when five independent councils in Arkansas, East Oklahoma and East Texas consolidated into one council. The new council wants to institute a Hispanic membership initiative with all scouting troops in the tri-state region.
“Through the strategic learning process, the Diamonds Council has identified the designing of innovative membership opportunities as a council priority,” said Regina Wilkerson, outreach manager for the council. “A key component of the new membership opportunities is ensuring that we are serving girls from various communities across our service areas. We look forward to working with the Clinton School team and see their work as an integral part to the overall Hispanic Membership Initiative.”
Hamilton, Lucker, McGowan, and Peters each offer past experiences working with diverse populations and community-based organizations.
“Our hope is that this initiative will not only bring the values of Hispanic culture to the Girl Scouts organization but will also extend the leadership and educational opportunities of the Girl Scouts to the Hispanic community,” Lucker said.“We are excited about working with Hispanic leaders, community members, and Girl Scouts staff and volunteers,”
The Girl Scouts partnership is one of eight community-based initiatives being completed by Clinton School students this year. The students are working towards a Master of Public Service degree.
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