'Zink the Zebra' presents lessons in diversity

By Carl Kieke

Abiline Reporter News
July 25, 2005

''Hi! My name is Zink the Zebra. I live in the Lipis Jungle, and I have spots instead of stripes. Sometimes I am treated differently by the other zebras because I look different.

''I was created by a special young girl named Kelly Weil who was also treated differently because of the way she looked on the outside. But Kelly knew, and so do I, that it's what is on the inside that counts.''

So begins an introductory page to Zink the Zebra found at www.zinkthezebra.org, home of the Zink the Zebra Foundation. The purpose of the foundation is to promote diversity education. Programs are designed to create understanding among children (and adults) of those that are different in some way.

The foundation was created by Les Weil, whose daughter, Kelly, died of bone cancer at age 11. Before she died, Kelly wrote a story creating Zink the Zebra, who was rejected by others because she was different - just like many of Kelly's friends drifted away after she became ill and, therefore, ''different.''

The foundation offers a variety of resources and programs for all types of youth groups. Some materials are specific to camp settings, including the topic of pulling ''harmless'' pranks at camp; others are useful in the classroom. There are fun items for individuals to do on their own, and a link to ask questions privately.

The West Texas Girl Scout Council promotes use of the program in troop activities.

WTGSC is sponsoring a session on incorporating Zink into all types of youth programs Tuesday at the council office, 3125 Oldham Lane in Abilene. Youth group leaders and volunteers are encouraged to attend. Liz Garland, national director of the Zink the Zebra Foundation, will lead the session, beginning at 11 a.m. There will be a short lunch break (bring a sack lunch if you have not preregistered).

More than 300 Girl Scout councils use Zink the Zebra program activities to ''help girls and young women embrace differences and build self-esteem,'' according to the Web site. ''Zink lessons foster compassion and respect for others, and help Girl Scouts practice the life skills of positive interaction and community service.''

Emily Marquez of the Abilene Girl Scout office said this program is not just for Girl Scouts - and not just for girls. There are age-appropriate programs for preteens and teenagers.

For more information on the Zink the Zebra program, call the Girl Scout office, (325) 670-0432; or go online at www.zinkthezebra.org.