A COMMUNICATION FROM Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida CEO, Lisa Johnson

Dear Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida families:

Yesterday, the unthinkable happened right here in our community. The tragic event that unfolded at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland is difficult to comprehend and even more difficult to acknowledge. There simply aren't words to convey how heartbroken we are for the families and friends of each of the victims.

While we are still processing information as it becomes available, we know that this has impacted many of our Girl Scout families. We also know that our Girl Scout community is strong and that we are here to help one another through this. This morning, I heard from our Girl Scouts of the USA CEO, Sylvia Acevedo, who asked me to convey her sympathy and support to our membership. I also heard from a Girl Scout volunteer from Newtown, CT, who continues to work with members of the Girl Scout community following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. She offered her support and stands ready to help us in any way she can. I have also heard from the leadership of many other Girl Scout Councils who simply want us to know they are thinking of us.

Many of us are wondering how we can help when we feel so helpless. We may not know how to talk with our children about this; to reassure them that they are safe when we really can't be sure. I never imagined having to talk with my sons about what to do in a situation like this, but I have now had that conversation more than once.

I thought it might be helpful to share a few ideas and resources that you might find helpful as you try to navigate this difficult path.

GSUSA has a post about how to talk with your daughter about violence and hate. This is being translated into Spanish today and is available here: http://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/happy-and-healthy/happy/extreme-violence-and-children-parenting-advice.html.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has published a guide to help teens deal with traumatic grief. You can find it here: http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/helping_teens_with_traumatic_grief_caregivers_final.pdf.
The NTCSN also has a guide to help caregivers talk with younger children with traumatic grief: http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/10things_schoolage_ctg.pdf.
For those interested in donating blood, there is a critical need, particularly in Broward County, but you can give in your own communities as well. OneBlood is in need of all blood types, but particularly Type O-blood. You can find donation centers and make an appointment online here: https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now/.

There will be many vigils in the coming days. If you are in the Parkland Area, there is one planned for this evening at 6 p.m. at the Pine Trails Park Amphitheater, 10555 Trails End, Parkland, FL 33076.

We will continue to share information with you as we receive it, so please monitor our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/gssef/) for updates.

Our own volunteer, Shayne Gutierrez, said it best in this message to her service unit. "We are Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts is a community of sisterhood; a community who loves, who helps, who cares. We are courageous, and we are strong. We are here for our girls, and for each other."

Sincerely,

Lisa Johnson

Chief Executive Officer

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