Equality and Equity

Fair is not always the same for everyone. People sometimes use the words equality and equity when they talk about fairness. These words sound similar, but they mean two different things.

Equality is giving everyone the exact same things.
Equity is giving each person what they need based on their own situation.

Imagine three brothers and sisters who are two, four, and ten years old. They all want to sit together at the same table. If they all sit on the exact same size chair, that would be equality. But the kids are all different heights, so they wouldn’t all be comfortable on the same chair.

Instead, you could give the highchair to the two-year-old. The four-year-old gets a booster chair, and the ten-year-old gets the regular chair. Now everyone can reach the table easily. They just needed different help to get to the exact same place. This is an example of equity.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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Published on October 22, 2026, Author:

Tia Kennard

Click Here -> To see information References:

Disclaimer: The information published on The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.

Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Daisy Girl Scout Handbook. New York, NY, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., 2022, p. 40.
Public Broadcasting Service. “Equality and Equity.” PBS Learning Media, Together We Can, 10 Mar. 2025, https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/equality-and-equity-media-gallery/together-we-can/. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
Public Broadcasting Service. “It’s More Fun When It’s Fair: Little Games and Big Feelings With Donkey Hodie.” PBS KIDS for Parents, 2026, https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/its-more-fun-when-its-fair. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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