Volunteer Leaders for Girl Scouts Sought

Cultural barriers combined with a rise in the Latino immigrant population in the eastern San Fernando Valley have prompted a shortage of volunteers to serve as Girl Scout leaders, officials said.

The shortage is based on a misunderstanding that many Latino immigrants have about the organization, said Chris Edwards, a field executive with the outreach program of the San Fernando Valley Girl Scout Council.

“They’re just unaware of what Girl Scouts is about,” she said. “They may come from a country where Girl Scouts are only for the very rich. They also may think that Girl Scouts have something to do with the military.

“Even if they get their daughter in Girl Scouts, they were never Girl Scouts, so they think they can’t be leaders. They think, ‘I don’t speak very good English, so I’m not a good leader.’ ”

To overcome these barriers, Edwards said her organization offers a mentor program that provides bilingual consultants to work with potential leaders. “They kind of explain what Girl Scouts is about, so they feel comfortable,” Edwards said.

The communities most in need of leaders are Sylmar, Pacoima, San Fernando, North Hills, North Hollywood and Burbank, Edwards said. She said that of the 13,800 Girl Scouts in the Valley, about 43% are minorities.

The Girl Scouts is a nonprofit group for girls, ages 5 through 17. Activities include arts and crafts, environmental projects, camping and sports.

Although most women become troop leaders because their daughters are involved, Edwards said non-parents are also encouraged to be leaders.

“We want someone who has a genuine care for the well-being of young ladies and helping them grow,” Edwards said.

Those interested in becoming Girl Scout leaders may call the Chatsworth office at 886-1801.