The Badge Archive

GSUSA Be a Positive Influencer

Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Outside the Mirror badge requirements.

Info Needed: Media often sends hidden messages, especially in ads and entertainment. They suggest people must look a certain way to be happy, loved, or successful. These messages can be harmful or helpful depending on how they’re used.

Items Needed:

  • VTK Be a Positive Influencer by GSUSA (one per scout, optional).
  • Paper, pencils, pens.
  • (Optional) Computers, smartphones, or tablets for creating a virtual version.
  • (Optional) Colored markers or art supplies for poster-style campaigns.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 25–30 min):

  1. Introduce the idea of hidden messages in media. (Estimated Time: 3–5 min)
    • Scouts briefly reflect on how ads or shows might suggest what someone “should” look like.
    • (Optional) Mini discussion or written brainstorm: What kinds of looks do we often see in media?
  2. Explain the challenge: Become a positive influencer. (Estimated Time: 2 min)
    • Scouts will design a creative campaign that promotes body appreciation and self-confidence. Campaign can be written, drawn, digital, or a mix.
  3. Begin campaign planning. (Estimated Time: 8–10 min)
    • Scouts write short messages or slogans that promote healthy body image or self-acceptance. They create visual elements like drawings, posters, or mock social media posts.
  4. (Optional) Use devices to design a digital campaign. (Estimated Time: 5–7 min)
    • Scouts who prefer tech can create an online post using a photo, message, or graphic.
    • They may search for free-to-use images that match their message or draw their own.
  5. Reflect on their campaign’s messages. (Estimated Time: 3–5 min)
    • Scouts write or share how their campaign pushes back against harmful media messages.
    • Optional prompt: Did you use any hidden messages in your campaign—and were they positive?
  6. (Optional) Share campaigns with the group. (Estimated Time: 2–3 min)
    • Scouts may present or display their work.
    • Leaders may guide brief peer discussion on how messaging can empower others.

What to Expect on the “Be a Positive Influencer” Worksheet

  • What will this campaign promote?
    → Write one short sentence like: “Everyone should be proud of their body,” or “Real beauty comes from confidence.”
  • Slogan
    → Brainstorm something catchy and kind, like “Strong is beautiful” or “You don’t need filters to shine.”
  • Hashtag
    → Come up with something they’d feel proud posting, like #BodyProud, #BeYouBoldly, #StrongLikeMe.
  • Audience
    → Choose who they want to talk to. A 6th grader might write: “Kids my age,” “My school,” or “Anyone feeling insecure.”
  • Video/image ideas
    → Think of one picture they could take or draw, like “me laughing with my friends,” “a messy ponytail and proud smile,” or “a sporty pose in sweats.”
  • Social media platforms
    → Even if they don’t use them personally, they can write “TikTok,” “Instagram,” or “Pinterest.”
  • Hidden (implied) positive messages
    → Think about what their image/slogan says without saying it. Example: “You don’t have to be perfect to be awesome,” or “Looking different is normal.”
  • Print/text ideas
    → One sentence they could put on a poster or in a caption: “My body lets me jump, hug, and dance. I love it.”
  • Ways to represent body diversity and appreciation
    → Suggest including different skin tones, hair textures, abilities, or body shapes in their art or photos. Even saying, “Draw people with different body types” works.
Tia Kennard