As We Approach Our 100th Anniversary,
What Can We Learn from Each Other
That Will Help Us Bring Girl Scouting
to Record Numbers of Girls?
What do I want to explore? ask? discover? contribute? teach? learn with you?
October 30, 2008
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
Book of Proceedings
Table of Contents
Letter from Kathy May Page 9
Wise Youth Page 10
Discussion Session Notes
18 – 29 Year Olds Page 11
2012 – 100 Year Anniversay Page 14
Adapting Safety Wise to High Adventure AND Keeping Older Girls Page 18
Adapting to the Impact of the Current Economic Environment on Girls and Page 20
Their Families
Advancing Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Girl Scouting Page 21
Alternate Forms of Council Governance Page 23
Are There Alternatives to the ―Service Unit‖ Model of Volunteer Support To Page 25
Improve the Volunteers‘ Satisfaction?
Alumnae Page 29
Are the Changes for Better or Worse? Page 32
Atmosphere of Distrust Between GSUSA and Local Council Volunteers Page 34
Attracting Hispanic Girls Page 36
Balance of School and Girl Scouting Page 39
Bringing Community Together Page 41
Keep Older Girl (high school and beyond) Involved
Commenting On Lots of Things Page 43
Connecting Between Take Action For Girls and Councils Being Page 45
The Voice For Girls
Cookies – Entrepeneurial Re-Make Page 47
2
Council / GSUSA Interdependence Page 48
Cross-Council Camping Opportunities Page 50
Destinations / Travel For Older Girls Page 52
EEE Junior Board Advisor Page 54
Embracing Pathways for Girls Page 55
Equal Recognition for Silver and Gold Awards Page 56
Explorer Post Concept For Older Girls Page 58
Finding What Girls Want Page 61
Flexibility in Changing World Page 63
From Training to Vibrant Learning Communities Page 66
Fund Development Page 68
Fund Development 2 Page 70
Get More African Americans To Be Leaders Page 73
Get Public and Peers to Accept Girl Scouts in High Schools Page 74
Girl Scout Merchandise Page 78
Girl Scout Traditions Page 79
Girl Scouts Asian Task Force? Page 81
Girl Scouts vs. Leader Scouts Page 82
Global Girl Scouting Page 84
3
Gold Award Criteria and Redundancy Page 86
Governance Model – Better Use of Delegates (Council Level) Page 88
How Can Annual Giving and Membership Create a Culture of Philanthropy? Page 89
How Can We Standout In a Sports-Obsessed Culture? Page 91
How Do Councils Organize In Geographically Diverse Councils To Serve Page 93
All Areas Equally?
How Do We Attract Adult Leaders? Page 94
How Do We Better Serve Girls in Rural Areas? Page 96
How Do We Change the Perception That We Have an Unhealthy Page 98
Devotion to Traditions?
How Do We Get Leaders? Page 100
How Do We Get Strong Leadership From Our Leaders and Give Them Page 101
Confidence to Lead?
How Do We Make Teen Travel Affordable? Page 103
How Do We Renew Excitement In Leaders? Page 106
How Do We Use Power of Realignment To Raise More $$ for Page 107
Opportunities for Girls?
How Do We Do It ―Green‖ Without Long Travel, But Still Engage Page 109
All Voices? Travel Time and Costs
How Do We, As An Organization, Make Descisions, Plan, Create Policies Page 110
Based On Love and Well Being Rather Than Fear?
How Do We Create True Partnerships Between Council and GSUSA? Page 112
How Do We Introduce New Girls Into Girl Scouting and Open Up Troops So No One Page 114
Has To Hear, ―We‘re All Full; Please Wait Until Someone Drops Out?‖
How To Add Consistency to Bronze/Silver/Gold Awards So They Mean The Page 116
Same Thing Across Space and Time?
How To Get Girls To Intercommunicate With Other Councils Page 119
4
How To Get More Afro-Americans To Step Up As Leaders Page 121
How To Help Leaders Be Comfortable With Outdoors Page 122
How To Introduce New Programming In Exciting Ways and Keep Traditions Page 125
How To Open Lines of Communication Between Staff and Volunteers, Page 128
Especially With Massive Staff Turnover
How To Promote New Program Without Just Focusing On the Page 129
Word ―Leadership‖
How To Show Older Girls the Relevancy of Girl Scouts Page 130
How To Use National Council All Three Years Page 132
How To Keep High School Girls In Girl Scouting Page 134
Inspiring Leaders To Come and Stay Page 136
Is Girl Scouting Targeted To All Girls Or Just Younger Girls? Page 138
Jamboree/Roundup Page 140
Keeping Girls Interested in Middle School Years Page 142
Leaders To Buy Into Girl Leadership Page 144
Long-Term/Short-Term Pathways Page 146
Making a Better Working Board of Directors Page 148
Member and Leader Retention Page 150
Merger – How To Make It Seamless Page 152
More Involvement of Board Members Page 154
Multi-Year Registration Page 155
5
National Medical Forms and National Financial Forms Page 157
New Program – Will It Be Successful? Page 158
New Programming/Gold Awards Page 160
Older Girl Scouts – Girl Scouts vs. Boy Scout Adventuring Crew Page 162
Patches Shared Across the Councils Page 164
Possible Renaming of Bronze, Silver, Gold Award Recipient To Be ―Good Scout‖ Page 165
Public Perception of Girl Scouts: Girl Scouts = Cookies, Boy Scouts = Eagle Scout Page 167
Recognition of Different Needs For Retention Page 169
Recruiting Adults Who Are Not Necessary Mother of Girls Page 170
Recruiting Materials Page 172
(What is being used, works, and how can we standardize distribution?)
Reduce Paperwork – Volunteers/Streamling – Simplifying Paperwork Page 174
Reinventing Girl Scouting Page 176
Serving Girls With Special Needs Page 179
Serving Low Income Girls Page 181
Sharing the Value of Girl Scouting Page 183
Tap Into Lifetime Membership Page 185
Teacing Old Dogs New Tricks Page 187
Technology Page 189
Traditional Troops In Decline. What New Ideas Are Working Or Not? Page 191
6
Transition Girls With Special Needs To Adults Page 193
United Way Community Impact and Leadership Experience Outcomes Page 194
Using Girls Who Have Graduated Page 196
Using Community, Local Governments To Support Girl Scouts Page 198
Using Journeys and Try Its/Badges, Etc., Together Page 200
Using Malcolm Baldridge Page 202
Using Outside Counselors To Assist With Activities Page 203
Utilizing Girl Board Members and Older Girl Focus Groups Page 204
Veteran Volunteers Page 207
Volunteer-Led vs. Staff-Led Troops Page 209
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Page 211
We Can Facilitate a Fund Development Conference Page 213
What Do We Love About Girl Scouts? Page 214
What Does Leadership Really Look Like? Page 216
What We Love About Girl Scouting Page 218
Where Are the Girls? Page 220
Who‘s Running the Store?: Board/CEO Conflicts Page 222
Why Aren‘t There Girls On the National Board? Page 224
Younger Girls – How To Build the Foundation Page 226
7
Closing Comments and Reflections Page 227
About Open Space Technology Page 230
Contact List for Conference Participants Page 231
8
On October 30, 2008, at 8:30 a.m., Kathy Cloninger, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, welcomed over
650 participants to Open Space in Indianapolis. The group convened around a forward-looking
question that challenged all to think creatively and positively about our future.
Guided by facilitator, Lisa Heft*, participants formed 110 discussion groups focusing on the question,
―As we approach our 100th anniversary, what can we learn from each other that will help us bring
Girl Scouting to record numbers of girls. Council participants joined members of the National Board
and Staff in convening conversations that matter to all of us….individuals – councils – and the
movement as a whole.
This Book of Proceedings contains the notes recorded at each and every session. We hope this
record will provide insight into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The pages are
packed with observations, ideas, and opportunities to stretch your thinking and understanding….all
toward our goal of increasing membership and improving program opportunities for girls.
There are several ways you can use the information in this Book:
Share the Book with everyone who has something to learn or something to share – volunteers, staff,
teen girls – everyone!
Continue discussions on a topic you care about.
Contact members of the various discussion groups to move the conversation along. Offer help when
you can.
Share the list of topics you see in the Table of Contents to highlight issues of most importance to
members.
Use this Book to start a conversation about programs or services you wish to enhance, expand or
improve.
Thanks to everyone who participated in Open Space. Their hard work and rich discussions are
reflected in this Book of Proceedings which will be a wonderful resource for GSUSA, councils and
individual members.
On behalf of the Story Weaving Team, I wish you great success as you go about your work of building
girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Kathy May
National Operational Volunteer
Open Space Team Lead
*Lisa Heft
Consultant, Facilitator, Educator, Opening Space
lisaheft@openingspace.net www.openingspace.net +1 510 548-8449
9
This poem was co-created by an amazing group of young women – Girl Scouts who model true leadership.
Their words kicked off our Open Space session, reminding us – always – who we are working for.
Wise Youth
Girls face the challenges of everyday life
And that in itself
Is the hardest thing of all.
Where are our leaders?
Parents College Friends
Acceptance
Lack of self
The pressures to change who they are
Because they don‘t feel good enough.
Who am I?
What am I supposed to do for the world?
Will ‗they‘ accept me for who I am?
Do not judge.
Look at inside beauty before what you see on the outside.
We face new things
And some hard things
But we always get something out of it.
Rather than ―change,‖ better yourself – with the help of the Girl Scout Movement.
As part of Girl Scouting
Girls can be anyone they want to be.
The future is in our hands – and Girl Scouts is there to guide and help us grow.
The people who care about you
Don‘t see your clothes
Or the way you style your hair
Or your braces.
They see you for who you are.
Follow your dreams.
Travel where your heart desires.
Be who you want to be.
Be yourself…
Who you are
What you become
What you don‘t become.
You are….what is
And has been
Within yourself. by Jacqueline Bellaci, Ally Clark, Kathryn Clauss,
Girl Scouts is a way you can find Najha Francois, Shelbi Hanneman, Christine Lawton,
Arlynn Katz, Amber Kountz, Allie Koury,
That which has already been,
Kamarie Maturine, Samantha Melendez, Kristen Steinfeld,
Waiting. Kyla Taffe, Monique Tinglin, Donna Tingling,
Believe in yourself. Lauren Tingling, Lauren Tomlinson, Annika Vernon
September 30, 2008
Believe and be yourself.
Opening Poem
Be loud. Be proud. And be yourself. Open Space Session
We are sisters 2008 National Council Session
Who shall stand 51st Convention
Together. Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
10
Tema
Issue / Topic:
18-29 Year Olds
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Alysse Turner
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Bonnie Ball
Los otros participantes
Other members: Don Kessel, Beth Carroll, Bonnie Ball, Tuth Metzger, Vikki Shepp, Barbra
Waldmanm Carmel Mendoza, Emily Bartow, Sarah Thomas, Joann Sabados-Caroliva, Breann
Van Orden, Billie Baker, Anna Petefish, Elain Walch, Marilyn Spedding, Robert Palmor,
Amelia de Dios, Elizabeth Williamson, Carolyn Pickel, Bonnie Cooney, Julie DeLong, Sharon
Pron, Rosa Bland, Debbie Esposito, Alysse Turner, Julia F. Crisler, Jami Bran, Kristine
Morotto
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
How can we involve more 18-29 year olds?
Recent high school graduates receive no mailings from the council office; they're not
asked; need better communication.
How do they fit it? Especially if they're shy. Who can go to them?
A Volunteer can gather them together end of senior year and ask for their interests, give
them ideas for involvement.
Put them on event task groups; running events.
Include them in fund development talks.
Program can be called "Young Adult Program."
Not just working at camp.
Really want them after college. They may move to other areas. How do we track
them? How do we find them?
USE FACEBOOK
Young women want a "hotty," get through college, and "a job."
We would/should do whatever it takes to get these girls.
They already understand Girl Scouts.
San Diego—Alysse Turner—would love to get a communication going. A contact data
base with links for interests (aturner@girlscoutssdi.org).
What are we going to do with these non-moms? They're not going to wait forever for us
to figure out what to do with them.
11
Have something for them to do too—not just person in charge like alumni camp/tea.
Be a first aider at events or bring (and register) their friends to come and help too.
Barriers they meet: councils don't know what to do; councils need to think IN ADVANCE
before they show up with them. Have that wish list. The 18-29 year olds can pick from
the list and be matched.
Do a strategic plan to bring in alumni.
Network with getting these young women and placing them.
"Think outside the box".
Their names aren't on leader emails or trainer emails. Need a category just for tracking
and INFORMING alumni.
Lot's of quiet ones. We alienate and overwhelming them or appear to clickish.
GSUSA needs to acknowledge these issues and encourage councils to pursue them and
share databases.
We NEED these people.
We, as volunteers, need to be the bridge for the council to these girls. Help them with
Girl Scout networking.
Can we offer job internships?
Survey asking them what is their future? What are their plans for Girl Scouting?
They have "passion".
They're more flexible, more open minded.
They don't mind traveling.
"Nobody ever called me"
Invite them back. Give them a Girl Scout business card/ask them for a card.
Be persistent in contacting them.
They can't believe you don‘t call them back. Good business practice.
They're an investment.
College campuses can do more. Need to rival sororities in service. Contact sororities
too.
A paid staff or volunteer should do this tracking.
Very important to keep track of them with councils merging, becoming larger, etc. The
age group can get "lost"
Girls these ages move around allot. What are councils doing to track these women?
Do more than ask them for money.
Offer them something.
Need a "mindset" of change.
This age group wants/likes short-term assignments, quick commitments, not year-long
troop leader or trainer forever.
Use follow- through before and after commitments.
Put needs on website.
They don't know what they want to do. Want short -term assignments.
12
Girl Scout alumni facebook page—contacts, opportunities.
What happened to National Alumni list?
Have them lead service projects.
Can offer time, not money. Food!
KEEP in touch with them.
GSUSA is slow with change, but councils on their own can communicate with each other,
with the help of volunteers.
Human networking—we need to go after them!
Unfamiliar territory tends to make girls shy and not come forward.
Grants are available to hire this group for short-term assignments.
Exit interviews with the high school seniors.
Hook them up right away, before they lose their "passion"
Start educating Senior Girl Scouts with future possibilities within the organization.
Ask them for ideas to keep their age involved.
Gold Award recipients often get frustrated in that process and don't want to do anything
right away.
Be sure graduating girls (not just Gold Award recipients) get council business cards
because "we want you back!"
Have a welcoming "note" to newly moved members.
Email, Email, Email. Flyers from council, from SUM etc.
May not do in college, but breaks.
13
Tema
Issue / Topic:
2012 – 100 Year Anniversary
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Jamie Corr
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Cheryl Hecker
Los otros participantes
Other members: June Kubasiak, Sharon Mathis Satterly, Mareen Thompson, Wanda
Maltese, Nora Sirianni, Debbie Garrison, Caroline Engralel, Angela Fay, Mary Glias, Barbara
Putney, Denise Ganley, Karen Cerreta, Julie DeLong, Holly Nishida, Sue Schoneman, Alice
Hockenbury, Vickie Fish, Karen Moriarty, Yolanda Edwards, Vicke Thrower, Debbie Cook,
Sandra Evans, Virginia Champion, Donna Holden, Sara Tuttle, Mica Minor, Debbie Melton,
Debbie Coballeoo, Diane Jeffer, George Vakats, Kathy Bassie, Margaret Spicer, Carol
Hannin, Katherine Stagg, Abbie von Schlegell, Vicky Beyerle, Nancy J Miller
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
This has to be planned and developed and made known.
WAGGGS world – 3-year program 1910.
100th Anniversary in DC sing-along
each council do
universal songbook
Alumni involvement – sing along.
Countdown to centennial on every website.
100th Anniversary GS coin – booth have #142 brings 3.25 mil to GS.
Harriet Hassom – GSUSA contact for Anniversary.
Delphia – fundraising @ GSUSA.
GSHG – coin collecting patch program.
At girl level:
GSHG patch programs
Loval sing-a-long
Events by the decades – what did they do in 20s and 30s etc?
Mayor Proclamation and publicity for every year building up to 100th
We are planning an event.
Relive own troop, scrapbook over the years, alumni – Gold Awardees – bring info from
their ―years‖ in GS.
14
Go to seniors – GS memories/pictures etc.
Veteran hospitals, elderly homes, etc.
Juliette‘s trunk – has miscellaneous items from start of GS, Golden Eaglet, etc – show
where they started.
Traditions – share all them and bring into today‘s troops.
Even though other things change, our traditions keep us together and have not changed.
They still hold true need to show girls how long our history is and how is the same.
What changes when occurred and changed with the times. Changes in low, changes in
age levels. Etc.
Time Line/Time Capsule
Each council provides an item from their council to National and put in a nationwide
time capsule
Have to look at past to move into future
In 1912 our town was doing this…; our community did…; our towns did…; etc. Timeline
for councils to fill out and submit to national.
Nationwide 100th Anniversary Event
Boy Scouts do every four years with 65/80 thousand in attendance. Should be done with
Girl Scouts
Groups from around the country join in military, scuba, car companies etc.
GSHG Historic Georgia, large parks/regional areas, etc., would be the most appropriate
area to hold it
Macy
Need to get things back to service units, and troop levels
Many don‘t see what is happening outside of their own troop
Girls go back to do original badges and activities
Can be done at troop level or service unit level
GSUSA support to get the info
Talk to museums to bring info on 100th, many plan their calendars out 2-3 years have
exhibits for 100th
Tea – dress in period dress, tie into manners, etc.
Older Girls do traveling history of GS bringing it to younger girls.
GS through the years at day camps.
Many websites of GS history found on web.
Get girls to start working on history patches.
Find past Girl Scouts/alumni to share their info and stories.
University Employee – put Girl Scouts on resumes and show proud heritage.
Keep good records of girls activities and community service. This will help with college
scholarships.
How GS helped you get your job or scholarship.
How community service, etc., helped them.
15
Get where they are.
GS Banner. Felt banner 36‖ wide with time stamp, Each time period put what
happened in those years. Put all around exhibit hall.
Parades – include 100th Anniversary banner.
Service unit Camporee‘s bring anniversary theme and history of GS to service units.
Council Level
Sing-a-longs – stepping stones with troop singing
Service unit sing-along
Council sing-a-long
Build up to National
Need sub-committee to organize at all levels.
Send all info to GSUSA for publicity for councils.
University campus/ local TV / local radio
Invite all for publicity (e.g., mayor)
Find the oldest member in your council
Living Treasure (find her)
GSVSC.org – archive info/patch program – History Mystery program
GS Medallion mentioned, but referred to GSUSA Coin
On council level can do medallions
Council History
Parades, floats, state fairs, etc., have booths with GS history
100 years of dreams fulfilled – parade of Roses
Gold awardees in parade with float, etc.
For younger girls – GSUSA put together more history ―flip books,‖ etc., for all age groups
with history of Daisy, etc.
Find ways to bring younger/older girls and adults together; e.g., quilting the history of
the council, GS, etc.
Gold Award – coloring book to put out to community - 10 reasons to join GS
Better as Silver Award
Publicity a must.
Archive Committee if don‘t have one, need to get one – Historical.
Need to help get info out on archives and how to find info.
Train someone to dress up as Juliette Gordon Lowe and go out to events/programs,
etc., to say, ―my anniversary is coming, are you coming to my party?‖
GSUSA – Main web site has a lot of info online
Offer archive tours (do in advance)
Organize council trips to historical areas, i.e., Savannah, Macy etc.
Publish info in papers about trips, get info out, find supporters. etc. Girls can get
funding to do trips.
16
Check out shop here GSM has a lot of historical items.
Look at others who celebrate the same anniversary year. Oreo‘s – maybe an oreo/GS
logo cookie, etc.
Girl Scout stamp – is anything being done?
National postcard with 100th Anniversary—can be used to send nationwide.
Special Thinking Day activities
England anniversary 1910
Scotland 1911
US 1912
Look at those graduating in these years. Have them part of the celebration.
Macy parade – Council representation (girls) in parade. Shows the solidarity across the
US.
Talk to Disney, etc., about ―pinning‖ Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, etc., in their parade
every year.
Do at local levels also.
17
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Adapting Safety Wise to High Adventure AND Keeping Older Girls
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Tracie Johnston
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Tracie Johnston, Char Corlit, Kathy Stueber, Jean Turner, Chelseay Heck
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Can't join because of clique.
Safety Wise is too restrictive.
Girls can‘t ride on floats.
Activity list for Boy Scouts
B.B. guns - Adventures (pistols)
Levels of fire arms [safety].
Parents responsibility to give rules.
ACA accreditation (says NO fire arms).
Hoping GSUSA will provide (help) with certification.
Boating
Horseback riding
How is GSUSA helping councils with programs?
Safety Wise should give more information in specific areas.
Sold National Center West. Need to get area for GS to have fun.
Need (not just) crafts, camping, leadership; but travel, international/high adventure.
High Adventure
- Rock wall
- Ropes course
- Big trips
- Mexico
- Florida
- Once a year summer trips
- Employment night
18
- Hiking through creek/MUD
National needs to find resources for councils to get certified.
NOTE: We broke off and went to topic section "I" whale. This was pretty much the same
topic.
19
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Adapting to the Impact of the Current Economic Environment on Girls and
Their Families
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Ursula Pombier
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Susan Steck
Los otros participantes
Other members: Donna Crawford, Pat Roderick, Tracy Gillin
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Parents complain about troop finances and feel that the money the girls earn should be
theirs. And when calls were made to council, no support for the leader – support for the
parent.
In today‘s economy, starting new program level books are a burden. Supply leaders
with a learning library when new materials come out.
Contributions from companies have dropped. Councils have to stretch dollars used to
assist lower income girls and families.
Realigned councils‘ finances are not stable. Give more attention on the girls rather
than drawing in finances.
Economics impacting transportation costs. Parents not being able to afford to drive to
meetings.
Work with organizations that are assisting families in need. Sister troops working with
troops in low income areas. Show the girls that no matter their economic situation,
they can give back to the community.
20
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Advancing Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Girl Scouting
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Norma Banquet
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Ally Clark, Manisha Nahar, Dianne L. Purdy, Clare Breshahan, Diane
Tartaglia
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Have not seen much in this area.
Going to other communities to explain GS
My school is 95% white. Little diversity. All my friends happen to be white. Want to
talk to people who are different. We have lots of lead programs at Cactus-Pine.
How do students' interact around issue of culture at school?
It is taboo to be adverturous and serve their communities.
People are not interested.
Encouraging African Americans to participate.
GS can go into various communities to bring people together.
Develop, accept different people.
People are afraid to step out.
They need to be encouraged.
Are there conversations about diversity? Not often.
Many organizations have diversity training—let's use them.
My friend's mom is color-blind.
Discussing value and problems with color-blindness.
Needing more outreach to people not traditionally represented in GS, i.e., women
without children as volunteers, communities of color.
Trouble with getting volunteers who are not mothers.
Socio-economic class plays a role in volunteering.
How to get people interested in diversity in GS movement.
How to get more diverse volunteers? Show it's not as time consuming, advertise that
anyone can bring value to it.
21
Making sure to be inclusive, show customs from different communities.
Trust/comfort needs room for development in both girls and adults.
Respect is key. Respecting yourself is important to help you voice your opinion and gain
others' respect.
Being comfortable with uncomfortable situations.
Adults should be able to pass this along.
22
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Alternate Forms of Council Governance
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Michelle Bellows
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Diane Burroughs
Los otros participantes
Other members: Jane Herrin; Pam Clark; Diane Burrows; Denise Stewart; Nancy Faulks;
Jean Schumacher; Kim Hutzell; Alisa Crothers; Jan Bensen; Katrina Jameson; Susan
Rutherfors; Anne Wodnick; Marcia Barber; Nancy Nygren; Nancy Birkhimer; Ann Smith;
Candra Parker
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Delegate system meaningless – distance issues.
CO – different model – directorship organization – no member – bylaws/state voted by
board.
GSUSA considers this a model pilot – self-perpetuating board – two checks.
Board governance committee – board development committee. Works with board –
educate, development; board self-assessment, evaluations.
Membership Connection Committee – replaces delegates (all volunteers) - chair of MCC
is second Vice Chair.
Jobs of MCC:
1. Receive and input on council strategic plan
2. Receive and respond on board actions – posted on website (non-MCC can respond)
and includes two questions from board to MCC such as environmental scan – meant
to communicate/engage with members.
3. MCC works with board governance committee – can comment on nominations – give
feedback and potential recommendations for board and national board.
Does this structure help issues that are operational vs governance?
Takes all input – then sorted after input.
To address broader input possibilities: statewide forums, workshops; opportunities for
board (policiy makers) staff and volunteers (influencers)to interact.
Hoped to (but it‘s not happening) have board members/staff travel throughout state.
Each MCC member interacts with own area.
Forums – governance and operational – feedback on line.
23
Director-based – more nimble can change bylaws – need for caution.
Stronger policy influencing system than councils had before.
Membership more engaged – feel more connected.
Arkansas adopted this, but MCC can self-nominate, and membership elects MCC.
This has been causing problems – need to work on these issues.
MCC includes national delegates, but only 20 delegates elected at large.
Board governance committee – self-perpetuating – limited number of board members
(five-nine) – less than half can be board members.
CEO is member of board and MCC – listening.
Annual statewide forum is in the by-laws – open space.
One member-one vote – represent
Not always for proxy votes – NJ
Staff cannot vote
Challenges: delegates are operational volunteers; can be disconnected from governance
issues.
Governance guide – train delegates
www.gsnetx.org – governance guide on website - Northeast Texas
24
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Are There Alternatives to the "Service Unit" Model of Volunteer Support to
Improve the Volunteers' Satisfaction?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Linda Sola
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Mary Chris Arnessen
Los otros participantes
Other members: Carol Eberly, Laura Thievbes, Ginny Cashbaugh, Bonnie Ledet, Diana
Smith, Barbara Putney, Peggy Fingee, Linda Sola, Gina Magee, Gert Kerozorouser, Vikki
Shepp, Kathy Rudisill, Nancy Walters, Tracy Gilling, Joyce Hetrick, Natasha Harris, Jenni
May, Brenda Britton, Laura Dulle, Peggy Kugel, Pat Sherwood, Carl Short, Risa G. Brandon,
Rachel Broumand, Pat Fugate, Elizabeth Huxford, Linda Kuba, Denise Ganley, Barbara
Burdick, Sheila Drivastava, Michlle Bellows, Heather Vilhauer, Flo Gormley, Cathy Tisdale,
Pat Sherwood, Misty Gilmore
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Not enough hours to take care of the girl and the volunteers.
Pilot program that people are experienced.
Service Unit is a naughty word - community service team - empowered as much or as
little.
Recruiter, coaches, mentors, publicity, paperwork for new volunteers, registration,
cookies, magazines/nuts.
Leader/Facilitator - networks of mentors and coaches.
One rural country - 11 troops - 200 girls.
Some have 600 girls
This is what was done - that is what we are going to do.
Meets the needs of the group
Troops - doing kid - Daisy kit propgram in kindergarten
Literacy program based in school
Name changed
12 members
60 troops - 500 girls
Level advisor
New leader troop coach
25
School district for every level
In Service Unit model had to report to council members
Make individual leaders accountable
Recruitment
The leader level role to support multiple areas
Over the phone meetings - not travleing so far for meetings
Yahoo groups - Service Unit function
Black Diamond - was Trillium
Broadening the reach - getting to Juliettes
North Carolina - council registration process - Juliette list from council
Service Unit system - structured to troop
Technology - Webina, teleconference - using the tools
Local online yahoo group
Community board - three counties
Website creation - posting information
Daily or weekly digest
Why did change model happen? Trial program model.
Community service team model
Documented structure?
With our service team - 100 troops, 25 on service team, been there too long - burned
out.
Can you ask new people to step up?
Don't use the leaders - service teams are others
Administrative tasks are easier for non-leaders
Administrative - backs community reinvestment
Recruit out in community
Lack of time to stay a leader, let others do it
Community volunteer, older GSs - elder Adrian consultants
Three fourths of service team are former leaders
Forty-four new leaders - girls involved
What is a service team? - Leaders meeting and service team
Thirty minutes before Service Unit meetings - specific questions
Email
School securities, answers a lot of questions
Discuss it with them, school calendars, school communities
Teacher sponsored
Troop at school - offer to the whole school - people didn't want to be leaders - wasn't a
GS, didn't know what to teach
Mentoring program - 60 girls in the school - are big troop
26
Two leaders per grade level - 12 leaders – One:five ratio
Sponsored new girls and basis on experience - meeting
Leave sixth grade in middle school
Mentoring the new leaders
Sponsor next Daisy Swap
Already funded - older girls
Sponsor younger troops
Leaders outs - similar to service unit meetings
One representative to Service Unit meeting
More than cookies - TSC role magnificent
Sixth grade recruiting leader
Set a day time
Sponsoring two new troops each year
What do you do when you have a troop that doesn't want to belong?
I don't have time to go to the service unit meeting
Leadership copy - networking team
Repeated info - they pick topics
Service Unit meeting is about the networking
Electronic notes - websites
Older girl needed to teach communication website
Older girls on the service team
Resource rebate coordination "funny money"
Teen organized - teen leader newsletter
Association - delegates are teens
Clusters for older girls - Cadette through webpage - designed by and for these girls
COGL - community of older girl leaders get together
GEMS - older girl teams
What do you do when Service Unit has lost its momentum?
"This is the way it‘s always been"
Six people care and they leave
Make it roundtable - dynamic discussion - last 15-20 minutes for service unit idea topics
Leader/daughter dynamics - conflict, cool events, service project - then break into
groups/age levels
Enrichment program service unit ZZ groups
Low attendance - themes for the meeting - try to get to troop sponsorship
Opening/closing ceremony
Council - send out postcard, email, Yahoo group, communicate meeting
Door prizes, craft hands on, ceremonies taught
Neighborhoods - global community, no service unit managers, neighborhood
27
team/facilitator, three registrations/finance people - share the load, very team-based,
started at council A2 Cactus Point
Mr. Rogers Neighborhood - write everyone, leader government, 45 minutes per month,
troop mailbox
Make it easier for people to get the information
troop being uniformed is more important
email coordinatior - team meets to set agendas
Paradigm shift - more sharing
Member service unit council connection
Three neighborhoods, 12,000 girl potential - 750 girls
Eliminate the dictatorship structure - spread out the word
Split up roles - area cookie chair - five jobs - 100 troops
Functional structure - save people over and over
End of July - kick off training meeting - goal sessions
Break into groups - specific focus groups
Roundtables - all registrars - two convenient geographic areas - highly attended,
encourage mentors
Quarterly Service Unit meetings – three-five members of each neighborhood, self-
managed teams - team structure
Team roster - jobs described
Agenda is posted on flip chart when you come in – drop in/drop out, create stations,
posters throughout room, interactive, tangible/tactical things, like shopping, cruising,
socializing, include food, move people out of chair
Assign a greeter
28
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Alumnae
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Alysse Turner
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Amy Murphy
Los otros participantes
Other members: Melanie Joy, Pat Boykin, Elizabeth Hart, Sandra Moore, Rusine Mitchell
Sinclar, Kelly Gostisha, Inez Jones, Suzane Copeland, Barbara Waldinan, Katt Ecin, Sanda
Abranson, Charlene Klein, Kerry Morris, Terry Cohee, Barbara Garber, Bonnie Kelly, Margret
Smith, Gina Wynn, Nancy Bronline, Mary Tull, Gabrielle Minnich, Caralyn Pickel
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Older women - find a place for them to contribute.
Our passion
- the driving force
- attaining a higher education
- tell your story
- getting funds
- using your voice
- making onnections
- the benefit
How to create these links and connections
- from graduation to - adult leadership roles
- buying lifetime membership
- investing in our future leader base
Acknowledging our lifetime members
Problems hacking- subscribing to communication
How to tap the resource
- compatalility of information exchange
Evergreen - New Jersey - What girls are searching for after High School
- job
- mate
- college
29
Members are humble and elite
Search databases for their benefits - assets to others
Do it to expect GSUSA to develop this organization for us
- what would the parameters be?
- access to information / privacy issue?
Networking Oppertunity
- using databases within councils
CES - Caincil Emterprise System
Barlaia at GSUSA - COMMITTED
- barlaia@girlscouts.org
Legacy of adults and leadership opptunities
Volunteer members that facilitate among program specialists
-Offering internships to own girl members creating focus groups
-Viable resources
- reflections cerermony with recipcipents
- bridging to adults ceremony
Loyalty
Humamities
Young Women of Disfunction - recognition
Honorary or Epicodin Volunteers
- notes to undertake these actions
Offer programs in resource books (Connections)
- Adult / Sister Troops / Enrichment events / Volunteer experience
Legacy Council experience - Keep the communication going
- LEADER FEST
Challenges to keep in touch
- what are the advantages to getting these ladies to continue funding our organization
Make friends, so we can make money
Women‘s Expo in cities
- have a booth, hand out pearls in exchange for contact info funding
Go to retirement and recreational facilities
Cookie Sale
- find a GS from the past
- how $ were cookies?
- flavors?
- singing albums
- GS in motion
- story telling
30
Trailblazers - group of elders
- maintaining support of program
- presence to girls
- sisterhood circles
- a purpose
- potential amoung us
Campus GS chapter at colleges development
Access two sites - linkedin.com / plaxo.com
31
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Are the Changes for Better or Worse?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Thomasina Watson
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Thomasina
Los otros participantes
Other members: Debbie Garrison; Mary Jo Cree; Carol L. Wier; Lucille Wright; Karen S.;
Kennetha Mackle; Kate Pickle; Cat Rinaldi; Donna Banks Ficcio
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
So much confusion with redesigning Girl Scouts—are the changes scaring girls off?
Redesigning the Gold Award every couple of years makes it so confusing and impossible
to fully understand what is required. Changing procedures makes it harder to finish a
project.
Each council does things differently for Gold Award – GSUSA should clearly state the
grandfather clause
Anything in Girl Scouts is good. Leaders must embrace it – older leaders don‘t. Leaders
need to know that they can adapt program.
Girls need to tell leaders what they want to do
Schedule activities with other troops
Merge with other troops
Don‘t like difficulty of badges
Leaders made studio books harder to make the girls learn more – girls didn‘t want to do
it
Leaders should help girls do badge work at home using school activities to apply for
badge requirements
GSCM – have Cadette camps every summer for girls – troop or individual
Cost of camps rising and become financial issues keeping girls away
Adapt activity requirements to fit girls
Travel troops separate from regular troops so girls can travel more
Girls weren‘t familiar with Studio 2B or Journeys
One girl likes uniforms
Girls stressed over activities at schools so we back off but Girl Scouting loses out
Girls sacrifice GS due to school and sports but ease out
32
So much to do that our requirements get lost in shuffle – pressure from school
Virtual meetings – chat rooms
Sometimes having more meetings is better
Councils should all be consistent about requirements for Gold Award and other
programs. In our group, there are three different numbers of hour required for Gold
project.
33
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Atmosphere of Distrust Between GSUSA and Local Councils/Volunteers
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Laurel Hicks
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker:
Los otros participantes
Other members: Mary Wyman-Goone, Gerri Godon, Julia Crisler, Judy Frey, Jennifer
Kaplan, Julie Schwartz, Sally Berry, Laurie Hoenig, Carol Short, Barbara Garber, Priscilla
Rackliff, Carol Lee
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Concerns of management, outcomes, trust of GSUSA.
Does GSUSA have our concerns at heart?
When we complain we are told we're just stupid and don't know what we are talking
about.
Need focus off of urban only and work with rural areas only.
Membership - we have the girls, not leadership.
National delegates vote on linguistics, not on actual program material - 2B and
Journeys.
Board isn't girl-oriented - many members of staff and such don't understand it.
Staff runs the show, not volunteers.
Management problems, not policy issues.
Need to actually survey whole nation and talk to everyone.
GSUSA is run like Fortune 500, not a mom and pop organization; running it as a business,
not a not-for-profit - this is bad.
Studio 2B is bad
More flexibility needed
Ages and grades should not be set and structured for what age level girls should be in.
They should be where they mentally fit in.
It is easy to recruit girls - we can't get the leaders to start the troops.
Need to modify Studio 2B to be one book with all the info in one price - no price
gouging! Leads to suspicion of GSUSA motives when new program costs so much more -
ditto with constant uniform changes.
Stop hiring these firms to tell us what to do - ask the volunteers!!!
34
Best advertising is girls
Logo and identity belongs (should) to girls, not to corporation
Allow girls to use logo like Boy Scouts do
Allow girls more freedom - don't get them tied up in all the silly legal issues involving
name and logo
Everything is always sent late - package on how to start up newly-merged council came
a year after they merged!
Why realign to save money when millions are being shelled out to firms whose services
are poor at best? And then membership fees need to be increased?
How could anyone think the merger would be seamless and volunteers wouldn't notice
the name and location changes?
Distance between councils is enormous
Use website
Prepare for National - had to have time connecting
We are used to meeting in person
Check-in lane was terrible
Cookie contract is a merger problem
In five years no one will remember the problems of realignment
GSUSA wants "oldies" to leave and let younger take over
Thinks staff at local level are being told to see that happens
Name "Studio to Be" is changed
Not resist changes, move the change being done
CEO should not be an ex-officio member of National Board Nominating Committee -
conflict of interest because the board ultimately hires/fires/evaluates the CEO
Communication and consistency is crucial
Using delegates on an ongoing basis
Make sure same unit manager has same info as delegate
99% of our problems are management, not policy
Scrutinize the budgets
35
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Attracting Hispanic Girls
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Melissa Chislom
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Melissa Chislom
Los otros participantes
Other members: Donna Clontz, Haidee Banuel, Gary Uyeda, Debbie Esposito, Robin Perez,
Amelia de Dios, Gladys Padro-Soler, Tania Grijalva, Ann Carrasquillo
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Nations Capital
- team of outreach for Spanish speakers
- attend festivals, afterschool programs at high enrollment Hispanic schools
- dad decides if girls can join and often says no
San Diego
- our elementary school is 90% Hispanic; I went to school to recruit Latinas @ assembly
with parents:
- they don't know about GS because they weren't in GS
- cost? sash and emblem -- $25 -- affordability?
- service unit in Hispanic neighborhood--need Spanish speaking staff to help and girls
three/months join, talk one-on-one
- need some spanish speaking leaders
- nothing on Sundays; family unity very important
- based troop at Catholic church as family/culture attached/there
- camping – Juniors - parents won't let them go for weekend--too dangerous--so we do
Mother/Daughter camp out, they see and gain trust (we explain we have first
responders, etc.) and give Mother‘s and Dad's troops and stay in for years
- developed patch - "widening the circle" for troops that grow to 25-30 (Latina troops
are often > 15)
- best time - Fri afternoon after school/at church for troop meeting
- can meet between masses at church; set up church leadership
- troops do community service project at church and schools
- conference open to all - three days during spring break at church for all Latina troops
and leaders and community
36
Florida
- perception of GS is girls are "rich, white girls.‖ In my council it's lots of migrant,
Spanish speaking; need to educate parents with flyer
- put up flyers in Spanish around community, in laundromats, where you can for 1 1/2
hours
- migrants don't want to fill out paperwork (afraid of government; use church address)
- got parents for bus tour to go visit colleges in area for parents and girls to show what
Girl Scouts can do
- important to recruit Latinas, need Spanish speakers. How do we recruit Latina
leaders? Need education for Latina adult women.
Orlando
- there's Hispanic leadershp group or Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and we try to
recruit some of them to help us as leaders or to help at event
- make soccer Hispanic women leaders aware of opportunities, more than for our girls;
ask them to help as mentors, I challenge you
- offer short-term volunteer opportunity/assignment
- translate at one event
- help at/organize one event
- go to Latina organizations at commuity college or university, ask
- partner with other organizations at events in town aimed at Latinas, get name out,
do table
- place trusted troops meet at church or school, after church or after school
- show cost comparison between GS and soccer cheerleading, and explain our financial
aid
National GSUSA
- recruit Hispanic volunteer adults - no SS# - main reason we don't attract
1) build trust with family - mom decides activity
2) mom and daughter come together to (serve family) spend quality time
together; get both volunteer and girls
- friend/grandparent – five or six comadres and girls = troop
- San Antonio, TX model - "Mi Vida", My Life--council special recruitment = three weeks
of community trust building
- partner with organizations already at school with high Latina population
- talk to girls at physical education classes
- bring coffee and pan dulce -- talk to parents at PTA or ESL class, partner with teaching
too
- put flyers, posters; sending flyers home
- name tag = __________, Mother of __________, ___________
- rally for family = meal, coffee; Speaker = Latina girl = what GS means to my life
activity--fill boxes to send to Mexico, result = six new troops
Phoenix, AZ
- at assembly with parents, we presented awards to Latina girls and showcased girls
table for parents to come talk to me
37
- have downtown "camp experience"; partner with Boys and Girls Club for mom and girl
at low cost to show them what we do "week-long", twilight camp (5-9), $15
- topic food, activity like swimming
- invite girls for GS and all over community
38
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Balance of School and Girls Scouts
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Thomasina Watson
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Susan Devrous
Los otros participantes
Other members: Tracy Camole, Emily Grossman, Claudia Baez-Coray, Susan Swanson,
Victoria Letslane, Taylor Wolfe, Cheryl Legette
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
IP badges, school projects, Silver/Gold Awards
Difficulty with sports coaches scheduling practices and games with no regard for GS
Must communicate well with coaches to avoid difficult situations
Coaches made fun of GS for coming to Indy Convention
School requirements are greater in terms of homework, AP, in HS resulting in less time
for meetings and coordination of activities
Other activities may require product sales
Some girls feel GS does not impact other sales, some feel it makes it harder to sell GS
products
GS give rewards for sales, sports teams to not give rewards – sales are required
Troop meeting time with difficulties in funding/planning the activities
Smaller communities have greater difficulty with sales because of competition with
other organizations
Towns making door-to-door sales illegal
Some Girl Scouts sell in school
Cannot give out fliers in school for GS
Some girls will not let anyone know they are GS – others wear uniforms weekly
Some communities use GS and welcome service projects
Flexibility = availability to work independently would help. Creativity in meeting
schedules – like video chat – notes of meeting. One troop has girl in CD and girls in AZ.
Clubs may be after school
Meetings can be incorporated into school day during open periods
Homework can impact GS activities
39
Need flexible leadership
GS have to be little girls – advertising like cookie boxes show young girls
Studio 2B a way to be involved with GS without being a GS
Some delegates will not tell friends they are National Delegates – instead they say they
are going on a trip with mom
Another name other than GS may be better
Boy Scouts are viewed differently in schools
Advertising wants to come off as being cool, but it is not successful, trying too hard
Did you get loaded with homework while you were here? Yes – no – breaks on amount of
work and time to complete
GS activity may be an excused absence
Some troops use school activities to gain Silver and Gold Awards
GS activities are used for school credit
Teachers act negatively about GS (―make fun‖) so girls do not want to say they are GS
Suggestion: talk to teachers about discrimination (GS vs. sports vs. other activities) and
their acceptance.
Need to get community involved and informed about GS activities and accomplishments.
School incentives like college for Gold Award
Some teachers are unaware of how prestigious this award is.
People need to know GS is more than s‘mores and camping.
One girl related a male teacher (SS) who is impressed by accomplishments of GS.
Many male teachers may not accept GS
People do not understand girls – send products in order to achieve goals. When they
learn the girl goals, it makes a difference.
Some teachers do not approve student absence to attend the convention. They think it
is not an acceptable absence and load work on girls for missing class.
Girls recruit other girls by telling their stories
Older girls could explain their accomplishments and successes in doing school and GS.
Need to improve our relationship and our image with schools.
40
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Bringing Community Together
Keep Older Girl (high school and beyond) Involved
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Jill Stelfox
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Jill Stelfox
Los otros participantes
Other members: Mariann Novarina,Karen Grode,Monica Husen,Linda Nape,Deborah
Silberlolz,Gwen Moore,Sabrina Ingalls,Shelly Chenoweth,Lori Rappaport,Sae Anne
Snell,Suzanne Guebara,Pam Ewni,Carolyn Hobbs,Sandy Hobbs,Vickie Harrison,Wendy Pitts
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Campus Scouts dropped by GSUSA - no recognition or money, no registration
GSCNC connects teens and community
- Women‘s Advisory Board
- Dine around with Gold Award girls
- Summer paid internships
Corporate Grant for young leaders
Senior age GS could mentor younger troops (co-leader)
Daughters try to volunteer in college and no one listens – many of these stories
What about developing a program to get them involved
How do we stay in touch with girls in college
Network needs to be created to support younger women between high and college
These older girls/young women are the EXAMPLES that Girl Scouting is Cool!!!!
They will help change the belief that being in Washington DC – Nations Capital
Women‘s Advisory Board – community members
Quarterly meetings – just for fun
- 7 – 9 am
- 30 minutes put on by older girls – Gold Award projects
- 60 minutes – stories from members
- fund raising opportunities
- 30 minutes – fundraising for special council projects
Summer Internships 15 - $20 per hour started for Gold Award girls
41
- collected by council – interviewd by company
- come back during summer for jobs
- banks, HR companies; Council follow up – ―How did it go?‖
Grant $25,000 pay young women in college to be troop leaders
Work with local service units to place girls or fund raise for specific trips (to Paris for
example)
Very informal – need to share through whole network
Need systematic system – nationally
Connect (post high school GS) through campers/camping training
Train adults
Young adults love to train new leaders; they are our future
Keep daughter involved even when they are away at school
GSUSA - Ambassadors
Time to hold reigns
As we develop ambassadors; the time
If we can figure out to keep them involved, to be able to ―pay back‖ when they have
graduated
Woman‘s Advisory Board
Send the template to all councils
Big appeal for involved companies; get quality work from the interns
Applications – Dec/Jan; placed – by May
Interns call back after their internship for job advice
Foundation
Young professionals meeting
- mentor lunches – first ―power lunch‖
- share obstacles, pathway for careers
- offer internships
Power lunches
- how do you ―do‖ lunch
- dress, talk, eat
- social skills
42
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Commenting On Lots of Things
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Alexis Delucia
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Becky Whitney, Janet Braun, Wilma Pence, Yolanda Edwards-Guerra,
Karen Moriartiy, Elizabeth Huxford, Lee Holmes
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Topics/Girl Scouts of San Fernando Valley:
- niform, Gold Award, Sea Scout
- Girl Scouts—Sea Scouts—work with boys
- compete with boys; combine activities to live a balanced life
Likes co-ed
Boy Scout focus on wilderness/outdoors—rock climbing
Studio 2B—did it because of awards; loves history, traditions, values; to keep evolving
Except for junior high school girls—they don‘t want to do traditional
My view shared with a lot of girls
No comment yet on journeys
Destinations—she loves it
Instead of putting in a book, go out and do it—take action—girls can do it due to
finances; troop motivation
Who do the girls want?
- Service—we lost sight of program
Sea Scout vs. Girl Scout vest:
- Danish WAGGGS—is practical; girls want handkerchiefs; overseas experience;
exchanged scarves
Uniforms—don‘t fit well; not ―cool‖ cargo pants; blouses aren‘t cut well
―Project Runway‖ for Girl Scout uniforms
Ongoing troop (35 years old)—traditions, topic (boys, college application)
Sorority feeling—sisterhood
Senior troop—9th-12th graders; troop constant—adding new girls
43
Rural Area
Brownies through Seniors
Sets of sisters—older girls/younger girls
Forty girls in Senior troop
Possibly Jamborees for older Scouts
Danish Jamborees International
- destinations
- competitions with troop
- Gold Award—hummingbird, drought resistant, reforms the artist, photos
Comparing with Boy Scout activity
Girl Scout CS—how to influence community
How does Girl Scouting influence you?
- I can do anything you want. Girl Scouts have been telling me I can do it my entire
life.
Troop works in Tree People—learning to plant for free—working with LA mayor in
planting trees throughout
A friend saved her dad‘s life with First Aid knowledge
Alexis Delucia:
- Girl Scouts were taught you could do anything and today‘s young adults were handed
everything
- Skills development, First Aid, camping—knowing you can survive or do anything comes
from DOING all the things you do in Scouting
- ―What doesn‘t kill you makes you stronger‖
- She likes badges much more than charms. Doesn‘t like Studio 2B but hasn‘t read
journeys
- She loves doing community service—has 700 hours
- How to keep girls involved after high school graduation: she would like to see where
other Girl Scouts have gone or what they have done
- In Arizona, service unit gave high school graduates a lifetime membership
- Bring 20-something former Girl Scouts to help be Gold Award advisors to high school
girls
- Send letters to girls when home from college
- Kappa Delta helps Arizona council with events
- College girls who were GS would be willing to staff a summer GS camp, but need to
be paid
- Arizona starts GS young as counselors (PAs)
44
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Connection Between Take Action For Girls and Councils Being the Voice
For Girls
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Laurie Westley
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Susan Kantor
Los otros participantes
Other members: Martha Webb, Kip Hughes, Lisa Cheeseman, Karen Mitchell, Tracy
Carroll, Susan Kendall, Kim Hutzell, Fran Monahan, Diane Campo, Pam Lund, Clare
Bresnahan, Alice Hockenbuy, Alisa Crothers, Lisa Stewart, Kathy May
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Advocacy is one way to take action. Most people think of it as public policy. Take
Action also includes short-term, not necessarily sustainable. So more ops available to
girls who want to do more than community service.
Advocacy integral to success of Girl Scouting. New ways to do things. Leverage
advocacy to do more to affect policy.
Must build relationships first before advocating.
How do we get girls to advocate? Stay focused.
What do we do if girls want to advocate about an issue council has not taken a stand on.
Many councils not familiar with advocacy process.
Develop model for addressing bullying.
Tool kit for live healthy, lead healthy.
February at CEO Summit – tool kit will be distributed. How to work with councils on
bullying issue (i.e., relational aggression). First step – raise awareness in community
pilot.
California model
Iowa has state advocacy committee
Cyberbullying – money to be had to address this, e.g., corporate partners and media.
Sharing what girls say about leadership. Get involved in business organizations, school
administration and with other organizations that advocate.
Girls are next group of advocates.
―Rally the Vote‖ voices of teens emerging. Invitation to many youth-serving groups.
Seminar on public service (judges, congressional delegation. North Carolina – North
Coastal Pines
45
Community and local officials not aware of services provided to community. Ways to
support councils.
Destinations to state capitols
Laurie: PowerPoint on how to take action is similar to advocacy. Hyperlink on website
to advocacy issues.
46
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Cookies – Entrepreneurial Re-Make
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Donna Reihl
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Donna Holden
Los otros participantes
Other members: Fraco Barnett, Cathy Pierce, Julie Carlson, Jen Magruder
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Cookies – Alternate ways to sell cookies
We shared what is happening with cookie sales in each council
Councils represented:
- Virginia Skyline
- Commonwealth
- Central Maryland
- Nation‘s Capitol
- NE Kansas and NW Misosuri
Cookie kickoff at Great Wolf Lodge. Highest seller events for recognition. Some
acknowledge and some don‘t – highest seller.
Ideas:
- Drive-by sales – pitch tent at an intersection – troops sign up for slots and sell as a
drive thru
- Approach businesses to buy for staff or gift ideas
- Internet sales? Girls could set up website. Not safe for girls. No. No way to
regulate.
- Some sales are down in some councils
- Look at JA model to get ideas for setting up business. Tier business model
- Pre-collect $$$? Schools do.
- Some county prosecuter will do collections for free.
- Make it better known that we will prosecute if parent does not pay.
- Post booth sales on website – where to find them – more PR – radio, TV
- Need more visibility for sale.
47
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Council / GSUSA Interdependence
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Donna Ruhl
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Donna Dulce, Trudy Williams, Jane Cornelius, Jackie Bennett, Mag Bell,
Pat Fugate, Jan McDarett, Leslie Cissell, Maureen Milan, Carol Snyder, Terry Blackwell,
Julie Delong, Pat Boykin, Donna Banks-Ficcio
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Councils need to become self sufficient
GSUSA - rule defined for areas, councils absolutely cannot do/achieve - i.e., branding,
intervention for independent council crisis (esp) related to realignment or broad impact
issue
GSUSA - new "mandates" creates new models for councils to operate (i.e. CES, journeys,
SES) better planning (well in advance) with more consistent communication
Councils need to prioritize issues to enable; GSUSA - to adequately project on national
level
Create "think tank" to connect needs with available expertise (council to council) -
GSUSA conduit for maintaining resources/expertise in councils - Council consultant point
person/critical
Define GSUSA/council partnership
Focus on what's best for the girls in spite of what pain it might bring
Partnerships - negotiate nationwide vendors - cell service, infrastructure support -
create economy of scale - legal services
National strategic plan needs to be further out in years (long range) so councils can plan
effectively for implementation (current plan to short term)
Board development should be priority for GSUSA to support long-term strategy
(diversity, fund development) - training for council boards
Regularly survey councils CEOs/members/boards - ask what should/could GSUSA do to
assist in getting through realignment - do a random sampling - take action for top
identified issues
GSUSA identify what do councils need in realignment (what's the roadmap/checklist) -
first year - large geographic area/tips to maintain communication - how to involve girls -
48
how to set up and do webinars
Direct program development services/consultation - percent of GSUSA focus/priority -
infrastructure support (includes tech, HR)
GSUSA needs to communicate such that perceptions can be more positive as to what
GSUSA "does" for councils
49
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Cross-Council Camping Opportunities
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Sara Tuttle
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Linda Halperin
Los otros participantes
Other members: Sarah Thomas, Sue Schoneman, Lori Rapporport, Vicky Beyerle, Kathy
Tammer, Charles McCarthy, Michelle Bellows, Terry Blackwell, Maria Barber, Connie
Jeslin, Danna Kent, Claire Finlay, Terri Rayan, Cheryl Heckler, Priscilla Rackliff
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Council resident camps are not operating at full capacity
Girls would enjoy going to another part of the country for camp
It would be less expensive for girls than destinations
They would get to meet new people and see new places
Girls get tired of going to the same camp every summer
This could be enriching for girls
Need an on-line website where it is easy to see what is available – perhaps similar to
Destinations
This could be for a few girls or an entire troop
Girls want to connect with others
Troops could do sight-seeing before or after the resident camp
The website would need to have information about tourist attractions in the area that
the girls‘ troop might want to visit and places to stay
Send a survey to all councils to see if they want to participate and what they have to
offer
Might need the receiving council to be able to pick up girls at the airport, etc.
Girl Scout ―hostels‖ for traveling troops. This is done now but it needs to be easier to
set up
Issues about when camps are open
Website should be organized by type of activity at the camp: sailing, caving, horses etc.
Priority would always be for the local girls to attend their camp
Discussed where leaders/adults might stay while the girls are at the resident camp
50
Some councils already have some out-of-council attendees. Need a better way to make
the information available.
51
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Destinations / Travel For Older Girls
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Georgie Sibert
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Catherine Bickerton
Los otros participantes
Other members: Diana Long, Francy Shreve, Lesley Finch, Tony Roman, Timalee Nevels,
Maureen Quinn, Connie Jeska, Tracy Carroll, Kim Neel, Regina Todd
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Bring back the Destinations mailings
Travel is a great retention tool
Georgie took 10 girls to London and West Sussex encampment 2008, an event with 3000
GG, GS, BS
Travel influenced some girls to go for higher awards
Most promote World Centers every opportunity we have
Best trips have moms along. Troop raises money to go. Money earning gets girls more
invested in the trip.
Using a tour company can be good.
Sangam‘s program is more intense and shouldn‘t necessarily be your first trip. It‘s
intense but extremely manageable. It can‘t be beaten for program.
Trips to World Centers may or may not also include side trips to other parts of the
country and these can be very worthwhile.
The tour company that works at Sangam makes you feel safe.
Our Cabaña mixes the girl for rooms.
Fair Winds Council has been offering Destinations, but it seems that the mergers have
impacted this year‘s Destinations offerings. Fewer councils stepping up to offer
programs.
Progression in travel is important for successful trip.
How can we expand Destinations program to offer smaller trips?
Getaways are a smaller trip, a stepping stone to bigger trips; also less expensive.
Bring back the mailer so girls know about the trips. The numbers of participants have
gone down since the mailings (re trips) stopped. Mailing reaches girls who might be in
troops with leaders who aren‘t interested in travel. But the girls would still get the
52
info.
BRING BACK THE DESTINATIONS MAILING
Start with Juniors to get girls interested.
Lack of outdoor skills has led to drop off of Destinations. It contributes to lack of
progression. Some miss National Center West (we lack a Philmont-type program)
Councils need to host the Destinations. How can we get more hosts?
How are girls funded? One council has a fund to encourage girls to go out and do
destinations (Baltimore, MD). Fundraising is a major hurdle for many girls.
In San Diego there is a dedicated fund that offers grants and loans. Loans can be
worked off in the council office (where they also get great experience and skills). They
can collate papers, file, data entry. They do that on school breaks.
Another council: Dedicated 1% of cookie proceeds to the Wider Ops fund.
Councils need to care more about Wider Ops/Destinations. If councils are excited, girls
will be more excited. Can councils get mailings to girls?
We need to be relentless in advocating for Destinations. If we can‘t afford postage,
need to do e-mail blast.
Destinations produce great leadership skills. Every girl needs a chance to experience.
How can we use the excitement about Destinations as a recruiting/retention tool.
Timalee from Sahuaro GSC has taken many trips with girls; once did a blog with the girls
as they traveled.
Girls who have experience with Destinations need to be utilized to promote trips, i.e.,
GS Destinations ―scoop night‖. Find out about travel and have ice cream.
What comes first? The scholarship or the girl? The girls cannot do the ask but councils
and service units can help with that.
Service organizations want to help with these worthwhile opportunities. Send girls who
have traveled to those groups to speak about their experiences.
Rotary International does short-term exchanges in different countries around the world
during the summer. We should contact Rotary; they are very youth-oriented.
Can councils let us know what patch program, etc., are offered in their area so when
troops travel they know what‘s out there to do.
Councils need to work on affordable trips. Councils could hook up with colleges for
housing for local trips. Also military bases and military bases abroad.
A national committee on Destinations is needed to help fund them both from the
participants‘ and the councils‘ end of the question.
More resources are needed.
Lots of opportunities in Canada.
53
Tema
Issue / Topic:
EEE Junior Board Advisor
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Jill Magruder
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Mary Harvard
Los otros participantes
Other members: Jill Magruder,Mary Howard,Tracey Bauun,Catherine Smith,Virginia
Champlain
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Put a motion on the Floor: We would like to propose a position on the National Board
for a member with the following requirements.
- Gold Award Recipient - We feel that it must be Gold Award Recipient because if we
do not promote and hold our highest award to distinction and value we can not
expect the rest of the country and the world to do so.
- Advocate for the Girls - they would represent girls in the movement. They would
seek out input from girls in movement. This would be accomplished by heading an
advisory Board of girls 14 – 29 years old.
- Represent the Vision/Tradition of the GS Movement to the Board
54
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Embracing Pathways for Girls
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Linda Morrell
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members:
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Troops can‘t be the only option.
Come from a sport-related community – love the special interest group options.
The words/marketing have to be that GS goes beyond the troop.
Would love to see the ―soccer‖ moms become troop leaders in the off season. The
Journeys lend themselves to that beautifully.
Have seen some areas within a council that provided ―combined‖ older girl program
leading to Silver/Gold Award that are very successful in retaining girls and adults at
older levels.
One council has an event pathway for girls who only want to come to occasional GS
events.
Recruitment idea – stickers vs flyers
Start all pathways with the Promise and Law
Could we do something in the travel category as a separate pathway for younger girls?
Need to constantly remind folks that any girl who accepts the Promise and Law and pays
$10 is a Girl Scout
Communication is the trick here for girls to find out what is available beyond the troop
(without the filter) of the leader.
Council websites are a great resource.
55
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Equal Recognition for Silver and Gold Awards
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener:
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Karen Santi
Los otros participantes
Other members: Nancy Brondene, Audrey Howard, Jean Clark, Susan Gamache, Tanya
Maurer, Sue Sewall, Kaitlin Burkhardt, Linda Halperin, Kelly Faga, Tany Grijalun, Sarah
Stroik, Carleen Kramer, Peggy Frantz, Norma Porter, Steffani Donahoe, Emily Hobch,
Evelyn Vittone, Kathy Deffer, Vickie Harrison, Carla Boykin, Maureen Quinn
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
GS Gold same as Eagle—no, it‘s not.
GS Gold is a National award—needs to be promoted by National to girls by
YouTube/Facebook; college publications—for administrators; tool kit for Gold Award
requirements for communication.
Celebrity spokesperson for Gold Award; campaign, TV blitz, MTV; get a celebrity brand.
Gold vs. Eagle—Eagle requirements always the same; Girl Scouts keep changing so Gold,
Silver award doesn‘t mean the same.
National standard for Eagle for all councils; Gold different between councils; Girl Scouts
get communication from TV; girls need to explain themselves as not an Eagle Scout—
―yes but no.‖
Gold Award Hall of Fame for national celebrities; national database for all Gold Award
recipients.
Boy Scout Eagle Wall outside new building in Houston, TX.
Marketing of girls inside not displayed.
Legislature proclamation from state legislature.
Eagle recognition from VP office; very few letters to Gold Award recipients; [councils]
take it upon ourselves to promote.
Packet provided by Nation‘s Capitol provided to Gold Award recipients.
Girls Hall of Fame and productions would be great.
Girls Gold Award is much harder—three times as much as Eagle; year book comparison—
what it takes to accomplish GA.
Publicity on what it takes to do; more attention from National.
Highest add comparisons what they do.
56
Girl Scouts need public service awards—network of large component of BS is publicity
person.
Councils requirement to submit articles ?? them instead of going directly to paper with
pictures.
Councils looking for articles—girls need to submit articles to paper, radio, TV.
Building awareness—TV spots
Standards and interpretations of requirements different among councils; need to be
standardized.
Need consistent requirements and messages.
See visual for all girls
External appreciation
Girls—Gold, Silver, Bronze pins mistaken for kids
Adult and pin recognition
GS not at parity with Boy Scouts because we don‘t put it there.
Girls—more people speaking about Girl Scout Awards to non GS groups—e.g., Rotary,
community organizations, legislatures, etc.
Alaska legislator identified herself as Gold Award recipient in campaign.
Is there a way Bronze could be separated from Journeys.
Girl junior and senior high school awards; one woman‘s daughter did talk at awards and
submit a speech about her awards.
Educate advisors to help girls be promoted.
VP USA, president of USA, state and local leaders.
Gold Award advisors provide a list of places to request promotion of girls at councils—
brochure—Girl Scouts of CT; 100 Gold Awards a year in CA—participate in Tournament of
Roses parade; create GSUSA float for parade; picture on Hall of Fame.
We have love/hate relationship with promoting ourselves.
Girls and cookies but you don‘t hear boys and popcorn.
Houston has corporate sponsors to award scholarships to Gold Award recipients.
Need National corporate sponsors to award scholarships to Gold recipients.
Parents control success of Eagle and Gold.
Do we acknowledge progress or just awards?
57
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Explorer Post Concept For Older Girls
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Christine Lorton
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Kristine Moretto
Los otros participantes
Other members: Bonnie Ball, Sam Johnson, Gwen Moore, Nancy MacCracken, Lori Laird,
Tracie Johnston, Cindy Pool, Betty Trivisone, Christine Lorton, Mary Vitek, Mary K.
Kottkamp, Carolyn Pickel, Annette Watson, Carmel Mendosa, Linda Nape, Deborah
Silverholz, Pat Sherwood, Lee Holmes, Diane Theiss, Sue Ann Snell, Sandy Minnick
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Old Explorers – Sponsored by ambulance squads, state police – more career oriented.
Ventures started 10 years ago. Boys and girls 14 – 21. It is High Adventure. Some are
Native American focused.
There is a clear division between the two so what would happen if GS had a program
that would allow leaders to participate.
GS used to have Mariner Scouts that are similar to Sea Scouts. No longer a membership
option. Trying to recruit 14 – 21 co-ed. Not take the girls out of scouting. Do the Sea
Scout activities and earn the patch. They are affiliated with GS Chesapeake Bay and
Central Maryland. Sort of creating a Marinership. Boy Scouts backing this. Community
supported, but not nationally. Start small and show that it is positive so it will work
nationally. Growing from the bottom up.
Boy Scouts has a chartering organization. Need to find an organization to sponsor. GS
can be sponsored, but do not need an organization. Nation‘s Capitol has a different
take on older groups. Each group focuses on all the older scouts that do not have this in
their troops. Shares similar interests with girls in their geographic areas. Have adult
advisors, girls plan these activities. They kayak, go to Philmot, Sea Base.
GS do not have these programs. In Texas, Cindy Pool was a high adventure GS when she
was a teen, but sign up in February for April or June only.
Do local council camps have high adventure courses, are they available for all girls? The
choices are weekend for older girls for team building in Texas. Why can‘t they do it for
younger girls? If the girls do this too young then they have nothing to look forward to.
It needs to be done in ―baby steps‖ if it is done. The boys are impressed with girls in
these venture groups.
Talking about a lot of little pieces. We are hearing that there is a huge need to pull this
all together. There is a need at a national level to pull all of this together. We need to
58
revise Safety Wise. We need to join with Boy Scouts. Why can‘t there be dual
membership? How do boys feel about this?
Nancy from Montana lives in a very rural place. It is difficult to have enough kids.
Having this would keep girls. Instead of a one-size fits all, it needs to be changed.
Sam from Nation‘s Capitol has seen the concept of the girls traditionally coming back to
the girls even though they work with Boy Scouts and Venture.
As GS we need to have Ambassadors to do the High Adventure. There is competition
between the girls and boys. Girls also think how does my butt look. Or they don‘t want
to embarrass the boys who are falling off the climbing wall. They also do not want to
fall off the wall themselves.
Some girls would not want to do it with the critical eyes of the guys. It‘s OK to have the
co-ed sometimes. But, the girls would be more comfortable on their own and planning
it.
Need resources list within a council and nationally. Do not need to register as a GS. No
cost. But can register and say I can know how to do such and such.
Should we blow up that fine line between traditional BS and GS, not for the sake of
blowing it up, but to get something done. Boy Scouts are in charge of Venturing.
Question was how is in charge? Can do a conscious merging of a program or two with BS
go off on our own.
Safety Wise needs to be re-addressed. But how many councils are the same? Each
council should have consistent certifications. Councils should have a listing of leaders
to look at. No, it should be national.
As long as the leaders are with the girls, there should be someone certified who does
not need to jump through 75 hoops to work with the girls. Some councils do this. In
Texas, they have high-adventure groups, but they are spread so far apart it is hard for
girls to get involved.
One of the concepts of ventures, we are GS leaders, but in Ventures they are advisors.
We should go back to each council and go to the girls and ask them what do they want
to do? How do you want to do it? I am an advisor. Co-ed show date rape story,
different guidelines, testing. Boy Scouts have more protection that GS like having two
leaders and youth protection. In Venturing, a 19 and 16 year-old in the same tent. The
19 year-old is a legal adult, but in Venture they are not. Can girls stay longer – 21 years
– doing things that interest them? They are going to be dynamic leaders.
Council in Central Maryland had a canoeing program that started off easy and
progressed. College girls called her and would come home for weekend adventure. But
council said no longer accepted American Red Cross canoeing trainers, only canoeing
trainers, and the program ended. There are stacks of canoes just hanging around. This
is a shame. She (Debra) had fought it, but lost. P__ts and Tracks program was lost as
well. They are trying to restart it. Her daughter is a camp advisor and they have not
had training in new years. Are we making changes as GS for the sake of making
changes, but is it for the good of girls?
The program in MO is to build leadership skills, the outdoor programs got lost. Only
leadership, leadership, leadership. There needs to be a tie-in. You don‘t get leaders if
there is no one to lead or follow. Need to promote activities that tie-in leadership. It
needs to be girl-driven. Girl marketing. Tell the girls they need to learn the key words
to write college essays or resumes.
59
It is acceptable to ask the girls who can I bring in? Who do you know? What can you
bring into the group? This teaches them to resource/network themselves. Also have
annual survey each spring. What can we do different? What did you like this year? How
can we meet your needs? We cannot compete with music, sports, theater, school.
Yes, we can. It‘s the parents who need to see the importance of GS. Their child is not
going to be a superstar. We need to convey to parents that the girls need to be well-
rounded. All of the activities can be done. Committing to do only one thing does not
make a girl well-rounded. Need to commit spiritually, emotionally. Some parents tell
the kids to do it all and some parents are not; they are only pushing one activity.
Teach younger girls about Destinations and older girl activities. Show them what else
they can do in Girl Scouting. If we as leaders were GS when we were younger, we need
to tell them about our experiences and why we became leaders. A lot of the girls do
not like Destinations because they do not want to go alone.
How do we send the message to the girls? Why is National not looking at the programs
that are successful? Does GSUSA know about these programs?
This is a passionate group discussion. What are we going to do to follow up?
At Nation‘s Capitol, take the training where people are.
In Texas it is difficult to get the adults to the training. Is it going to filter the
information down to the troops? Invite the girls to these types of leader meetings.
They do in California. Council has the names and addresses are on file. They should be
able to send out the information. Attach to Early Bird registration form. Something
that says this is what we have to do.
GS at an older level sucks!! We had a wonderful meeting together. We have older girls
that want to do things. The new Journeys program just dropped out of the sky and they
didn‘t even have a say about it.
60
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Finding What Girls Want
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Zehra Sarim
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Rachel Dever
Los otros participantes
Other members: Sandy Hoffer, Misty Gilmore, Delphia Duckens, Angela Fry, Jennifer Noiva
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Having sleepovers--girls requested
Surveys should be open-ended ratings aren't enough
Don't have controlled discussion, even adults do this; need to really listen to what
they're saying
What girls are you surveying? dedicated members or average members?
Even super-dedicated members don't want to do everything in GS
The most important thing to have is a close friendship in between troops
Leaders need to be more than just leaders, they need to be friends and parents; need to
have open communication between girls and leaders
Keep a connection with the world
How do you teach thinking outside of the box?
Parent involvement is essential
We need to ask girls what they want
Many girls get a negative impression of GS from frustrated leaders
We try to train leaders how to act in front of girls, but more training may be necessary
Instead of holding meetings at a school, hold them at home, but you still need to keep
boundaries
We expect a lot of our leaders and sometimes they don't have time--disservice to girls
and adults
We sometimes don't give the girls enough credit for understanding leaders issues
Make girls partner to leaders
Open communication about problems makes both leaders and girls stronger
Journeys let girls express themselves
We just need to talk to girls
61
Listen and make changes
We don't always give girls enough credit
You can't always make people happy
Girls can't always tell their parents things; they need someone to talk to
Troops can be a forum to talk about girls problems
Girl Scouts gives a common background
With younger girls, it's important to try many new things
Will Joiurneys phase out badges?
Create thinkers, not responders
Babblers
Often leaders are forced into it and there is little support
What if they had a standard form to send to troops to ask the girls what they want
Uniform is not the best--some want to display personality
Make troop shirts
I like the choice of vest/sash
Every troop needs something to bring them together
Leaders try to get girls excited rather than find what makes them excited
Develop a personal relationship with girls
Have girls take turns leading meetings--decide topics, etc.
Girls need to respect each others' interests and participate
Have a back up plan and help if the girl couldn't do it on her own so she still can later
Provide an outline so they have a framework to work in
Have the group do something outside their comfort zone to experience something new;
e.g., volunteering may intimidate them on their own but helping them experience it
they may discover they love it
Giving options to introduce topics because they may not know what's out there
How can the community come to the Girl Scouts when there is a need?
Varying levels of choices by age
Girls want to try new things
Get community and Girl Scouts to work together
62
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Flexibility in Changing World
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener:
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Julie Murphy GSUSA
Los otros participantes
Other members: Barbara Burdick, Jan Robertjohn, Aimee Wilson, Donna Banks Ficcio,
Nancy Nygren, Sandee Marshall, Allison Lane, Candace Bartow, Fran Monahan, Marthajane
Vincent, Jane Crosby, Kay Stevens, Vickie Harrison
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Things change quickly - especially hides phrases, etc.
How do we create a flexible adaptive culture?
How do we be sure we are resilient as adults?
Web-based pathways - so helpful for flexibility
Opened up things not before available
Must offer - kids are on computer anyway
Concern that adults cannot accept change as well as the girls do - "What about the
badges, uniform"?
Don't drive change with negative adults
Drive change up from girls
Some girls did not want change - do we support a change culture?
Focus S2B - tested in a "passive culture" - not enought in a more dynamic change culture
What do the girls think of Girl Scouts?
Uniformity - don't need uniform to unify - do it other ways, create a feeling of belonging
GSUSA forcing change but not prepared to support us and help us through change
Help people learn to develop their own plan and guidelines - someone does have to be
the guinea pig
Have to do our own journeys, make our own path - people have to find their own niche
Present change and then say "you figure out how to make it work"
Teach kids how to do change
Convention rejuvenates - but then we can be stifled by councils - can't work to get buy-
in
63
No hand holding - you need to take ambiguous change and run with them
Journeys have been well received - key to disassemble the fear - pass on what we know
when we know it
Reward different types of culture whether or not they support change
Groups forming grass roots around us - we aren't filling need - GS = cookies. Need to
figure out how to promote GS!
Cultivate innovative culture - we are too adverse to change (complaints about text
messaging at convention) need to be flexible
Are we enabling adults to be able to make the leap!
Why do adults feel they can say "no" and won't try it - WE DON'T ALLOW THAT FROM
GIRLS!
Connect to girls through texting - even council!
Communication changing between generations - how do we meet on common ground?
About the girls - we have to make concessions
Utilize my space with daily updates - use for alumni as well
Negativity about change is a bad expenditure of energy
Broadcast all info at once vs disseminate systematically
We hear that councils are so integrated - we figure it out, but with so many programs
and new programs it is bewildering for NEW leaders
Mom's new Girl Scouts - start with quotes from Juliette Low - can't start with new staff -
have to get a good foundation
Problem with new model - tried to train facilitators at all councils - but not all were
prepared to bring it back - did not realize responsibility to train, etc.
Similar - started a registration event - organizers who were good at their job were not
prepared to present
CEO just starting to merge - NEED gudelines
Security issues with using My Space - need help for a GS - friendly and safe site
Girls and leaders using sites like MY Space anyway - against the rules
Don't prohibit - teach girls to be safe
Don't avoid danger - teach how to deal with danger
Utilize systems requiring user ID and password
Then have girls train adults
Figure out what you need to do and make it safe
We have to figure out how to get tradition-based people to engage in/become/embrace
change
Fight fear of change with support: training, start with our tradition, then relate it to
the new
Show how the new is tied to old concepts
Empower people to figure out
Communication to make people comfortable
Repeat info often and listen and respond
64
The leaders are becoming facilitators under the Journeys program. It is easier to
facilitate than lead
Determine where fear comes from: fear of losing control, taking them out of rut
Flexibility important to serve girls changing needs
65
Tema
Issue / Topic:
From Training to Vibrant Learning Communities
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Jaclyn Libowitz
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Cynthia Dahlin
Los otros participantes
Other members: Chris Peddle, Janelle Wolf, Mel Little, Leigh Ann Davis, Betty Miller, R.
Vicki Scott, A Miller, Peg Cunningham, Donna Mulcahy, Cynthia Dahlin, Shelly Hartney,
Donna Horn, Judy Domanico, Kathy Grantham, Aimee Wilson, Tanya Maurer, Cathy Buss,
Helen Meyer
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
GS is often first position HS or college training for adults. GS program requires different
skills from adults. Need different kind of training. Dynamic, robust and inclusive
learning communities across the country.
Problems of packing info into short time - lectures
Computer training with info on online manuals. Show highlights and teach leaders
where details are.
VIP Manual – give materials, point out action steps
Problem – too much time needed, leaders not willing to give time
We often wait to change training until new info ―comes down from GSUSA‖ or ―down
from council.‖ Synchronic learning can change. A synchronic can be online, get lots of
info when leaders are available.
Leader talk lines 9:00 PM Tuesday and Thursday. People call in, there is announced
subject, but it can change. Would allow 20 – 25 people. Announce names, but no
commitment. People share experiences.
Allow talking time at the end of other business meetings.
At UCSD – pod casts - on website - training open to all
Phone conferences – facilitated by trainers and staff expert on announced topics. Calls
advertised on website.
Negative – create CDs of handouts. Technology does cut out inclusion of rural or low
income people. Put info on CD but also have some paper copies only on request.
Correspondence courses give info, but not sharing.
Key is to develop agenda along with participants so needs are addressed, but everyone
learns something new.
66
Council has trainer meetings, asks for trainer experiences.
How to refresh trainings without repeating? Refresher/learning community vs. repeat
training.
Call in communities – allow people to admit problems without having people look at
them
Have opt-outs – allow people to show knowledge and avoid training
Change culture from Command and Control to valuing skills people bring
Leaders/council staff learn stuff from Macy, present to council
Eliminating level training and leadership experience
Short-term training then ask participants to list what else they think they want to know
Take a ―Ready to Learn‖ course - five to 10 things a new leader should know. What
should these be? Caveat: all leaders will try to keep girls safe. All leaders putting out
ideas.
Fill out forms together. Throw it in the middle – then leaders don‘t start training with
―fill out these 10 forms‖
Checklist and lecture comes out of fear-based training
Competence-based training – what do I know or what do I need more info on?
Modules change too much, are too stagnant
How do you get new leaders to know training will help them? Calls as try-out!
Optimizing deductive method to match what they need
Policy info, computer use for forms, good online
Hands-on stuff – same for competency
Philosophy change – staff thinking – prove that new ways are good – trainers need to be
on board with learning environment – not training
Need to find out what learners need – do focus groups – needs assessment at beginning
What kind of learner? How much time? Computer access?
Use webinars and 800-conference calls – use new technology
Everyone has something to contribute
67
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Fund Development
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Abbie vonSchlegell
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Katherine Stagg
Los otros participantes
Other members: Sandra Evans, JoAnn McCann, Jamie Corr, Shelli Rambo Roberson, Sherry
Iverson, Kathy Ray, Linda Getzen, Vickie Kemp, Katie Sullivan, Louse Brown, Linda Davis,
Debbie Caballero, Michelle Bellows, Christy Blandford, Janet deVries
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Parents – How much it costs to keep a girl in Girl Scouts
Events
Raise More Money
Sharing – Daisy Society Patch – for $25 donation
Adopt-a-Girl Campaign – in honor of their female executives
Honor opportunity for families to give. Working with underprivileged girls. Change the
perspective of the ―taker‖ to the perspective of being a ―giver‖
How much should board members give? Should it be a set amount for board donors.
Give and get.
Leadership level gift. Name listed on special awards.
One Saturday morning per year do a
Foundation Grants
Each community is different. Convene powerful women. ―Women of Distinction‖ ―10
Cool Women‖
Giving Circle – ―Investment Club‖ invest in a specific area of the council
Camp/Trainings/Outreach/etc.
Legacy boards wanted to stay connected – Legacy Circle – Advisory Council
New Ideas
―Promises to Keep‖ breakfast
Virtual breakfast online
Legacy Circle
Online invitation
68
Link to a girl video and a link to a donation
Ask the girls to complete the ―imagine if‖ phrase. Use it in campaign.
Fun girl-designed Valentine card – board sent to close friends.
Staff members to link with community donors.
Take note when using acronyms. Be careful.
69
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Fund Development 2
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener:
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Cindy Garren
Los otros participantes
Other members: Candra Parker, Kim Flynn, Carol Hansen, Nan Cogburn, Julie DeLong,
KayTe Kenaly, Sandi Stenas, Henrietta McBee, Aimee Cevnicharn, Kathleen Theice, Jan
McDavitt, Mona Johnson, Jane Crosby, Rori Lindo-Britton, Ann R. Smith
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Kansas Mo - lots of United Ways; community impact; difficult fund raising
Heart of PA - very difficult to raise funds; funders wants to fund locally
Boy Scouts and Girl SCouts funding at UW is much lower; corp mergings make it difficult
Average girfts $35 - 40 for annual campaign
Major gifts are $5,000
How do we get more major gifts?
How do we get those gifts?
Economy is affecting major gifts
How do we go out and ask for the gift? Closing offices AND SELLING PROPERTY SINCE
THE MERGER
In a council that has not merged; we have the same problems
People want to buy things - how do we incorporate operatinonal needs (after school
funding)
United Way says "it's about food, water and power"
Donors are redirecting their money and interests
What's working?
- 80% in heart association is individual drive
- focus on people who were involved in Girl SCouts
- build relationships with people who are passionate about Girl Scouts
- sponsors are interested in the girls. What's the strategy?
- buy into the mission
- get the donor involved
70
- operational volunteer does not know how to make the "ask" - train those volunteers
- major gifts - it's easy to think of a need, but you've got to cultivate that person
- free friend-raising events, walk donor through our program
- think about the donor, think about the girl
- it's not about what is happening, it's about the girl
- play on what is important to the donor
- alumnae!! - get alumni involved - we have alumni pin that we give out after they
sign a postcard; we send a "hello" letter - here's what 's going on then we resend an
"ask" letter
- don't you take girls on major gift calls? How could they say no?
- we target proposals in a specific geographic region
- challenge is specializations of even family foundations
- develop case study for support. How do you train the board?
- we have a monthly contact with board members to get in touch with specific people
- send letters - don't ask for money, ask to come to an event
- touch the donor with board members
- we have a list that board members work with the fund development staff
- we are not philanthropy driven
- alumnae want to share their story. Alumni will eventually make gifts if bequests
- it's a number game; we've got 50,000 alumnae - we might have 50 large gifts
- who is passionate about Girl Scouting?
- we don't want alumni to meet to eat cookies; we want alumni to write checks
- leaders don't give to Girl Scouts
- alumnae have Girl Scout experience and the role of Girl Scouting in their life will
make donations
- how to raise operational money?
- advisory committee with some board members and community people - charge is to
raise money or funds
- get the movers and shakers - they are committed to their community
- get two to three movers and shakers; "How do you see us?" What should we do in
this community?
- mayors, commissioners, business people
- listen to the stories of the community
- if we ask for advice, we get money. If we ask for money we get advice.
- watch out and follow the advice if you can
- what are the resources? GSUSA has a "with" and "thru" council fundraising
- we have to pull communities timing together
- NOV's can provide external assistance to work with boards and staff
- Macy training is all about program - none for fund development; none for board
development in terms of fund development
71
- what does fundraising look like holistically?
- a lot around strategies in the last 13 years, but we haven't moved the climate
- how do you show the impact of Girl SCouting? How many girls did not get pregnant>
How many girls got into college?
- takes a lot of time; cause related marketing; root value with minimal investment
- partner with corporations to help promote Girl Scouts. NASCAR lol
72
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Get More African Americans To Be Leaders
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Dianne Purdy
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Sheila Snoddy
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Sororities
Church pastors
NAACP
Local minority chambers of commerce
Day care
Beauty salon owners
73
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Get Public and Peers to Accept Girl Scouts in High Schools
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Kara Zierlce
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Linda Morrell
Los otros participantes
Other members: Kara S. Zierlu, Linda Morrell, Lynn Aholinaro, Keme Dadoti, Kristen
Conners, Elizabeth Conkuright, Shelly Hartney, Maritza Gabner, Arisa Gereda, Emalee
Baldwin, Chu Faulh, Norma Porter, Grace Hobbard, Jane Stacy, Kelly Davies, Sharon Mathis
Satterly, John Bone, Delpkice Duckens
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
It‘s ok - but don‘t tell anybody
Why?
What can we do?
Has to do with cookies and Brownies; aren‘t you too old?
Boxes of cookies show 10 year olds
Targeting younger girls
Show younger girls
Take older girl peer
Old image- never anything new
Girly-girly - wimpy
But bullying is a problem - may get picked on
School: can‘t sell cookies
Our town: no door-to-door solicting-illegal
Our NSU has a spirit day
On X day I will wear pins/uniform
Normally junior/cad/amb
Ambassador
Stupid
Too much change at once
Liked blue vests
Teachers- huh ―GS have a comventon?‖
74
How do we market cool?
Get girls in high school in the media
GS billboard
Maybe the best
Events for older - awareness events
Fun/meaningful – some awareness will pick up media attention
Girls don‘t know what it is?
If they hear Boy Scouts backpacking
Friends who dropped out over just a small issue don‘t know there are other options
A neighboring council has a billboard with the time
How do we put flyers/pesters?
Girls have so much to do
Would it help if we sponsored a team?
May attract some
A friend in off season will join again
Make what you want out of it
Incorporate what you want
- more focus groups
- one troop
- several troops-one is high adventure
- Cadette/sr/older girl focus group
Girls to promote: This is what is out there
Peer pressure
Auertese: it is O.K.
Where does community find out?
We have girls who want to do service
- promote it
- put in newspaper
Does using Councils to promote slow down
Even small troops and independent girls need recognition in community news
Promote in middle school
Can do Destinations
Can be a deligate attending conference
Other clubs do community service
Flexible meetings - ok to miss
Help with service
But do girls know that flexibility is there
Fees are a problem – churches and schools charge
75
Boy Scouts took over in church - favoritism by priest. How can girls be the voice and
change the climate so it is girls, too?
Some meet at leader‘s house
Internet - email meeting dates
No badgework or crafts much
Plan other trips
Only meet when necessary
Problem with meeting places
Fiesta night - tacos and movie
Sleepovers
Meeting vs social event-dinnner, movies, new members come and go
Do we need to retrain adults
Flexibility - leaders - social event - advisors
Patrol leaders - change each semester if leaders are not flexible - they do all the work
but girl don‘t come
Advisor with 50 girls! In LA area
No requirement of attendance
Flexibility
Let girls tell about events and activities
Twenty-two girls went to HAWAII - they planned
Four adults, no girls since 1964 used to be Mariner
Twenty-one Senior troops out of 7,000 girls
Annual: senior showcase
High school aud - info booth - all Cadettes attend
Cadettes choose which troop!
Within troop patrols of focus groups
Independant girls can be in a council
Sponsored focus group
Also c/s/og planning board run ten events
But also run junior event to aud
Retention and let girls see older girls doing stuff
Cat cadette action team
Email not premail
Handcopy is better - mail it
Teens treat, etc., events open - pay ins
Add $10 to register them
Over break plan an event
Encourage bring a friend
Some girl if they plan for all girls it is ok
76
If not GS participate may benefit
Everyone with meeting together
In some councils, if not a GS, not able to come; especially for ollder girls
We do cool things
Our troop was bigger and fun stuff
Plan something special for the ―planners‖
GRI night sleepover/movie event - Saturday
Leadership is slurred - stress fun plus leadership
Modern: not just cookies and uniform
Wear matching outfits on troop trips
Are girls in it just because of mom
77
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Girl Scout Merchandise
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Lisa Ealley
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Julie Igo, Cat Rinaldi, Jean Clark, Rusine Mitchellsinclair, Jennifer Beach
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
How do you do incentives for cookie sales in your council? Volume cookie task force sets
up opportunites for girls to vote on favorites. ―Stacked incentives‖ and cookie bucks in
Gulfcoast, Florida. Incentives at higher are trips and big ticket items.
Incentive for girls to sell is troop profit. 500 or more packages sold equals plaque on
wall in council office. Limit to $5 dough total.
Cookie dough used to ―purchase or buyback‖ incentives.
Older girls can choose no incentives and get extra troop profit.
Fitted styles don‘t fit larger teens. Affordable > $25 t-shirt, >$50 sweatshirt. Hallmark
t-shirts are good costs for council customized. Adult GSM items are expensive. GS
merchandise in non-GS retailers may benefit in public eye. Customers don‘t know that
local shop purchases support council; outside retailers‘ GS purchases don‘t.
E-commerce setting up online store is very time consuming.
Large variation in open shop hours
Mobile shop order placed in advance then delivered
Traveling shop bags to feature ―new‖ item or sale items taken by membership staff to
SU meetings.
Gaps in merchandise for older girls-just t-shirts markup from GSUSA can be very low.
78
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Girl Scout Traditions
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Dottie Day
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Maieah Pederoen
Los otros participantes
Other members: Dorelas Peyton, Dottie Day, Carrie Barnett, Maleah Pedersen, Pam
Orman, Barbara Wingo, Joyce Hetrick
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
How to have councils use volunteers and traditions are not all bad
Older books – had Juliette Low in the first few pages – Br. Handbooks, Jr. Handbooks,
etc. Now the Journeys have Juliette Low and the history traditions in the 4th, 5th, 6th,
sessions or not at all. The new Journeys had no real info on the traditions at the
beginning of them.
Tradition trainings in some councils takes you back.
Each organization has to have an identity – that includes the traditions – Can‘t be trendy
and go with the ―whims‖ currently found in scouting.
We need consistent training throughout all councils.
Do not introduce something without developing it fully. How does it work, training for
volunteers? Bronze, Silver, Gold Awards within these.
Make sure the girls are involved in the process. That it is safe and nurturing what we
are trying to promote.
Not even all understand the handshake, quiet sign. Some do not recognize or show
respect.
Leadership is what Girl Scouts is about. We need to remember, never forget that is our
goal.
That keeping same wording throughout all councils, standard awards.
Update items keep consistent items.
Having variety is essential. Use girls 18 – 29 for camps, fun activities; older women to
implement on a higher level.
GS tradition and how they are not bad. That so much change coming from GSUSA that
tradition is not important.
That some councils are not using trainers to train the volunteers. Most others are doing
trainers.
79
That online training and here is a book to do the training. They are not getting the
information to make a great leader, being able to ask questions or gain the importance
of other ideas.
Girls are creating their own programs to teach themselves these traditions.
That we are losing membership because those traditions are being lost. We are
changing so much that there is no one image of what a Girl Scout is.
That recognition is lost of who we are and what we stand for as Girl Scouts.
We are losing families when we use too much technology. We do not reach those who
are low income or no access to these technologies.
We feel that we need to update books (IP) to today‘s add Pathways for additional ways
to work with girls. But keep some standards the old ways.
Losing patrol methods that training leaders to help out Daisys more, but also teaching
them to let go of the leading of the troop to let girls take over these responsibilities.
Candle Ceremony/Campfire Ashes Ceremony. Are they still out there? Those bring
generations together through traditions. Have a tradition day and show or tell the
history of our founders.
Keeper of traditions/agents of change volunteer.
Has any research been done on volunteer retention as to who they are - Outside of work
or home only leader – to help recruit or retain leaders? Flexibility of volunteering and
working with adults so that volunteers can use their time wisely.
80
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Girl Scouts Asian Task Force?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Carmel Mendoza
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Carmel Mendoza
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
As a member of Nassan County Asian Task Force, I would like to hear if there are any
other councils out there with such groups and what their goals/missions are, and what
events/programs they are holding/sponsoring for the girls.
81
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Girl Scouts vs. Leader Scouts
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Nanette Weinberg
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Nanette Weinberg
Los otros participantes
Other members:
Gail Haines, Jean Lyon, Jennifer Noiva, Donna Banks-Ficcio, Judy Heard, Carol L Wier,
Carol Rinaldi
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Large older girl group of all in service
Younger girl leaders might not be comfortable as Senior or Cadette leaders
Told daughter to sign up and no co-leader would step up
This generation is TOTALLY ME and no time for you! Not just ME generation
Minimal training does not support the new leaders – not enough foundation
Maybe too much emphasis on leading and not enough on being a good team member
Make sure it‘s what girls want. Adults not making girls a priority.
No time to train in three hours for a leader to have backup
Super troop of older girls in SU who break down by interest
Black churches started forming troops with all levels and they are great
Older girls have more interests than just working with ______________
Lack of program variety and fun for organizations
Leadership is our National focus but may not be the ―be-all and end-all‖ for some girls
General character development is a better focus and by-product of this is natural
leadership
Membership dwindling because girls feel pressured toward leadership
IPs are done because you have to. Badges were fun, Try Its were awesome.
As a Girl Scout in the 60s, I didn‘t earn stuff I did stuff!
Casual downtime style sharing while discussing values etc. Room had tables and chairs
also sofas. When ―working‖ at tables.
Living out the youth she never had is why a lot of leaders lose sight for the girls focus.
Want to wear parent‘s gold award pin.
82
The presentation, implementation and leader attitude lead to acceptance.
New programs need to be presented as MORE not either-or.
GSRI executives feel the response to the new Journeys program has been overwhelming.
Senior girls feel insulted by the book.
Materials can be intimidating. The glossary defines some but not all.
Journeys older girls
What if everyone does not want to be a leader?
Why are we asking adults to be here, or future programs?
Most events for older girls are planned by the same committees of old women without
girl input.
Council in TN plans many events, activities, workshops etc for older girls.
Progression
Can‘t suddenly change to ―girl run‖ without a sea change in attitude.
Campus GS in TN wrote an IP on planning for future with budget.
Girls want activities to attend.
A Gold Award girl asked one leader if the other leader could signoff on her Gold Award
program.
―If I still wasn‘t getting something out of being a leader, I‘d walk.‖
Go for a day for older girl workshop and at the end they have earned a badge.
Girls overloaded schedule means we have to be flexible.
Segregation in GS/BS is rare worldwide.
My leader was a GS in WWII – now more often we have leaders who are not alumni.
When do we teach the girls to lose if not in GS?
After Silver Award one of the girls said that after sixth grade every girl should be
required to plan an event.
83
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Global Girl Scouting
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Sandy Thomas
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Katherine Bickerton
Los otros participantes
Other members: Debie Ziegler, Carol Weir, Tracy Canole, Susan Rutherford, Norma
Barquet, Pat Martin, Laura Thielges
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Need to get girls to be aware if the global community and issues
This can keep girls involved by utilizing travel. Travel can change lives; broaden
awareness
Sandy explained the combining of International relations and GS Overseas
How to get more girls traveling?
World Thinking Day - get leaders to embrace TD with the proper frame of mind. TD is
not about food. Also talk about the ethnic groups. Expand cultural viewpoint. Become
more informed about our international partners, i.e., WAGGGS offices abroad
Youth exchange of GS through WAGGGS. Use Rotary Exchange student model
Sister Cities - interact at girls‘ level in the International Sister City Program
Sister City Program has funding. A linkage which we are not doing. Sister cities can be
found through local Chamber of Commerce or local mayor. A built-in system that we
can be using
Go to colleges and find out who the International Students are and whether any GG/GS
are amoung them - link them with girls in the area
Look for Internation groups in the local community
Use organizations like Peace Corps. GSUSA entering into relationship with returning
Peace Corp volunteers
Traveling internationally can retain and recruit girls
Get GS troops to hook up Rotary high school Interact Program. Can form their own age
group
Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards now housed in International department (to be rolled
out next fall)
Pitfalls of programming confusion at older girl level were discussed
84
GS of Western Hemisphere - need to know we are also members of region as well as the
Global WAGGGS. WH even has a pin - who knew?
We must take advantage of our local international organizations
Rotary International Youth Exchange - group study exchange
Use our resources wisely - means finding out what partners are already out there and
becoming more involved with the _______________
GSUSA trying to infuse global emphasis throughout program
Destinations now in the Global department
Our winning proposition is that we can connect girls with 105 countries around the world
Girls want to travel. They want to make a difference in the world. Go from doing
service to taking action
Pat shared a story about the UN and the NGO's
Need to do a better job of educating parents about the value and safeness of world
travels
Council-sponsored international trips
Travel groups could hook up by using the internet with GSUSA Overseas troops
Going to World Center can make leader confortable with world travel
Start travel groups younger and pay attention to progression
Emphasize our International component - we're the only youth organization that has one
85
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Gold Award Criteria and Redundancy
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Sheri Valaitis
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Jean Schumacher
Los otros participantes
Other members: Colleen Wright, Virginia Champlen, Susanne Wells, Torry Yarbro, Sandra
Marshall, Peggy Frantz, Kathy Randall, Marilyn Spedding, Judy Domanico, Millie Carey,
Sheri Valaitis, Donna Mulcahy, Penny Saltsman, Donna Cullman
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Group included parents, leaders; different process in different areas—e.g., mentor/girl
meet once a week; some councils have overview class.
Different council process (old vs. new method); seems like 109 different councils have
109 different criteria.
Why can‘t Silver Award count for some of the requirements for Gold Award? Bad
message; not skill building; short time period; too constraining.
**Motivation from Silver Award work to keep interest in Gold Award—NEEDS NATIONAL
SUPPORT.
Nice if Gold Award recipients had some card.
**Lifetime membership should designate Gold Award recipient.
GA criteria/support: community recognition; high school graduation.
Can‘t use Gold Award just as college entrance—should be okay to allow new high school
Girl Scouts but maybe they need additional skill building requirements.
Process of waiting until ninth-tenth grade is limiting; many girls don‘t have time to
finish the requirements.
**GSUSA could promote more colleges and universities to give scholarships to GA
recipients or link available scholarships to every council that offers scholarships.
More visibility on national GS scholarship program—link to high school senior service
requirement.
National needs to say what is or isn‘t acceptable.
Heart of Pennsylvania has a ―go for the gold‖ overview class—meeting to discuss
prerequisites; girls make pledge; get more parent involvement.
All councils need meetings like this.
Does GSUSA provide a template to help councils?
86
Mentors—community; 18-29-year-old Girl Scouts.
Difficult to make sure girls are responsible and not the parents.
Need help on funding leadership projects—what is your passion? And then go on from
there.
Interview is so important to overall process—reviewers trying to help the girl; not
intimidate her.
Have girls who have earned GA on the review board/panel; college professors.
Four Bs—need far more in-depth explanation.
**Standardized steps—need from GSUSA: outlines what to do if girls haven‘t already
earned Bronze or Silver.
Less redundancy
Can either expand and do something different.
Progression has always been important.
Leaders lose steam by Silver Award—how can we support?
87
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Governance Model—Better Use of Delegates (Council Level)
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Lillie Broncle
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Cheryl Legette
Los otros participantes
Other members: Terry Blackwell
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Associations – how do we bridge from operations to governance?
Kentuckiana – board members assigned to areas
Board person oversees
Uses open space at board meeting
Board development – one council uses
Nominating committee – leadership team
Alternative governance model – engaged membership input and participation
Parents and community need to be exposed that Girl Scouts is an organization to benefit
our daughters
Girl scouts are building leaders
There is a strong tendency to have all girls in troops
Younger girls like to have the choice to pick what part of the GS uniform
Success story
Summer camp director shared with a major fund developer – there is a strong tendency
to pick Boy Scouts to do flag ceremony
In New Jersey GSC service projects for the entire council message trained, complete
with uniforms
The difference between Girl Scouting and Boy Scouting should be embraced
Message training from GSUSA available
Girls rebel against absolute core skills; the Journeys is reintroducing the core skills
Girls will vote with their feet
In conclusion – we heard some success stories; leaders need to understand all age levels;
and need to support Gold Award ceremony
Older girls mentor to young girls in multi-age level troops: D-B-J and B-J-C
88
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Can Annual Giving and Membership Create a Culture of Philanthropy?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Kayte Kennedy
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Kayte Kennedy
Los otros participantes
Other members: Frances Robin, Patty Hauberg, Kathy Ray, Susan Atherton, Nan Cogburn,
Kathleen O‘Neill, Karen Cerreta, Abbie vonSchlegell, Heidi Hannon McCrory
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
How can we reach out to community?
Missouri - $64K - registration form/special neighborhood event, spaghetti dinners,
father/daughter dance
Struggle – prove to families that we need them. Need stronger case for support. Camps
Nation‘s Capital - GSCNC $600K - goals for service units, thank you dinner for donors
$600 and more
Raising more money/benefactor cultivation – welcome event
Cookie-offs – create dessert based on cookies
Breakfast free for participants, cry, ask for money
Friend raiser
Points of Contact - Don‘t ask for money
House parties – Do ask for money
Problem – how to engage those who come because she‘s a friend, but not really
interested
Group of girls (10 – 20) train in Girl Scouts PR and make them advocates – build
speaker‘s bureau
California – pledging, direct mail and such, campout
Urban event – sashes; donors/guests earn badges; sushi rolling; dancing with stars; silent
auction
How to move past troop leader only event? Messaging that this is for the community
Fund development – step child/up and coming star
People who volunteer don‘t give
Disagree - need to turn to our closest friend, our volunteers
89
What do you need money for? You sell cookies.
Struggle – need to move past cookies
―Look at this box as a business plan. Makes good employee. Girls earned this. Adults
need to step up and match girl efforts.‖
Board role – require a gift; do asks; make contacts
We aren‘t asking enough
Standard Award Ceremony like Blue and Gold
Why don‘t we ask at our Gold Award Ceremony?
Pre-printed registration form what comes back to local council.
Parents don‘t sign re-registration forms.
Any success with online auction?
Database software mess
Our members/volunteers don‘t think about Fund Development enough. Only three
sessions today; no sessions.
Fund development should be at cookie kick off, etc., membership – two-way street
Storyweaving is fund development. How do we weave fund development?
How do we go into community and engage? Ask at events, then build relationship and
ask.
Why isn‘t planning for centennial fund development? Why not more conversation here?
Commit to Girl. What is it?
Messaging consistent across the board
GSUSA has some proving to do so locals want to get on board nationally
90
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Can We Standout In a Sports-Obsessed Culture?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Jim Say
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Cathy Staples
Los otros participantes
Other members: Jim Say, Cathy Staples,Willette H. Johnson, Don Kessel, Patricia Spetz,
Joyce Knoll, Kellyn Lawrence, Aruis Thompson, Nancy Swalby, Patricia Guelara, Mary Chris
Arnesa, Lilie Donahue, Gus Kaczorowski
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Sports – perceived way of getting out – scouts is not – years ago sports gave you ability to
stand out – gave you involvement
Maybe Title 9 has mixed blessing – gives girls more opportunities
How do you get coaches to agree to let you do other activities?
- Are coaches supportive?
- Parent activity and involvement in both
What about low-income, one-parent families - how can you give them the opportunity?
Aim towards girls who aren‘t into sports
Point out that there is something for everyone
Can choose your ―area‖
Get girls on sports events/cheerleaders activities together to join a troop
Compromise position in either sports or scouts – girls able to chose and have opportunity
to be in both
Talk with principal/administrators
Girls work it out – both girl and coaches need to work together
Why is GS first to go? When choosing an activity – why does GS go away - Perspective of
most - kids looking more toward college and sports
Women tend to not ―toot‖ their horn
Also men have been collaborating much longer than women
Women MUST voice their accomplishments
Are male coaches less accommodating than women coaches?
Marketing of information such as scholarships for Gold Awards/Girl Scouts, etc.
91
Need statistics of award winners – where are they – govern for, business, every field
Need to find outstanding individuals who have Girl Scout background – need to market it
Need to get girls proud of being in Girl Scouts! Need to get rest of the WORLD to see
the examples out there!
Why are girls ashamed of being a Girl Scout?
Add Gold Award recipients to high school awards night! Presentation!
Same parents see Girl Scouts as cliquey – but not sports
Noticed that same girls are friends through Girl Scouts who would never be friends
otherwise
Community service is frequently required by school, activities, etc – use GS for that, in
part
Girl needs to resolve the issues with coaches and other activities - show coaches that
you are taking control
Choosing between sports team and GS – Why do they choose sports? How can we help
them to include sports with Girl Scouts?
Need to start to learn to balance
Need to sell parents on benefits of Girl Scouting
Why do parents shell out money for reports but not a little for GS?
Colleges, employers are all looking for well-rounded individuals – Girl Scouting does
that!
Girl Scouting is ―opportunity‖ – Girl members - one word description of Girl Scouting!
New Theme of Girl Scout – building leaders - but we are more so budding girl potential
People don‘t give Girl Scouts the same value as Boy Scouts
People don‘t feel Girl Scouting is as beneficial as sports
Goal – oriented – what is the girl‘s goal?
Title 9 – could hurt Gold Award numbers
Need to get more interested with colleges/universities
Maybe GSUSA could come up with a program to help girls come up with a way to be
connected to both Girl Scouting and sports
Need opportunities to announce the ability to join Girl Scouts
What about schools that don‘t allow any announcements
Let‘s advertise more than just cookies!!!!
MARKET
Generate a ―Scout Day‖ – wear uniform!
92
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do Councils Organize In Geographically Diverse Councils To Serve All
Areas Equally?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Sara Jo Mueller
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Ann Carrasquillo, Linda Getzen, Bonnie Ledet, Ashley Mumfakl, Julie Igo,
Pat Clad, Elizabeth Hart, Lucille Wright, Nancy Bird, Amy Schisler, Sandi Srewar, Henrietta
McBee, Sue Severson Bray, Aimee Cemicharo, Shelli Rambo Roberson, Shay Im, Katrina
Williams, Connie Argotsinger, Sara Jo Mueller, Peggy Kugel, Greg Jones
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Offices in rural areas must be fully staffed with materials for programs so you don‘t
have to come to big areas to get flags.
Outbased staff in homes- worked from their homes.
Store on-line web site
Traveling store
Communicating with staff and resources are distributed by number of girls.
Take girl programs on the road for girls in rural areas.
Have open dialogue benefits of rural areas.
Web training
Outline the airplanes. Lol
Assessments of what you need in your area. Don‘t judge program success by number of
people who attend in rural areas. Don‘t cancel events if minimum attendace is in.
Really listening to their concerns but also rural areas listening.
Board criteria for geographic distributing then cancel.
Focus positively on mission.
Be careful not to push on long-term volunteers.
Forming community partnership with small rural towns organized.
Promote GS leaders
93
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do We Attract Adult Leaders?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Nancy Lomax
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Suzanna Brown
Los otros participantes
Other members: Sheila Weisfeld, Terry Yarbro, Tana Powell, Rita Harmon, Nancy Lee
Peterson, John Hom, Jackie Rizzo, Veckey Beyull
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Attracting not just leaders, all volunteers, not just moms and dads.
I got involved through church program that helped people find volunteer roles. I was
concerned about girls getting pregnant and other bad choices, started a GS troop in
church, have done it for 15+ years. I do it to give back to the community.
Hit women's organizations, senior citizens, other professional groups. I got something
out of Girl Scouting and wanted to give back.
Reach out to new different oeganizations for volunteers.
Look for skills in adults that would make good leaders, or fill other volunteer roles.
Recruit and seek out short-term volunteers. Let them use their expertise to teach girls
in one or a few sessions.
Interest groups get non-GS volunteers for them, need a GS volunteer to be at the events
and that is hard.
The minute you say "GS volunteer" people think troop leader. They think 15+ girls, all
my free time is gone.
Need a network behind our volunteers.
Program paths - former leaders would be good SUMs, product sales managers. etc.
People want to give vack to the community, but not have a huge time commitment.
Episodic Volunteer
Cooperative troop - take turns leading - no one has to be everything. Girls exposed to
different styles and skills.
High School/College service is required - how do we attract them to volunteer.
Capture people right away. Don't wait or make them wait.
Job Fairs - set up a table for volunteerism
Need to have flexible, nimble training scheduling.
94
Don't present new people and ideas with negative.
Use the older girls who do volunteer - maximize their skills.
Recognize the people who help out, not just a token gift, but public recognition
Ask people to help
95
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do We Better Serve Girls in Rural Areas?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Maleah Pedersen
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Sue Barrett
Los otros participantes
Other members: Janelle Wolf, Rita Harmon, Janet DeVries, Peggy Kugel, Sandra Bugg,
Donna Kent, Debbie Nielson, Penny Saltsman, Judy A. Johnson, Gina Murphy, Nancy Lee
Peterson, Kay E. Stevens, Carrie Barnett, Elizabeth Huxford, Joanne Gonzalez
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Difficult to get all involved in doing things
Need to make it easier for involvement
4H, dance, sports are competitors for our girls
Montana-Wyoming – program themes for each month; same event at different locations
around the council; volunteer coordinated. Example: museum events can be overnight
or day event.
Utah – small pockets need to feel connected. Themed ideas would help.
Montana/Wyoming - training to lead the event. Similar but could be different.
- take ideas for similar camp sessions so all camps have same ideas
- offices should be centrally located. Problems with satellite offices not
communicating with central office
Alaska – staff deliver program in rural areas. Day camps are popular in villages; 90% of
girls attend. Looking for funding to help foster this.
USDA GSUSA Rural Grant – take back info to national. Realignment is putting this in the
forefront.
Feedback takes longer to travel to council and back to the girls - program
Online training for leaders
Internet-based meeting
Help us solve the technology
Consistent methods of training - can use web-based training
National contract to use specific company for Internet
National contracts for rental cars
Grand from Leach? For 14-passenger van to transport girls/adults
96
Use video conferencing, webinars, tele-conferences
Program on the road
Traveling Try Its - staff presented, goes out to two or three service areas, one in the
fall, one in the spring
Program in a Box - all things needed in the box. Send boxes via UPS. Kept in the office
Purple Bus – USDA - Technology Lab National Science Foundation - Best way to get tech
out to girls. Ask universities for help.
Use university or junior college teachers to encourage leaders to teach science math to
the girls
Use college students who need to do service hours to help with girls in their area of
study
More inner city – using rural adults to staff
School presentations to get girls involved in the beginning
PEGS – notify PEGS of all events in council
PEP – Perfectly Effortless Program - twice a year present a themed program to the
neighborhood meeting. Tapes, music available for their use.
National needs to work on making Journeys work for individual girls.
Gear Up Program - seventh– to twelfth-grade kids interested in furthering their
education. We as GS go in and provide leadership program.
Identify where the girls are and contact that organization to provide programming.
Boys and Girls Clubs
Meeting places – waiting list
- Churches, schools, coffee klatches, restaurants, library, nursing homes, hospitals,
fire halls, parent businesses, homes, karate studio, rotating meeting places.
97
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do We Change the Perception That We Have an Unhealthy Devotion to
Traditions?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Carol Lee Spanger
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Vicki Briesacher, Martha Spruitenburg
Los otros participantes
Other members: Carol Lee Spanger, Vicki Briesacher, Sheila Weisfld, Dottie Day, Sally
Leep, Sue Severson, Bray, Diana Long, Martha Spruitenburg, Patty Bock, Carol Wier,
Colleen Wright
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
GSUSA said in writing that one of our blocks to advancement as a program is our
―unhealthy‖ devotion to traditions.
We see it a binding force that identifies USAGS symbols, ceremonies, songs, etc. and
that we are now losing that.
Traditions are not being taught and passed down and we‘re losing our identity.
Traditions are not the barrier—it‘s the ―we‘ve always done it this way‖ mind-thought
that is the barrier.
Can‘t find info about this, like World Centers, WAGGS, etc, in the new material
Have lost a lot
Many very experienced people are being tossed aside as being ―too old‖ and stuck in our
ways.
Our daughters (18-40) value our traditions.
Traditions are the heart of GS-the glue that holds us together.
We have gone through multiple changes through the years just fine, but now are
considered stuck in a rut, not flexible, not ―nimble‖.
We now have people coming into GS that have no respect for our traditions.
Training is where this can be handled, but these people are not knowledgeable and
don‘t pass things on.
Volunteers are being pushed out and staff is taking over and most of these people have
no GS background and aren‘t willing to learn.
The value of traditions that it binds us world over.
GS are like a family and in families, traditions and stories are passed down - creates a
98
commonality between the members. We have common memories, terminology,
experiences. It creates a sisterhood that recognizes each other worldwide.
What do we see as valuable traditions?
Yahoo! Groups—Greenblood Traditions@yahoogroup(s?).com
Traditions form over foundations – e.g., GS handshake, campfire ashes, GS quiet sign,
common songs.
If we lose this, we lose our connections.
One member came back as an adult volunteer because of her memories of GS as a girl.
How can we keep our traditions alive? Grassroots but also from National.
It appears GSUSA is micro-managing.
Whatever comes from national, we must respect what they say even though they may
not agree.
If adults don‘t respect the traditions, the girls won‘t and won‘t pass them on.
Younger girls respect the older girls who are knowledgeable about our traditions.
Correct way of wearing uniform is not well known and not demonstrated even by
National Staff.
If we don‘t keep consistency at some level we‘re going to lose everything. We‘ve
changed so many times that we are destroying our foundation.
Uniforms are valuable, recognized worldwide.
Change does not happen easily but we have to take the good things with us as we move
forward.
Mergers have hurt the passing on of traditions.
Not 18-25
No longer allowed to be a council trainer - we have been sacked – council chose younger
trainers
When did I go from being an older GS, a keeper of traditions full of the old wisdom, to
being seen as inflexible, rigid, non-nimble with an unhealthy devotion to traditions?
Need to respect national and international WAGGGS traditions.
Need to communicate the value of that tradition: quiet sign, value, purpose—GS can go
anywhere and everyone knows what GS is.
Traditions bind us like a family, makes us one — creates memories — commonality and
consistency — same references — common vocabulary — communication.
How do we define the most important ones to take into the next 100 years?
I said to a group of older girls using the Girl Scout sign —―Girl Scout Honor‖ as a promise
I would do something. They laughed at me and said ―Yeah, right.‖ When did my GS
word become a laughing matter and people not know this was a promise I WOULD KEEP!
We need to instill this honor in our girls - not just in word - but in feeling and life.
GSUSA website is not user-friendly
If the adults don‘t do the traditions correctly then the girls won‘t know them.
Traditions are the glue that hold us together, especially the Promise and Law
99
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do We Get Leaders?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Denise DeVall
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Denise Devall
Los otros participantes
Other members: Beverly Covington, Katie Fairley, Megan Corbin, Susan Schneiderwind,
Darlene Griffin, Gary Vyeda, Dee Goforth, Tanya Mauer
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Let girls take control of programs
Opportunity to recognize - you become more happy to assist
Promote Girl Scouts so parents will step up
Interesting things for college girls to help with other Girl Scout troops
College Girl Scouts
Tell the older girls choices of what is needed and also ask them what they can do and
see where they can help out.
Parents use troops as day care - don't want to get involved
Be up front what is expected from parents in the very beginning
Have parents sign contract for commitment
If parents aren't going to commit - girls won't be able to be part of the activity
Need better promotion on that GS is more than just cookies - we are a strong force in
the community
Troops not accepting girls who are a different race or income.
Recognize the leaders - from GSUSA and local council
What does is look like to be a leader?
100
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do We Get Strong Leadership From Our Leaders and Give Them
Confidence to Lead?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Joanne Gonzalez
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Joanne Gonzalez
Los otros participantes
Other members: Carol Wier, Katherine Stagg, Ann Smith, Vikki Shopp
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Me generation
New leaders with "love" of GS
Mentor new leaders, no coaching, someone who will call on new leaders and see how
they are doing and give through support
Keep leaders excited
Get word out to let people know that "anyone" can be a GS volunteer
Tell your story as to "why" you are a GS
Larger troops with structure and guidelines
Nurturing leaders - ALL leaders
Keep involvement from Daisy on up - let them know that you don't have to be a mom to
be a volunteer
Use manners, say thank-you and you are appreciated, affirmation of all
Provide "food for the soul"
Get on the bus because you can do this
Utilize support system and mentor and nurture
Keep it personal with positive reinforcement
Technology is a tool for people and can be utilized to maximize things
Better communication - trust the new while honoring the old
Communication needs to be better from the top down, email, surveys, use Destinations
Program staff person does communication on Destinations and has event with topic
followed by reports from "where you've gone" first-hand from girls who went on
Destinations
Postcard to "check out Destinations"
101
"Wish List" - don't you wish you could go to Destinations. Send post card.
Communication is key
Give parents resources as well as the girls
102
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do We Make Teen Travel Afforable?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Melissa Manley
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Melissa Manley, Kathy Differ, Pauline Haislip, Tanya Maurer, Lee Holmes,
Tracy Carroll, Mary Ann Wolfe, Don Kessel, Sandy Minniek, Darlene Cyr, Kimberly Reed,
Priscilla Radcliff, Carmel Mendora
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
How do we balance fundraising with other Girl Scout activities?
Cookies be a main fundraiser
EF tour, every sixth girl goes free
Some councils have money for wider ops
Cut down on cost of trips themselves - stay at hostel?
International hostals to cut back
Europe hotels so costly and small rooms
Home hosting? Girls and families around the world
Colleges do it and it‘s not necessary
EF tours expensive
EF not helpful when there are problems
Other tour group, what about other council facilities?
San Antonio council allows girls to stay overnight
Whole issue of council's not sharing - issue is no avenue to communicate
Girls don't care - give them a bed and show
Alternatives to plane travel: bus, train
Can National help?
There is __________ funding but how to access?
How can you get more scholarship opportunities? --Even to particially offset cost.
Fundraising is hard - garage sales take time to set up then only earn a little.
How to spend the time to fix and do troop activities and school?
Council says have to do fundraising
103
Recycling anything on any level. One is cookies with optional council # of fund raisers.
Recycling - no form, allow council SU manager to approve, NO limit.
Our troop, whole council has Kroger, council 4% goes to girls account - use it for gas, rx,
debit card Kroger. Thornton, our council, wasn't approved because that would be
deemed product support. Our council allows business to sponsor and help but this is not
considered product support. But then gargage sale $200; workshop $600; gets $60 but
then split between all.
Applebee's supplies breakfast - get four of five tickets $. Sports teams do as well. They
are your tickets your troop sells. Applebee‘s cooks, girls wait tables, act as hostess.
How can you get other nonprofit community organizations to help (Kiwanis)? How do we
get recognized? We‘re not the 10 minute relevation talk.
We‘re a community that needs partnership with ______________ on endorsement. How
else do you get to so many people who don't want to participate in GS any more. Also
provide opportunities for families to share. BBQ place in their town is only one but they
give portion opportunity - bring back to share. When I was a girl we went to different
organization to help sponsor a troop. Merging councils - impact on local PR want these
changes.
Where‘s group member at with merger - Does it make a difference?
I like what you said - you don't know – it‘s been interesting to see. Differences moving
council. Surprised to see there is that. But it is because they want a balance. Why
prohibit certain times when can't fund raise? Why can't girls save money directly we
can't travel on selling cookies/calendar.
Kroger pays $5 for card but they put $5 on the card the girl gets the money for her
account. Do grocery shopping, gas - prepaid the card with what going to spend. Kroger
sends, we don't have Kroger look at Krogers.com. Why can't girls apply for grants
themselves? Older girls are able to do that. Silver Award applied for grant at local
company but had to apply - age issue.
But maybe it‘s a legal issue because no one can enter into a contract under age 18.
Need to make it cheaper for girls because it is so expensive.
When our council plans a trip they pick inexpensive hotels but this isn't necessary - why
not use council camps along the way. When we travel we call other councils and stay
there. Troops can travel cheaper from council trip. We (TN) went on a council trip to
NY and it wasn't too bad. Hostels are cost efficient. Buses are expensive.
Getting transportation arranged so we don't have to pay bus. That‘s a large cost -
having to pay drivers, hotels, meals and gas. Why can't we have volunteer drivers?
Renting van for trip was cheaper, picnic along the way.
Raise money
Worked at concession stands at stadium is way better than any sale.
We do gift wrapping around holidays
Troops are not using money earnings - but service
Enough people - open to other areas even other councils
Open ideas for funding
GS cookies - get more from each box
Big Trip should be an incentive
104
$1 box for trip-bank
$1.50/box no troop money - after first 50 boxes - Destinations
All council trips have to have one parent even then - too many adults - girls do not want
to go.
Rules too hard
Leaders want to do trips - can not advertise to rest of council - girls want to offer a mini
destination - told no by council
GSUSA needs more consistency for councils to follow
Saving money for trip
Individual troop accounts
Safety Wise does not say anything
Troop raises money and even if girls do not go - they participate in money earning.
Parents - money earning different; hearing about it chat/room
Is it okay - GSUSA needs earning activity - girls not coming and then entitled to
proceeds. Yes, we are not doing - this not clear.
105
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do We Renew Excitement In Leaders?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Kelly Davies
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Kelly Davies, Penny Saltsmon, Natasha Harris, Kathy Stueber
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
No notes were taken for this session. To discuss this topic you may wish to contact the
session members listed above.
106
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do We Use Power of Realignment to Raise More $$ for Opportunities
for Girls?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Karen Cerreta
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Karen Cerreta
Los otros participantes
Other members: Rori Lindo-Britton, Jane Herrin, Lynne Mabry, Pattie Hallberg, Sharon
Reece
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Rori: 29 councils not affected by realignment
GSNNJ: Is training in promotional sponsorship necessary?
Rori: Defining and measuring success…define our brackets and give guidelines
JGL: Asked everyone she knew for $$ sold pearls, first product sale
We are good at earning $$$, but we need to ask for $$$
NE Texas: I see fund development and brand development as same. Let‘s sell
leadership development
Leadership development for recent board members and their philanthropic community
Sold leadership development to foundation – keynote. Had advisory board of business
leaders. Had luncheon of 200, 20 of which were connected to GS
How is branding connected to fund development
Central Texas exceeded goal in year one. Events: corporate level event – weekend
retreat at camp – Women of Distinction
GSNNJ: Eco Trek/Leveraging more corp $$ support! Major grocery store chain linked
council to other corporate donors. The corporate donors appreciate reaching a larger
geographic audience.
NE Texas: Luncheon/council wide – depend on board to fill event, staff follow up. Start
over each year.
Central/Western Mass: Examined legacy council events. First issue was canceling
events and then bulding
Central Texas: Trying to get outside company (IT-IBM) to do events and GS does the
inviting
Mass: Two different Women of Distinction. One ―fork it over‖ utilized ―wealth engine‖
107
through GSUSA highly recommended. Sent GSUSA list of donors/or adult membership
list. Now going into training on how to develop list.
CA: Has been impressive to corporate community that we are so large – coastal
agricultural community – 400 miles end-to-end. Special events tend to be regional.
Now bigger companies are more impressed that gifts for programs reach wider areas.
―Dreambuilders‖ outshoot of Raising More Money. Dreambuilders are table captains at
event. Retraining volunteer committees so volunteers take on more. Get some large
corporate gifts from corporations in the community, and grant funding. Doing more
individual donor research.
How do you reach non-GS supporters to donate?
Central TX: Set up booth at Michael‘s to get people to support troops. Since it wasn‘t a
cookie booth, people came to talk to me. Many became small donors, or offered free
space for meetings.
Mass: Board members making introductions to new people.
Central TX: Form for sponsorship agreement for troop. Place where girls meet are
contracted and girls do service project for host. Need e-mail datablast and develop
newsletter.
Mass: Launched e-newsletter. Operational to all adults. External, one per household,
donors, potential donors.
108
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do You Do It "Green" Without Long Travel, But Still Engage All Voices?
Travel Time and Costs.
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Beth Hill
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Beth Hill
Los otros participantes
Other members: Jennifer O'Rourke, Peggy Kugel, Barb Hunter Mahan, Sue Sewall, Koh
Ting Tng
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Use service centers
Travel reimbursement for delegates - mileage, room, meals (minimum # of miles for
reimbursement - 100 mile minimum roundtrip)
Topics for open space suggested beforehand; can be listed prior to meeting, can then
respond by submitting comments
Multiple locations - Skype using videocams; GoToMeeting - presentations
Use webcam at service center? At home? Can use community centers, libraries,
businesses, United Way, community colleges and universities
"Ready Conference" - Raindance (free) for teleconference - e-mail each other
Chat rooms
Face Book - keep track of people, what's going on
Yahoo groups
Skype - Internet videophone
Other technology as it develops
109
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do We, As An Organization, Make Decisions, Plan, Create Policies
Based On Love and Well Being Rather Than Fear?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Tamara Woodbury
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Julie Murphy
Los otros participantes
Other members: Bara Joe Miller, Kathy Grantham, Vicki Echartaz, Char Corbit, Leslie
Sissel, Marty Woelfel, Maureen McCann, Sara Jo Mueller, Vicki Erhart, Leslie Cissell,
Maureen Mele, Ruth Cate, Bessie Payan, Sharon Weiler-Race, Kate Marx, Candace Bactow,
Cara A. Lester, Shelly Chenoweth, Leijh Lynch, Laura T. Hielges, Susan Laidlaw, Lesley
Finch, Kathy May
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Values of organization vs. behavior - blame, systems, architecture, policies
Based on fear of consequence, health and safety lawsuits, girls
Saw some in council prep – GSUSA leadership
Safety Wise – big contributor
How can we embrace the person rather then the paperwork?
Gotten far a field from Promise and Law
Approach some things/rule you can‘t do = not principles/or guidelines what you should
do
Do our performance review and you tell your team what you are going to do to achieve
How do we let us self-organize and support them?
How do we create more growth and leadership opportunities for adult volunteers? Helps
them to show up better for girls.
Utilize successful leaders (vs.) mentor other or new volunteers
Pluralism and diversity – can help conversation to discuss differences – powerful,
responsive conversations = RESPECT
Story – a person who works for council for 25 years – ―No body ever offered me personal
development.‖ We value you as a person.
We want to be seen, have fun, and be loved.
We are even afraid to use the word ―love‖ in our culture
Culture takes time
110
In our service unit, we start with saying Promise and Law. We have to be careful of
being heavy handed. Girls have best BS meter = integrity. I don‘t care if someone
knows the Promise and Law if they are living it.
Leading by example – How do we get that down to the new volunteers?
I am uncomfortable with the tone of this conversation, can we change it?
Needs to permeate the conversation. This is who I am, profoundly loving and engaging
with others with respect. How can I measure that my sense of possibility got out to you?
Spring Conferences – have you used those people who attended?
I think we use command and control in disbursing information.
There are so many ways to get information out through technology – it shows respect.
Have to take time away from paper work – to spend time on ourselves, get to know each
other, learn to disagree. We have gotten bogged down with Safety Wise in a project.
A woman stood up and asked, ―What is the spirit of what we are here to do?‖ It
snapped us back to what was important. What is it we‘re trying to achieve?
Judgment vs. Rules
What helps to create the climate to allow people to express themselves as an individual?
I may hear your words as a person rather than run it through my judgment meter. Most
crucial part – quality of output is based on the quality of our relationship. How do we
create more time and space to know one another?
If we sit in a circle, look at each others faces, listen with respect - GSUSA demonstrated
they heard delegates by changing proposals; sending information out; setting up the
chat boards; showing good will; got information out; and then I was able to listen to
councils and understand the issues.
When do you feel loved and valued?
- when someone listens
- when a girl knocks me on my butt with excitement
- thanking me for what I‘ve done
- it‘s all in the conversation
- you‘re engaged in the moment
- offered opportunity to go to a leadership development course (non-GS course)
- when someone really sees who I really am
- I have had a chance to connect with other people
- I love the connect piece – that‘s what Girl Scouting is all about, when it‘s personal
and meaningful and that‘s when I feel loved
Developing meaningful personal relationships.
111
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do We Create True Partnerships Between Councils and GSUSA?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Linda Saldibar
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Cynthia Weller
Los otros participantes
Other members: Cynthia Weller, Loretta Himmelsbach, Gail Haines, Tiffany Wilson,
Martha Barilla, Joyce Bathke, Doon Foster, Bessie Payan, Laurie Hoening, Baraz Samiian,
Leslie Cissell, Heather Vilhauer, Andrea Miller, Sandra Tysuer
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
GOOD – new bad check training but rest of board needs training too
New people need more direction in knowing what they need from GSUSA
NDV doesn‘t always know what to ask
The binder is at the bottom of CEO list
GSUSA staff present day one of realignment; help blend councils, know what GSUSA
structure is
CEO mentors – maybe leaving CEO‘s but a different geographical area; maybe use
interims - maybe present in the building
Need to make sure that they aren‘t bitter, cranky
Working through changes
Realigning councils needs to rely on GSUSA staff to help work through change; help
spotty from GSUSA, some calls go into black hole
Sometimes need to say ―NO‖ either through be peacemaker
Consultant from board perspective, from CEO perspective
Trust factor key
May need to call in consultant or mediator
Communication with board chairs from consultant
CEO/Board chair relationship important
Consultants need to share info with both Board and CEO – will facilitate their
relationship if not give CEO power of information
Monthly phone calls with each, but be available to each
What can we expect from consultant?
GSUSA needs to have more consultants for next three to five years during transistion;
112
can find out what consultants you need
GSUSA should let more info from OCN be available to members
Tap into information available from various groups: programs; trainers; delegates
Use polls to get information
As a movement we need to use technology to use national delegates to make decision
Non-hierarchical communication and info sharing
Informed board members
―Polled‖ councils – what councils?
Conversation; definition
Info for more people
Open Space using technology
Away from command and control GSUSA
Access to information; not too much
Board chair couldn‘t find national board member
Default position should be YES
Default position should be a response. This has improved for some but for some it
hasn‘t
Partnerships – everyone contributes in conversation; not everyone makes decision; use
expertise of governance (participates) for operational decision
Level of frustration goes down when governance and GSUSA isn‘t responsive
Culture of trust; now is crticial time
Customer service
Getting message from council office is that volunteers are unimportant
Maybe would feel different about it if knew what staff is up against
Windshield time is too much
HiTech and HiTouch – need a real person
Passion for customer service
Key is senior management staff – share with other staff can‘t loose local presence
Need board chair summit
New board chairs come in more frequently then CEO‘s
Not all councils are alike
Board succession plan – next person (board chair) needs to come to summit
113
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How Do We Introduce New Girls Into Girl Scouting and Open Up Troops So
No One Has To Hear, ―We’re All Full; Please Wait Until Someone Drops
Out?‖
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Edie Dale
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Lisa Steward
Los otros participantes
Other members: Nanette Weinberg, Deanna Wells, Rachel Broussard, Joyce Knoll
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Parents of new girls face leaders‘ unwillingness to take in new girls…or ―only one space
open‖ in my troop, but more than one girl wants to join
Work within limitations of the leaders to help them take more girls
Troops meet every week to accommodate more girls‘ schedules (can have a 15-girl
troop, but at any given meeting 10 girls might attend)
*Develop and promote a ―Top 10 Reasons‖ to have a larger troop – value of having a
larger troop includes access to talent, and help, resources, etc.
Incorporate this philosophy at leader training so that they see the reasons why
Promote/encourage mixed age groups to accommodate more girls
Establish a culture of open-mindedness so that volunteers/troop organizers really spend
the time and energy to recruit leaders with open minds
Troop organizer ―roundtable‖ (annual) to help train/retrain/support TOs council-wide
Find a way to get the girl registered as a Juliette then get them in a troop
Ramona Service Unit (San Diego Imperial Council) has a ―scout night‖ once a month for
Juliettes and troops in the service unit take turns leading the program for that night.
Girls have a file that contains their registration form, health history form, etc., and
meet girls in existing troops and get familiar with the GS program so that they‘re easier
to place in existing troops because the leaders get to know the Juliettes. This was
developed by a Junior troop as their Bronze Award.
Promote ―school wide‖ troops resources to help girls switch to another troop if one isn‘t
working out.
The Juliette Night model could work using college-age girls to run the meetings.
Leader support and training to help leaders embrace the ―difficult girl/parent‖ who no
one wants to take into their troop.
114
Encourage co-op leading so that two leaders are in charge one year and a different two
leaders are in charge the second year (rotate back and forth) and maybe they‘d be
willing to have a larger troop because they have a ―bye‖ year (to take a break from
leadership every other year).
Ongoing leader training to help the leader who has served for one to two years be
―ready and open‖ to taking more girls (e.g., conflict management skills, how to
―assimilate‖ new girls).
115
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How To Add Consistency To Bronze/Silver/Gold Awards So They Mean the
Same Thing Across Space and Time
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Susan Steinberg
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Cindy Nienabes
Los otros participantes
Other members: Gerry Gordon, Mary Elias, Evelyn Vittone, Kelly Faga, Susan Devrous,
Nancy Miller, Donna Cullman, Barbara Nunt, Margaret Spicer, Maureen Quinn, Jennifer
O‘Rourke, Cathy Buss, Timaleg Nevels, Wafae Owen, Mel Little, Karen Santi
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
I think that consistency is a problem – forms are not matching
I don‘t want GSUSA‘s form
That‘s exactly the problem
The process is the same for Eagle Scout is the same
How many Bronze projects have you seen where there is no leadership?
That‘s too much for a Bronze project
Bronze award has been tweaked. MN and NJ should be the same.
It‘s the highest award you can earn
I prefer a form from my council. The girls do not get leadership from the current forms.
GSUSA forms are not complete enough.
Final report form has been modified.
In our council, the Silver Awards are approved by the leader.
In our council, they are approved by a committee.
Every week there is a group looking at the requirements.
I am terrified that the Journey requirement (which is unproven) is going to show up in
our highest awards!!!
People don‘t want badges to leave
Journeys are not proven – don‘t include them in high award requirements
Focus on continuing excellence
Fifteen outcomes. You consider it one way, I see it another.
Bronze is still approved at troop level
116
Eight girls are getting credit for 320 hours when they only did two to three hours each
In our council, they have to attend a pre-project workshop
I‘ve joined with high school to promote senior projects
It‘s not a bottle of endurance. It‘s a bottle of leadership.
They need a set of reasonable guidelines
If you have national paperwork, they will be able to move from one council to another
What really is it about?
When they start late, it is unattainable
What is achievable and how can we utilize those awards?
GSUSA counsel for the Gold Award committees is clear
I was told by a staff member if a girl starts in tenth grade, she can‘t even start her Gold
Award.
I saw on message boards that some troops were given permission to skip Studio 2B
projects for Gold Awards
Can the awards build on each other instead of starting over at ground zero?
GSUSA needs to have a consistent answer!! Spoken several times! Sometimes you get
whatever answer you want instead of what is really the truth. If you have national
paperwork, it is all consistent. If you had a booklet to fill out and complete. It should
come from national.
Senior projects should be able to cross over to Gold Awards
For senior projects they award monetary scholarships
What‘s the difference between community service and leadership? What is the girls‘
definition of leadership? If a girl thinks she is making the world a better place.
I thought the whole point is to find a problem and get a solution
Some projects are service projects, but not leadership
If they plan, prep and carry it out, it is leadership
If a person approves the project before it is started, it has more weight
We do ―pre‖ interviews for the Gold Award
If a girl feels in her mind she has done it, who is policing it?
1. GSUSA needs to set exact goals. ―Speak English‖ - consistent
2. Train councils how to support this
3. We need consistent forms across the country, preferably a workbook can download
and print it
4. National recognition
5. If a media person gets the information, it has to be consistent
6. The requirements should build on Bronze and Silver – too much redundancy
7. We need a system of trust in our leaders
8. We need training component in our councils
9. Our service unit has a training for requirement
10. They don‘t put the requirements out on the net because they want to sell books
117
11. Use webinars to train us
12. The cascade method does not work to train
13. We don‘t have a means to reach GSUSA to get our answers about awards
We have to understand that one girl‘s ability is not the same as another‘s
It‘s a matter of standards – let the girl do what she believes is her best
We can‘t penalize all girls because of the slackers
The general requirements should not change based on unproven and new requirements!
If you nationalize the standards it will
Change is good. We have to learn to accept good change and does it affect the change
We focus too much on getting the Gold Award for the older girls
118
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How To Get Girls To Intercommunicate With Other Councils
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Lauren Tomlinson and Ally Clark
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Susan M. Gamache
Los otros participantes
Other members: Laurel Hicks, Catherine Smith, Megan Corbin, Katie Fairley, Kimberly
Reed, Sondra Lowen, Aimée Wilson, Breann VanOrden, Marie Graziosi, Kethy Eck, Darlene
Cyr, Sandy Minnick
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Girl space
Website for communication to sign up to be pen pals
Foreign exchange but with GSUSA – between councils
Learn about programs of other councils
When to program at Macy – Facebook – utilize Facebook to integrate programs,
interactive site
Team up on similar programs between councils, link to safe GS site
Technology is key
Postcard exchange between troops – leaders coordinate – Flat Stanley-like things – paper
doll and mail it to other troops – send stuffed animal - similar
Get girls to understand across council interests
Trips – get info from other councils when you travel and trade patches
Learn about other councils
Want pen pals from other troops
Pen pals of areas of interest and want to hook up with girls in other troops of similar
interest in pen pal situation – horseback riding, etc.
Let girls know they can go to camps in other states - communicate this
Adults filter communication between councils rather than have it go girl to girl
Girl to girl communication
Different levels of communication devices for varying interests. Newsletters for girls,
newsletters for leaders, newsletters for donors.
Communication needs to be user friendly and youth appealing to entice
If you want to know about a subject matter be able to get in touch with girls in other
119
areas
Get to point in communications
Website okay but not everybody has e-mail – leave people behind – need way to get
feedback if you have e-mail or not
Calendar of events at various locations – eligibility – process – leads for more info
Get info out about other means to fund a girl‘s ideas of wanting to go to camp. There
are ways to get sponsorship if you want to participate.
Costs of uniforms prohibitive – alternatives – emphasis of value of Girl Scout
memberships
More communication about patch programs at other councils
Use networking process more like professional organizations do – develop mentorship
between councils
Adults filter message (mentioned by many girls) – sometimes so girl to girl
communication is squelched
Exchange patch state to state, council
Troops open to other troops from other areas to participate in their camps
If get info from other areas and troops, share it don‘t keep it to yourself
Put names on activities that sound big empowering, like Ambassador, and give
recognition, responsibility, learn, but also be defined, share, guide, mentor
ACTION not just name
120
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How To Get More Afro-American's To Step Up As Leaders
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Dianne L. Purdy
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Dianne L. Purdy, Clare Bresnahan, Nancy Bird
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Pastors or churches
Brochures, pictures on pamphlets
Non-leader volunteers, for postions on service units
121
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How To Help Leaders Be Comfortable with Outdoors
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Cynthia Dahlin
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Carleen Kramer, Douglas Penton, Georgianea Sibert, Mary Anne Derhake,
Edie Dale, Sarah Rushing, Pam Orman, Mary Sue Ryan, Jane Cornelius, Chris Douglas, DeDe
Clements, Cynitha Dahlin, Bonnie Cooney, Lillie Donahue, Cathi Macheda, Breond Perdita,
Mary Perdita, Carol Barnes, Jennifer Fetner, Emily Grossman, Joy Grunden, Emily Bartow
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Problem recuiting some parents who say "I don't do bugs - could there be adult camp to
acclimate leaders before they train? Allow more cabin campers so leaders don't have to
be outdoor certified - not use campfires but use kitchens. Some councils allow this.
Four High Adventure
Experienced volunteers to accompany leaders on first outing - create resource list
Texas Pine - use experienced girls to go along - list in each neighborhood - program aide
hours
Four levels of Outdoor Training
Day trip - training in living room
Pair troops - experienced with no experience
Service unit camporee - to make new leaders more cpomfortable
Have enough capacity for all
Took pictures of sites for troops so it would feel familiar
Have campout training which includes girls; makes it attractive for parents to take
training – Seven Lakes, NY
REQUIRED - Three-Step Program
Day, Camping, Backpacking
The training is required - must be rigorous for parents to feel comfortable to send girls
into the woods where emergencies might occur. Training was also revamped with
green practices and Outward bound plus mix adults for training so they spread ideas. E.
Washingon - Idaho Council
New Leader Notebook - including council facilities and outdoor ed manual
122
Take new leaders to program centers so they know the space and learn about activities
available. Can do first senior sleepovers of outdoor training in their setting
A SU task - all leaders invited on overnight
Can take camping - not require recertification
Send trained leaders update
Need more Try-its and badges to get kids more enthusiastic
Need to be sure there is outdoor programming at camping trips not just doing crafts
outdoors
Troop camping - council provide trained older girls - teens help leaders
Have training for leaders and PA event staff
Have training a month in advance of camping trip - E. Washington - Idaho
Kentuckiana - eight despised campsites. Took pictures of each camp with facilities -
river sides, archery range, etc - tour and power point on CD, show to leaders so they
can see where there might be a lodge they might be comfortable with training - include
coupons to get $5 off registration on camp outs - incentivies to get training and camp.
Beginning of the Jean Camp - Answer
"Camp Forever‖ - for leaders and adult volunteers - can go to learn skills
Need national database of camps
Camp Blitz - people get fiercely devoted to one camp and need info on all - include info
- this is perfect for Brownies - teens like this
All councils could open camps so there would be more varied opportunities
Colonial Council - offer outdoor education twice a year - April and October - learn all at
once, at set times
Take training to people in their own area - they find the place
Two superweekends a year - all outdoor training in one weekend
Two-thirds of participants in councils with enough campsites; one-third shortage
Three in council with registration of trained adult outdoor experts who can be used
AZ - Mom and Me camping in cabins
Cadettes and Seniors offer "Daisy Day Out" outdoor skills for a day
Two kinds of training - taking girls for training weekend, or leaders alone - which is
more effective???
Camp Promoter - Goes to service unit meeting and talks to new leaders about
opportunities
Colonial - wants to see leaders first, so their atitude will be postive to girls
"Ready Set Go" – three-hour training for Day Trip to Lodge camping, Fire building 101" -
start three hour sampler courses, broken into specifics
Get girls excited, convince girls to get training
Teens can be "outdoor trainers"
Have camping training at SC level, so they get to know other leaders
Leader/daughter campouts - go with your own daughter - limited responsibility the first
time
123
Parents can take leader training
Summer camp gives list of girls who went to camp to each service unit so service unit
managers know which teens have experience
Summer camps allow troops to come then figure out how to fit in leader training while
girls are busy or can check out leader skills during summer camp
Problem of whole weekend training - do sets of outdoor training during girl events, e.g.,
cooking, fire building, safety, knots and can sign up pieces at each encampment
Day camps outdoors at camp grounds - leaders can come to day camps
Problems with having enough skilled trainers - core group of trainers to carry out plan
easily
Allow training and sending the leaders to food store after thre hours - come back, cook
and camp
124
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How To Introduce New Programming In Exciting Ways and Keep Traditions
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Gail Meyer
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Shannon Bell
Los otros participantes
Other members: Gail Meyer, Shannon Bell, Cindy Glemar, Wilma Mohr, Lillian Feinancls,
Diane Kieles, Sandy Quinn, Joanna Kershing, Frances Roline, Nancy Loma, Felicia Burud
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
New Journeys program, training is confusing
Are councils using new books? Majority - yes
Many leaders are confused, especially older leaders
Disappointing information within them - especially Daisy book
Think concepts are great
Let‘s focus on history and tradition
Creating ―own world‖ within Journeys, but girls live it, especially seniors
RTS - each girl individually, leaders not agreeing with concept
Traditional troop leader who is a teacher has ―lunchtive(?) brownies‖ used to scripted
and it works for them – easy to use
Shouldn‘t replace prior program should just be a supplement
Shouldn‘t give to new leaders - better as an ―add on‖ to existing leader‘s curriculum
Overwhelming and doesn‘t give enough guidance
Councils told to introduce to new leaders as new program
Studio 2B good program – but not for everyone
Loosing tradition with Journey program
Daisy book – easy to follow and link with petal earning
Some councils giving both
Overwhelming with Journeys
Are girls ready to take on so much? Will girls get overwhelmed?
Interferes with Bronze Awards and other activities
Established leaders trying to find a balance with new and old
Trying to embrace new and add to the old
125
Need time to learn the new and correlate information
Journey‘s = contemporary issues?
Another path to take just like the contemporary issues
Are we in transition?
Added in addition to badge books
Badge books to be revised
Journey camp? Do an entire book during a week
Sections might spur interest and take more time
How often do books come out?
Training is very inconsistent across councils
Leaders are self-training four of these new programs
Where do trainers get trained?
Need consistant training throughout the country
Need to look at current materials to see how new fits in
All Journeys the same, just different levels – Daisy, Brownie, etc.
All themed different each year
Program party each level had full information
Short and sweet party – get the training done in quick and efficient way. Leaders need
to have fun, too.
New material focuses on the girls‘ inner self
Does the new program put the girls ―on the spot‖ and make them feel self-conscious?
New wave of Girl Scouting – Building a Better Girl
There are some girls who won‘t fit in
Girl Scouts want to have fun, not just self-reflection and leadership work
Older girls still want to do the fun activities of Girl Scouts
Songs are traditional and can be used to bring girls together
Are the levels repetitive? How do we still do all of the badge work with the realignment
of levels?
Need resource materials for leaders and training design. Resource – first four meetings.
Why doesn‘t Journeys have a starter guide?
Why did sewing and other badges get removed? Already removed from public schools—
why? We need these skills – losing traditions. Need to build traditional patches into
traditions. Using parent resources for badges. Sewing a more popular badge than
GSUSA may think.
Used to be harder – swimming rivers, cleaning houses
Concern – changing traditions rather than losing them
Mixed age groups – had leadership. Now all one age – losing leadership. Older troops
adopting younger ones in some councils. Leadership requirements can be made this
way.
Girls don‘t do at home what they do at GS – washing dishes, cooking, etc.
126
Leaders trust girls to do chores and other responsibilities. Girls are amazed and take
ownership and pride.
Keeping parents away is a challenge. GS builds lessons that they no longer get at home.
Mom and Me Bake Off – at different levels. Father/Daughter Bake off. Entrusting girls
with knives.
Parent involvement. Example: building food pyramid mobile and brought out uncooked
food. Girls proud of moms being involved.
Ask parents to help lead – makes girls plan.
Building self-confidence is key to leadership. Need to have a safe place to build self-
confidence. Girls don‘t realize that badges build confidence. Girls realize that they are
well-developed with service when compared with others. School activities seem like old
hat compared to GS activities ―Even a Brownie could do that‖
Service is the core of Girl Scouting. Community involvement and community awareness
isn‘t what it used to be.
Blank card project – make cards in spare time – then give to nursing homes/hospitals
when needed.
Girls don‘t even realize they are doing service. Service is so important – needs to
return. We can‘t control change – need to find traditional values in new activities.
Who is reviewing/proofing new books
How do we get our concerns and ideas to GSUSA?
Need to share ideas and concerns
Leader to Leader section in magazine. Need to be able to share info easily.
127
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How To Open Lines of Communication Between Staff and Volunteers,
Especially With Massive Staff Turnover
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Jennifer Kaplan
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Anne Hayes
Los otros participantes
Other members: Nancy Brondine, Peggy Stambaugh, Maggie Murray, Arvis Thompson,
Patricia Spetz, Gail Glenn, Gail Heikes
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Tough to spread time among many meetings, staff is needed in more than one place at a
time
Feelings of distrust – no chance to give input on realignment
Board members hear only one side – they think it‘s all fine
Volunteers don‘t necessarily feel wanted
Important to keep key volunteers and staff but realignment all happened quickly
There was no input from volunteers
Home volunteers start emailing CEO about issues
Concern about putting term limits
Concern about lack of training
Could set up mentoring program between new and old trainers
Give ideas to staff and volunteers
New CEO‘s to be more volunteer–oriented
Concerned with staff
Boy Scouts vs Girl Scouts
Studio 2B and if GSUSA has learned from it
128
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How To Promote New Program Without Just Focusing on the Word
―Leadership‖
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Cindy Pool
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Cindy Pool, Cora Leste, Carol Eberly, Donna Willard, Shirley Valentine
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if appropriate
to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Why do girls join Girl Scouting?
Outdoor
Crafts
Socializing
Unique experiences
What is the public perception of Girl Scouting?
Cookies
Boy Scouting has consistency
The focus is more than leadership
We encompass the ―Whole Girls‖
Responsibility
Decision making
Morals/Values
What other word describers Girl Scouting?
We are so much more!
Will girls specifically join Girl Scouts to obtain leadership skills? No, there is so much
more.
Tell whole story, not just the last charpter.
129
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How To Show Older Girls the Relevancy of Girl Scouts
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Vickie Fish
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Julie Schwartz
Los otros participantes
Other members: Gabrielle Minich, Julia Crisler, Kathy Stueber, Wayne Otlowski, Joanne
Otlowski, Sandra Hubbard, Wafae Owen, Julie Schowtea, Vickie Harrison, Sue Anne Snell,
May Wyman-Gaenner, Denise Stewart, Kathie Booth
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
How do you feel Girl Scouting has impacted your life? (Question to older GS.)
It‘s always been a part of my life.
What kept you in?
Mom was leader until seniors; after mom left, it was good to not have mom, allows you
to grow and be independent.
How do you eliminate stigma?
Most of my friends are Girl Scouts. If people have a problem with it, I don‘t deal with
them.
Julia says, ―middle school is the issue.‖ Girls drop in middle school—1) stigma,
2) parents force girls to drop out due to too many activities. Girl Scouting is the first to
go when their schedules are overbooked; sometimes parents are to blame because they
chose for them to drop out because they don‘t see the value over sports, academics,
etc.
To keep girls in: change how often they meet; girls don‘t have to earn awards - they
can just go on trips, attend events.
Sometimes parents don‘t want girls to just do events; they feel they should do the work
to have the fun.
Older girl planning board—rural area older girls get together from various areas to plan
an event or trip, etc.
Needs advisor to facilitate
NJ council - has Senior planning board and Cadette planning board
DJ dance, invite a non-Girl Scout friend; this has worked for camping, beach jam. Non-
Girl Scout girls attend but still don‘t join.
**Learn to communicate like girls these days—learn to text or use FaceBook.
130
San Fernando Valley — seniors ―Best in the Country‖ — seniors plan activities, camps
and recruit girls; older girls are role models.
Senior showcase—all seniors meet in one high school, Cadettes come and see the seniors
to decide where they want to go.
Patrol Challenge—giant scavenger hunts in city.
Not many ―sports girls‖ in Girl Scouts, but lots of ―drama girls.‖
San Fernando Valley Girl Scouts—big events—GAMTAMBU.
Seniors plan them and teach the younger girls how to do day camps, etc.
Get the older girls to do the planning and don‘t micro-manage; allow them to fly with
it.
Troops are interest driven.
―Manners‖
School work a problem
Girls don‘t come because of too much work. Parents don‘t let girls come to meetings
because of homework.
When adults plan, girls find excuses not to come or to complain. When girls plan,
they‘re more invested in it.
Girl planning/planning boards — after Girl Scouts, what do very gung-ho Girl Scouts do
when their troop is no longer in their lives? They need a role, something to do to stay
involved.
Senior troops are good recruiters for younger girls.
Show more diverse pictures on Girl Scout stuff, e.g., Asians, Somalians—always showing
Hispanics.
Comments from Julia at San Fernando Valley: Too much goal orienting in GS; girls want
to go with the flow! Girls hate Studio 2B; Journeys are too goal-oriented; girls aren‘t
wanting so much introspection; they want action; they want to get in the mud, the dirt,
they want to do! They want action like the Boy Scouts! They don‘t want jewelry as a
reward.
Do you see a connection between Girl Scouts and your future? Absolutely! Working with
younger girls.
Cultural problem with parents of certain cultures—be allowed to camp and earn awards;
they need to stay at home and cook and clean.
131
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How To Use National Council All Three Years
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Susan Steinberg
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Debbie Nielson
Los otros participantes
Other members: Janet McNeal, Terri Ryan, Vicki Briesacher, Mary Sue Ryan, Marty
Woelfel, Kara Zierke, Diane Theiss, Michael Wetson, Wafae Owen, Abbie vonSchlegell,
Priscilla J. Radcliff, Maria Ort, Jan Bensen, Lille Branch
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
How do we connect with three-year delegates who only come together for a few days?
Delegates elected in January serve in October. One delegate mentioned she was a
national delegate and participated in focus groups. Use message board system
throughout earlier in the year would have avoided a lot of stress and controversy within
the last couple months.
Prior to KC convention, Internet usage was almost non-existent, and mailing groups
were formed. Current discussion groups are happening locally! Need this system to be
set up nationally. Very important for term to begin with an overlap so that delegates
are part of initiating/creating proposals discussion as they are actually voting on those
items.
National should communicate directly to delegates and members not through council,
CEO.
Access to information through GSUSA website, not just ―refer to your local council.‖
Communication must be open through all channels at all levels. We should be able to e-
mail national board members such as ―nationalboard@gsusa‖ if it exists. This group was
not aware – and this should go directly to them, not censored.
Monthly, quarterly ―status‖ report with practical info – not fluff from GSUSA governance
department. Find a way to coordinate info between councils, governance function must
be improved at the council and group does not feel info is filtering down for delegates
to act. Communication at all levels is disconnected.
Yahoo groups and web/phone conferences.
We are changing too much, too fast. Change doesn‘t have a chance to show itself.
More girl input, broader girl input.
Girls as part of local council boards as non-voting to at least get their direct input.
132
All delegates need issues info generated at girls leadership institute so they can keep in
touch with their world and concerns.
Use the virtual world to connect with girls.
Group recommendation: use electronic media regularly to allow national council
communicating with national delegates – direct, not trickle down. Message board,
polling, etc.
133
Tema
Issue / Topic:
How To Keep High School Girls in Girl Scouting
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Kim Neel
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Vicoria LeBlanc, Kim Neel
Los otros participantes
Other members: Chelseay Heck, Helen Meyer, Sabina Ingalls, Carol Rinaldi, Judy Hearst,
Kathie Booth, Gigi Rigolizio, Beth Watkins, Jody Smith, Taylor Wolfe, John Bodi, Carolyn
Hobbs, Sandy Hobbs, Ann Smith, Diana Smith, Lisa Cheeseman, Nancy Miller, Beth Hill, Tina
Boone, Claudia Baez Carey, Vicky Beyerle, Rebecca Whitney, Jane Stang, BJ Bonner
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
In San Diego, there‘s a snowball effect; it can be good or bad—if there‘s more people
talking about how Girl Scouts are good or bad.
Meeting times—once or twice a month; meetings in the car; good planning time.
Some girls are staying in troops to get Gold Awards for college
Girls are in different schools
Gold Awards are big scholarship opportunities and need to be publicized.
Peer pressure
Needs to be a standardized packet sent to all parents and families.
Gold Award classes can help them learn about it.
Girls don‘t wear their uniforms or tell people they‘re Girl Scouts.
Leaders will need to come out so they could help.
Girls don‘t always want to plan everything.
Cookie sales help advertise.
Girls from different schools help retain girls.
Younger girls see older girls as role models.
Senior showcase in CA each year—invite younger girls to see what‘s available.
Retention—helps to have more than one school in a troop.
Disbanding troops—no leadership; be able to shop around.
Reconnect—offering ways to earn service hours.
What about camping vs. non-camping—use camp sites near malls, etc.
Teen clusters—for all ages, including Juliettes; changing up?
134
Awareness of Girl Scouting after elementary-Junior age level.
Meet at odd times when girls can meet—e.g., Sundays.
Special interests—council choir.
Offer food
Realignment tool—trips and travel.
Older girls really don‘t want full responsibility; want to make suggestions; have choices.
Fundraising for trips—guidelines are different by council area.
One West VA group makes and sells their own salsas.
Money for wider opps (Destinations) from councils but not for troop trips.
One troop designed T-shirts to sell and raise money.
Pancake breakfast at Applebee‘s, Panera, Long John Silvers, Figlios, ?
WalMart matching grants; WalMart troops.
McDonald outreach
Organize and give workshops with patches.
Gingerbread house workshops
Find patchwork that interests girls.
Create network for other schools and get to know them so they can be with girls.
Kitchen cooking helps them to bond.
Meet at restaurants, post offices.
Best recruitment tool is other girls.
Track the girls; they should have an ad on MySpace and FaceBook.
Radio stations.
Celebrity endorsements.
135
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Inspiring Leaders To Come and Stay
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: None
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Susie Hosie
Los otros participantes
Other members: Mel Little, Gail Tompkins, Kathy Mackeen, Judy Ginty, Rita Daniels, BJ
Bonner, Suiy Hosie, Lillian Cephas, Julia Agresta, Tina Boone, Barbara Wingo, Vikki Shepp,
Diane Burrows, Melissa Gosling, Pat Sherwood, Dolores Bartlett, Rose Gonzalez Perez, Mary
Tull, Gina Wynn, JJ Clark, Alisa Crothers, Crystal Brooks, Barbara Burdick
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
For people without girls in GS, disconnect with parent who loves GS and wants to stay
in. Stayed in, over came it. Staff or volunteers with no kids, perception from others is
that ―how could they possibly understand what the girls want/need?‖ Bias also from
parents like it‘s weird that you‘re doing this still. Adults grow and change also by being
involved with GS. Become a trainer – one way to do it. Ongoing training is a burden,
remind leaders they can delegate, need to keep having fun. Lead by example – ―girls
will only have as much fun as you have.‖ Overall picture of the value of what we do,
communicate to parents.
Google 40 developmental assets from the Search Institute. We‘re developing leaders,
offer to help, girls see example. Girl who got her Gold Award, example to other girls,
they want what you got. Energy gets others excited about what you have to offer.
Leadership can be intimidating to new leaders. Reducing time it takes to deliver
training. Use service unit meetings to deliver some training and individual information
on website.
Six easy ways to become a GS leader - GSNATXISU.com - Melissa - Northeast Texas
service unit website. At recruitment night, gave a prize for anyone that volunteers that
night. Four adult leaders/volunteers per troop average. Tell parents directly which
training to do and why (e.g., ―you‘re a nurse, you‘re my first aider,‖ let them know
they‘re needed). Mentor leaders – new potential leader comes to troop meetings.
ELF – Experienced Leader Friend - Can review meeting with volunteer after, explain
what happened, how, why.
Outdoor weekend for adults only, big draw. Spa overnight was big, but harder now that
it‘s a larger council. Business meeting in AM, lunch, awards in afternoon.
Awards, need to get word out, forms at service unit meeting
Send forms to leaders and ask them to do letters for others recommending them for
136
awards. Paste volunteer/leader forms on cookie packages for parents. Forms to girls
make it easy to fill in (bubbles).
How to let new leader know it doesn‘t have to be a huge commitment; can get parent
volunteers.
Parents uninterested, how to get them involved. Busy people are most likely to take on
the task. Recruit friends, shadow, be a helper.
More adults in troop, different ways of leading, alternate meetings.
Non-camping leaders. Outdoor training also accomplishes disaster preparedness.
Juliette Low‘s vision was independence, and outdoors teaches this.
Getting leaders to service unit meetings – they like sharing ideas.
Council service unit meeting – dance, music
Using technology – online, website, yahoo group Website – field trip ideas, specific
events but that info is either password protected or separate via e-mail
Uniform to show pride. Service unit t-shirt
Girl pride in uniforms like Boy Scouts, way to promo GS, etc., as general pride in the
organization
137
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Is Girl Scouting Targeted to All Girls Or Just Younger Girls?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Emalee Baldwin and Maritza Gabner
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Emalee Baldwin
Los otros participantes
Other members: Kate Marx, Ginny Chasteen and Allison Gunkel
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Older girls being picked on/made fun of by friends and peers
Only reason still in because of scholarships
Keep girls in Girl Scouting with all their specialized programs
More info and opportunities for the Juliettes
Council event not a lot of choices for older girls
Advertising – local papers for stories about GA projects
GSUSA program progression branding only 109 councils – should be able to brand
More girl involvement on boards as older girls
Girl Congress should be every year for girls input without adults squashing opinions
Cadettes and Seniors have no voice in Girl Scouting, they have a voice in the school
clubs
Make girl caucuses even in service unit get delegate from each service unit council
caucus regional national
National Girl Scout polls do not really reflect what girls think
As we recruit for diversity don‘t loose voices
Girl Scout commercials need to see more older girls in branding – show the Girl Scout
strongly in the ad so it is remembered
Recruit older girls with same vigor as young girls
Information out that Girl Scouting is a safe place to be yourself
Teach older girls that they can plan fun events
We are not girly girls we want more outside activities at our council
We don‘t need new shiny things, just make it relevant
History is good to know and learn
Traditional ceremonies that we love integrated into new materials
138
Give us effort for older girls – we are a women‘s organization that has been around 100
years - lets celebrate throughout the organization
139
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Jamboree/Roundup
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: DrueAQnne Schreyer
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Carol Barnes
Los otros participantes
Other members: Janet Brown, Sandra Abramson, Jean Lyon, Debbie Howell, Betty
Trivisone, Linda Burkhardt, MaryAnne Derheko, Ramona Barr, Janey Henry, Robin Perez,
Sharon Satterly, Sharon Weiler-Roce, Donna Kent, Kathy Rudisill, Claire Finlay, Jennifer
Ferner, Kathy Deffer, Linda Halpern, Sondra Lower, DeDe Clement
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Gone to an International Jamboree
It‘s missing
Last in ‗56, ‗59, ‗62, ‗65 in Idaho
Girls get out
Have had regional events
Eexpensive
Some have gone to international jamorees
Amazing expereince for girls
Need adults to make it happen
Where is info on International Jamborees - on-line?
Selection of patrols by councils
GSUSA lacks international information - need to go to WAGGGS
What do we do? Everything? Anything?
Over-night expereinces, hiking, canoeing
Song fest night - 6,000 people; 4,800 girls in 2001; pushing for 2012
3,000 people at the event in Finland
Have a year after National Convention so could be promoted at convention
Four to five regional events rather than national perhaps one/year at different locations
Use of sponsors
Patrol demonstrations
Arena events
140
Kids seem to need a lot of things happening
Might need a hotel component and a camping component/college campus
Expo day for the state with troops having booths
Smaller and fewer destinations being offered
Minnesota Jamboree - on a college campus, air conditioned dorm to pitch a tent
Can't depend on on-line promotion, like a phamplet - could make CD's from downloaded
info to get the girls not on line
Service unit websites
Have "Destination" nights in fall and spring around council - use those who have
attended to share at council annual meeting, put power points of event on council
websites
Examples of Destinations, where the number of girls did not get filled and cancelled at
the last minute
Be able to show how much events cost – really are not expensive
Need a template for costs
What are possible locations that might work? National Guard sites
Primitive camping experiences internationally, usually
Using sponsors - used in LEADER magazine at GSRI etc.
Need to get girls started two-three years ahead for money and preparation/training
In Utah - have volunteer committee that plans a camporee every three years
Work with Boy Scouts (what a novel idea!)
141
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Keeping Girls Interested in Middle School Years
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Sue Barrett
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Sandy Minnick, Darlene Cyr, Kathy Deffer, Judy Hart, Jane Staiy, Sue
Barrett, Joanna Kershing, Sarah Rushing, Shelia Barett, Annette Watson, Gina Murphy, Patti
Howard, Catrhi Mackeda, Lee Holmes, Donna Willard, Peggy Finie, Jennifer Beach, Anna
Ho, Shannon Bell
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Sympton of who I am so they are dropping out - seventh grade is the year of pizza
parties and sleepovers. Important for girls of this age to have connection to the school.
Have staff of the school host a troop. Stay at school have meetings. Transportation is
an issue.
New students coming in is a great way to recruit girls.
New Jersey – Do not want to meet at school. Don‘t start until November after school
has started and settled.
Developmental age – peer focus.
Experiment – wear shirts to school only. One boy made fun of the girls. All other
reactions were positive.
Big goal – big trip to work towards, focus on that. Focus on Silver Award for those
interested.
Find a meaningful girl activity – service project.
Peer pressure – use in reverse. Look what we are doing and then others want to join.
Short-term goal—trip
Long-term goal—trip to world center and Silver and Gold Award.
Try-Its workshop to make money for trips. This builds leadership for older and younger
girls.
Leadership development
New divisions will make it difficult for multi-level troops
Middle-schoolers want to bring friends
Councils don‘t do recruiting for older girls
142
Leaders don‘t want to go on after fifth grade
Need to teach leaders what older girl program is
There‘s so much program for Daisys—why not for older girls?
Need to work on recruiting leaders and people to commit to working with girls—e.g.,
teachers, younger staff
Need to reach girls without family support
Don‘t make them (the girls?) choose between activities
Use multiple meeting times that accommodate girls‘ schedules
Spa day as a goal; end of school and end of age level
Offer great event—at bottom of flyer say ―PS by GS.‖ Invite girls who aren‘t Girl Scouts.
Bring a friend to a movie screening (girls are comfortable with their friends).
Midnight bowling; a night at the movies
Like ice cream—at lunch at school
Start interest groups
Flag ceremony—older Girl Scouts lit candles and said what they did in Girl Scouting and
why they stayed involved.
Have a ―come see‖ event. High school girls invite middle school girls to see what they
did; middle school girls show elementary school girls.
To encourage retention, pair older girl troops with younger girl troops.
Listen to what girls are doing in school and match to badge work.
Tie IPs to television shows—e.g., CSI (forensics); Law and Order (watch a show); IKEA
(getting organized); Design on a Dime; Funky Fashion Show.
Use IP requirements as a guideline. Make it work for your troop.
Get ―off the wall‖ ideas from girls and make them work for your area.
Clusters—Cadette cluster girls from different service areas.
Older girls (already graduated)—sign up to do one badge; present it at a meeting and
then they are done. May do one big event and then be done.
College girls to do mini-events; Campus Girl Scouts to do events; use sororities to do
day-long events.
New Jersey—community service used sorority girls to invite them to campus Girl Scouts
to do events for a day—volley ball clinic with college team.
Science
Science Day at university for middle schoolers; get science teachers to give extra credit;
science fairs.
Girl Scouts of Nation‘s Capitol—grant for college students to bring program to inner city;
grant pays the college students young leaders program; most girls continue after
program ends.
Secret Sister Program—exchange letters between age levels; then meet secret sister at
a party at end of the year; avoids getting caught up in just one age level.
143
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Leaders To Buy Into Girl Leadership
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Eulah "Cookie" Grugan
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Priscilla Radcliff, Tracey Brown, Yvonne Leung, Jan Robertson, Sharon
Cantrall, Laura Smith, Rusine Mitchell Sinclair, Virginia Bartkowski
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Leaders to buy into girl leadership
adult disability
force give program
not caring about
ego thing
not rich enough
not going to training so don't give it together
look at Journey adult books
been leader before
important to reach these leaders
ought not to say NO
Safety Wise to yes
many girls - leaders
returning leaders interviewing questions
background/reference checks
everyone checked community
records
diverse issues child custody
give
co op-old leaders - teach
combine girls planning doesn't get results
leaders
144
Journeys really good
won't let girls fail
realize girls can do it
raise girls can't do anything
so leaders keep doing
is model flawed at senior, Ambassador levels
ask girls how they want to proceed
jewelry not a recognition
ease of delivery - reality
empowering - new multi grade troop
shouldn't always be a leader
lead peers - not little ones
Gold Awards
same standards
Hold standards
Silver 1
High capacity councils---
personal contact with staff
girl directed from growth is difficult
personal meetings with girls working on Gold Award
Dine - around - girls getting together
girls talk to girls, adult attends
Communication lags from council to advisor about approval process for Gold Award
National Contest and text message regulate awards
How to make all program levels more girl-led
The girls have to be led
145
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Long-Term\Short-Term Pathways
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Kimerly Reed
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Susan Krupa McCune
Los otros participantes
Other members: Jennifer Ferner, Margaret Smith, Judy Heard, Sharon Cantrall, Vicki
Porter,
Florence Stephens, Patty Bock
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
College-age girls want to sign up for community service clubs
Why don‘t GS have clubs at the college level?
Doesn‘t have to be a volunteer development for leaders but for fun to keep a
connection for GS Alumni.
Do college-age girls have time for Girl Scouting?
It could be a college project to start a Girl Scout group at their school.
Camp is a pathway
How can we train short-term volunteers to adopt current training activities?
How can we encourage girls to take advantage of others non-troop pathways?
What kind of consistent national training?
Overseas primarily leadership is from young adults versus parents.
Focus on young leadership
Training is program model specific, you take just what you need to deliver the program
If people have less time, is this a more time effective option?
Juliettes – dedicated staff member who organizes regular meetings for Juliettes.
Another pathway coming – virtual pathway.
Juliettes have own group, planning, and newsletter and staff member supervision.
Service unit position is hard to fill
Cookies - some councils have individual accounts for Juliettes.
Dues for Juliette ―troop‖ like a girl planning board. They vote on what they want to do
and then the adults plan it. This allowed Juliettes to participate and have smaller
troops.
146
Short-term - girls had to commit to fundraising 50% of the cost of the event.
Difficulty in retaining volunteers, the culture of volunteerism has changed - they don‘t
see the value of volunteering.
Do we turn away volunteers?
Do troops become clique-like?
Do we make judgment calls about leadership?
Have a form asking about what interest they have, what type of opportunities they
would be interested in participating.
Troop size - should people be forced to take more girls?
Ask for what their max number is; then ask them to take just one more girl
How can girls feel comfortable in their troop with new members who were ―forced‖ to
take another girl?
147
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Making a Better Working Board of Directors
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: June Kubasiak
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Nancy Birkhimer
Los otros participantes
Other members: Donna Dolce, Kellyn Lawrence, Joyce Bathke, Connie Argotsinger, Nancy
Faulks, Phyllis Willerscheidt, Judy Hart, Francina Hollaway, Allison Lane, Laurie Hoenig,
Tiffany Wilson, Barb Hunter Mahan, Elaine Welch, Rosa Bland, Sally Berry, Willette H.
Johnson, Marleen Thompson, Suveirg Deuprey, Ruth Metzger, Cynthia Weller, Susan Luehrs,
Lilie Donahue, Peggy Kugel
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Chair of Nominating Committee—working/better boards
What are the expectations—going to the meetings, girl recognition fundraisers, girls
need to see them
Committee structure—finance wizard will chair finance committee (example) but also
want diversity, long distances-video conferencing using university and high school—hard
to engage in other activities, merging?
Six from each legacy councils and six new size of legacy councils
Refine what you want the board to do—state legislature?
Model: 1) governing 2) fundraising 3)local constituency
Less often--?loss connection
Longer meeting, how often change how we do business, consent agendas, board
members
Active mentor program - experienced board member matched with new chair checks in
Troop atmosphere - start with pledge and promise, not dues
Maybe we should—stickers to indicate donor
Minimum to serve - $500-$1000 personal gift
Do you know when nominated?
Difficulty during merger - part of recruiting process - minimum caused total to go down
Revert to language—give within personal limit
Top three nominate does the same – bronze—silver—gold levels
Board is expected to give at silver—important for when asking for $—it a strong board
148
one where everyone gives—what else?
Policy in realignment—strong board—team building—communication—check in/out
absent board member
Voice in the community—staff are not everywhere
Strong board is kept engaged—30 second update via email, every two weeks—by board
president
Board members informed and encouraged to go to events
Board members assigned to districts within council—get board members to sign up to go
to events—service unit meetings—board members involved
Service unit meetings – board members go and those without GS background learned
Gold Awards—they are asked to be there
All board members involved in service unit—board members need to be visible but not
get involved in ―issues‖
Separate governance and operations and don‘t go there
Travel—traffic is an issue where there isn‘t distances
Thirty-six people on board—no girl members—two to six many non-voting
Nations Capital - voting-competition is huge
Girl board members are given specific tasks. Ask question that adults want to but don‘t
What is the expectation (policy, budget)?
Does going to these events further that?
Orientation important, but ongoing connection important
How can you make good decision without going to the properties, know the program
Booklet from Board Source – (expensive)
Board trips to camps—board members who are only willing to do meetings—those may
never be engaged, but may have the great elevator speech?
Bylaws say five times per year but voted to meet every month
Strategized as board chair
It depends on how you phrased the question
Size of board - merging councils need geographic representation
Use the Board Chair Corner on the OCN
Rebel council with operational volunteer on board—makes the board council?
Engaging delegates
Engage national delegates
149
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Member and Leader Retention
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Conveners: Jody Smith, Sheila Srivastiva
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Fran Hollaway
Los otros participantes
Other members: Jody Smith; Natasha Harris; Wendy Pitts; Sheila Srivastiva; Chris Fauller;
Kristin Connors; Nancy Walters; Carmen Smith; Lona Adams; Julie Schwartz; Kathy Chaues;
Susanne Wells
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Troop leaders should send a note or call girls who do not attend meetings
Work around the girls‘ schedules to make sure that they can attend troop events
How do you get girls to speak up about what they want from a troop? Give suggestions
and see what they agree with – have circles for girls to communicate.
What kept you in Girl Scouting? Summer resident camp; same troop since elementary
school; focus group involved in an outdoors troop; adventure troop
Partner with older sister troop; girls have someone to look up to and stay involved as
they get older
Cadette troop fair – each troop has a focus and girls can choose what they want to do
Have a ―bring a friend‖ meeting to get other girls involved. Get to know a sister troop -
sometimes girls don‘t want new girls in their troop. Have to figure out how many girls
are too many?
Sometimes get an elitist attitude when you don‘t let new girls in.
Need to embrace new troops but respect our desire to maintain their intimate group.
Older girls can go through the council to see what opportunities are available
Totally awesome Tuesdays
Activities necessary to challenge and honor older Girl Scouts can bring non-registered
girls
Beat the Heat – once a week during the summer – council sponsored and girls join as a
result
Ask a college sorority to adopt an age group troop
Have girls plan their own events. Make sure they follow Safety Wise rules. Use event
planner from service unit to help girls plan. Recognize event planners with t-shirts.
150
Have focus groups for indoor girls vs. outdoor girls
Do a bowl-a-rama giving awards to everyone
Scuba instructor comes to hotel to teach snorkeling in pool and he brought gear
For girls who are not adventuresome, what about a group ―Camp Hollywood‖ a different
kind of focus for girls to enjoy going to dinner, the mall, the movies. Expose the girls to
different pathways.
Every troop doesn‘t suit every girl. Recognize the different needs and expose the girls
to different options.
Educate the girls about the wider opportunities pertaining to council and national
sponsored events and long-term benefits; i.e, college acceptance and scholarships
Attend Gold Award training
What about leader retention?
Girl Scout registration during school registrations
Send out questionnaire at registration and follow up to see if you can recruit
151
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Merger - How To Make It Seamless
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Elizabeth Huxford
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Anne I. Hayes, Gale T. Bess, Jean Turner, Kris Pope, Charlene Klein, Risa
G Brandon, Suzan Copeland, Kathy May, Carol Hansen, Rachel Broussard, Connie Jeika,
Kathie Boothe, Marcia Bailer
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, obsIt ervaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos
si apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
It has to be from the bottom up, starting at the service unit level
Seen boards - To have mentoring (can‘t find anything on National Website)
Concerned Volunteer - No staff in place to help
Dropped half to two-thirds after merger
Councils aren‘t prepared to take on new levels merging documents, and staff before
actual merge for a more seamless.
Kept legacy CEOs as VPs after one was selected by group of legacy CEOs.
CEOs from big cities make more $ than smaller CEO
CEO position advertised nationally??
Realignment committee two to three years in advance
Have CEO learn about legacy councils before taking over
Hiring non-GS CEOs is a concern for members because they may not understand GS
Too much ramp up time for non-GS new CEO because they have no shadowing or
mentoring
Bring in new CEOs while legacy CEOs are still in place to train and mentor them
Challenge in communication and level of communication between areas
Realignment committee making decisions
Decisions made by realignment committee being overturned by new CEO/staff
What do you do with a council that chooses NOT to merge? How do you involve them?
Don‘t go back on decisions that were made, only move forward
Realignment vs. integrations
Building the framework, not putting the handles on the cabinets
152
Councils are in different when done with the merger?
What was missed in the merger?
Find your resources
National operational volunteers - use them more to help with integration of merged
organizations.
NOV to help with mediation, HR, governance and finance
How long is integration – it takes years. There are unreasonable expectations for how
long the integration process is taking
Have dual systems during integration
No way can we get a thing in place within one to six months
How can we make merger seamless – take a step back and start over.
What are the Best Practices?
CRC had a charge when the charge was done their work was done.
The CEO is accountable to the Board.
Always improving systems.
Culture is what you need to tackle; you don‘t get a voice if you don‘t participate.
How far do you take down the participation – include girls, parents, volunteers, etc.
Use the website regarding realignment – great way to educate people about what is
happening with realignment.
David and Goliath merger – issues were different – geography larger
CRC only did the governance, Executive and Board working operations.
GS of North Tex NETX – things to keep in mind to have a successful merger – See
www.gsnetx.org for the document.
Overall NETX realignment was successful. Created many subgroups. Engaged many
people in the change; brought people in and got input to get buy-in.
Communicate consistent internal and external info across all merging councils
Develop new best practices
Always keep girls at center of any decision
What if processes where nationalized/standardized?
153
Tema
Issue / Topic:
More Involvement of Board Members
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Emma Price
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Susan Siekmann
Los otros participantes
Other members: Sue McLure, Heidi Hansen McCrory, Ann Wodnick, Gale Bess, Jackie
Bennett, Katrina Williams, Maria Ort, Lynne Mabry, Baraz Samiian, Rosa Blund, Elaine
Walch
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Important:
- consent agenda is good
- board advisory committee and member to attend
- board develop committee is essential and responsible for education of board
members
- realignment brings motivation to renew
What can we do to strengthen board?
- needs to be partnership - put in by-laws information needs to be shared
- team-building, intervention needed for problems
- governance guide and formal committee
- operational feedback sessions
- girls engaged in dialogue
- townhalls
- regional strategies
- discuss problems openly - strong partnership
**Board chairs need an annual meeting to discuss issues of board
- minimum number of board members
- nominating committee is so important
- let people know what will be expected of them
- technology is great after you build your group - comraderie
154
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Multi-Year Registration
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Nora Sirrianni
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Bonnie Ball
Los otros participantes
Other members: Bob Palmer, Dolly Smith, Susan Devrous
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Join Brownies, pay for three years at a reduced price, or option of one-year at a time
Different types of registration for families too
Learning commitment to an organization
Do year-long activities, just keep rolling into summer, into fall, lose school-year - only
long mentality
Less paperwork for leaders at registration time
Possibly more fund for family campaign available
Email activities going on
Girl joins in the middle of the year, prorate fee – a rolling date
Allow lifetime memberships at a younger age
Membership numbers will stably up
Keep families involved, dads too become part of the movement for their daughters
They want to be involved look at the number of GS daddy/daughter tea, meals etc.
Good for girls to see dads involved
Look at family memberships now!!
Change dates available - computers can‘t do that so get a system that will allow it.
Cookie funds, etc. - then can be spent as girl is still in troop
Would save on membership costs (personal paper)
Reward Gold Award recipients with lifetime memberships
Service projects in summer
Older girls will have more time in summer
Troop leaders still do summer activities, but we‘d keep more girls
Permission slips blanket for year, another for high risk activities
155
Some states allow this, some don‘t why??
156
Tema
Issue / Topic:
National Medical Forms and National Financial Forms
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Kasa Zierke
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Susan Steinberg
Los otros participantes
Other members:
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Standardize forms from National down to troop level.
It will save money to have consistent medical forms across the country. Only one set of
medical/doctor input to set requirements. All can use single since they‘ll all know
where info is on form. Will save duplication of efforts across all councils. Also, since
doctors are now charging for form completion, it will save girls and families money.
Medical info will be better because the forms can be updated more frequently since the
cost to review is only one form.
Look to BSA forms. Different levels of medical forms for different activities, but still
one set across the country.
Can incorporate and expose Best Practices across the country to all people. For
example, while one state requires Meningitis shots, others don‘t. Perhaps if the
Meningitis shot is best practice, others could be made aware that this is a good thing,
even if not legally required.
Financial forms, for troop/service unit/council reporting, need to track expense and
activity; why should forms be difficult? Example, some councils have required less
accountability than others. First decide on what level of accountability is required,
then establish forms to support it.
Provides trail to understand funding. Where is income money come from? Is it
donations, product sales, etc.? Then, how is the money being spent? More
accountability is needed.
157
Tema
Issue / Topic:
New Program – Will It Be Successful?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Laura Smith
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Joanne Otlowski
Los otros participantes
Other members: Mary K. Kittkamp, Kathy Ech, Kathy Randall, Joannne Otlowski, Wayne
Otlowski, Angela Fay, Jean Lyon
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
We are alienating Older Girls
Jr. Program is yep years, but requirements have not change
GS are trying to be all things to everyone without really doing Girl Scouting.
Why are girls registering as individuals?
What stops girls and parents from registering as individuals and then meeting as a troop?
New program materials are not explained, unclear to leader
On-line training for leaders is not meeting needs or is not effective
Training for leaders and for program so training can be done over the summer for troops
to be active in the fall
New program was poorly disseminated
Are we losing sight of what Girl Scouting is all about?
Concerned that foundation of GS will be lost.
Journeys – does not seem to be enough for entire year
Are we lowering the bar?
Foundations need to be layer
Incorporate Journeys with current program
Concerned about the time frame for leaders to take training
On-line training - feel it is not effective although in some areas it is a necessity
One-third of training is networking with those also taking training
How else can training be delivered?
Outline of what training is needed?
Need mentors for new leaders
Parents need to be educated on importance of Girl Scouting
158
Is cost of joining too low - compared to Boy Scouting - therefore not worthy of time?
Work with corporations to improve Girl Scout image
159
Tema
Issue / Topic:
New Programming/Gold Awards
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Jennifer Noiva
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Jennifer Noiva
Los otros participantes
Other members: Margaret Gaines, Diane Campo. Ruth Daniels, Wilma Pence, Kerry L.
Morris, Sandy Minnick, Darlene Cyr, Margaret Spicer
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Programs are not optional. Must do Studio 2B to complete Silver and Gold Awards. Must
be option to do Studio 2B or IPs to get award.
How do you decide what project is worthy of being Silver or Gold Award?
Difficult to find sustainability for project.
IMPORTANT – need mandatory feedback if project is not approved
Need to figure out, with age change, where does Silver and Gold fit in
Journeys seems like a marketing scheme--
So expensive
Need training on new books
Are they replacing?
HOW ARE THESE THINGS TESTED?
Need to focus on great programming. Everyone worries about numbers. Programming
leads to higher numbers.
Are we putting too much energy into Juliettes and not troops?
Quick changes are confusing. New programs change so fast – not sure – no knowledge
Old books good. Color-coded. Table of contents.
People don‘t come back for new training on new materials.
Boy Scouts have consistent known rules to know you‘ve gotten award. BS keeps track of
Eagle Scout winners; national keeps track of award pieces.
Age levels – so short a time to do awards
Need a clear message of changes – Especially for Trainers!!!!!
Girl Scout material sounds school-like. More hands-on doing. Journeys does not seem
girl-led.
Studio 2B seems non-equivalent to earning IPs.
160
IPs are often left to interpretation.
Cadettes deeper and harder to get--
Look at updating IPs
Pink awards look wussy – new IPs
Need more variety in Interest Projects
No continuity/progression in Interest Patches through levels
Recognition of girls who have concentrated in a particular area. Progression for an
area. Example: beginning camping skills, intermediate skills, advanced, recognition.
Life Skills IPs needed
Consider maturity level of girl. Girls starting in high school may need to do Junior level
skills
Girls need choices
161
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Older Girl Scout vs. Boy Scout Adventuring Crew
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener:
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Pat Walker
Los otros participantes
Other members: Audrey Howard, Mary Jo Cree, Pat Walker, Joy Hart Hunter, Heather
Vilhauer, Deane Shulen, Alexis DeLuca, Ursula Pombier, Tracie Johnston, Chelseay Heck,
Pam Orman, Char Corbet, Nancy Noiva, Jennifer O'Rourke, Christine Lorton, Donna Cullman
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Girl Scouting not meeting girls‘ needs
Older girls changing
Girls too busy
Council not offering programs
Different girls have different needs and interests
One troop of high school age girls (grades 9-12) mentor each other - perpetual troops
Be flexible
Older Girl Scouts be leaders
Girl-led
Lots of options
Leaders - same old-same old
Make it exciting
Offer high adventures
Boy Scout/Girl Scout campouts
Can be both Girl Scout and Boy Scout
Councils scared - liability
Money issues
Do we consider Girl Scouts being Boy Scouts bad?
Boy Scout safety vs. Girl Scout safety
Mix girls with same interests
Sally likes sailing and knitting
One troop does sailing - Sally goes to
162
One troop does knitting - both meetings
Adult leaders - inflexible; running the meetings
Studio 2B - girls don't like
Flexible at girl level
Campus Girl Scout - GSUSA needs to support and give guidelines
Have girls be Girl Scouts until 21 years old
Boy Scouting offers continuity; Girl Scouting cuts the girls off at 18
163
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Patches Shared Across the Councils
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Donna Crawford
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Donna Crawford
Los otros participantes
Other members: Pat Roderick, Karen Rowe, Millie Carry, Judy A. Johnson, Cathy Macheda
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
All the patches blanket permission to be used at all other councils.
One location for all out of council patches/council owns.
Should not have to ask for councils permission to use/earn out of council patches etc.
Cost of patches out of council should be the same when in or out of council.
164
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Possible Renaming of Bronze, Silver, Gold Award Recipient To Be
"Good Scout"
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Ramona Barr
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Linda Burkhardt
Los otros participantes
Other members: Ramona Barr, Cathy Staples, Linda Burkhardt, Tony Roman, Paulite
Heislip, Susan Rutherford, Yuonne Leung, Melissa Gosling
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
How to shorten "Gold Award Recipient" term and make as recognizable as Eagle Scout
Why need to compare to Eagle Scout to explain?
What should we call award recipients?
Why change requirements?
Eagle Scouts throw term out EVERYwhere - true brotherhood
If parents realize importance and edge the Gold Award has ... might help with retention
How about a bumper sticker MY DAUGHTER IS A GOLD AWARD
Family commitment pushing for completion of awards
Parents support for help with in troop for Gold Award projects
MARKET GOLD AWARD !!!!!!!!!!!!
Gold Award Alliance service unit level:
- tap into resource of award recipients;
- if nothing else, speak to younger girls to promote awareness of awards
"Gold Girl Scout" - more cohesive language
Ceremonies for awards - large council event vs. troop level - BS Eagle Court of Honor
Girls of Distinction - some confusion of who they are - only Girl Scouts apply?
Girl-led but...changing name changing uniform requirements, etc. (2B, etc) does not
help name recognition and branding
"Women change names like they change shoes"
Get word out about the huge effort of awards
Value to community - Traditions of Girl Scouting
Value of service
165
General public has a vague idea that an Eagle Scout is a valuable and hard working level
for a young man to obtain. Even if they have no idea of what is involved to obtain.
Conversley lack of total anything when mentioning Gold Award
Recognition to parents that Gold Award equals: an edge for college, a sign of future
leaders
Brand Girl Scouting to Gold Award instead of Branding Girl Scouting to cookies
Get parents involved
Bring Gold Award girls to younger troops to inspire
Once a month fundraising events at service unit level: girl led by wider op girls;
money/profit go to wider op girls; inspire younger girls; very cool for younger girls;
builds pride in girl scouting; good for leaders. "NO" work because run by older girls
Once you earn gold...you want to talk about your project, why it is important
Keep inviting Gold Award girls to events to speak of project, why it is important
Keep inviting Gold Award girls to events to speak of project; sooner or later they will be
able to attend and speak of project; keep sending postcard; open invitation
Bronze and Silver Awards are just as important - stress that also.
166
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Public Perception of Girl Scouts: GS = Cookies; BS = Eagle Scout
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Jali Rizn
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Merci Rowe
Los otros participantes
Other members: Donna dePiola, leonor linares, Amy Schisler, Ashley Mumford, Lynne
Spoa, Jali Rizn, Natasha Southerland, Joshua Ackles, Patty Bock, Mary Howard, Laurel
Richie, Beth Cumoy, Judy Gallagher, Suzanna Brown, Kathy Mackeen
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Public perception has to change – how?
Communications – let press know what is minimal with Gold Award for them to attend
and publish in weekly papers.
Work on girls to submit press forms
Revise outcomes for Girl Scouts as they are important for parents who want to be
involved for their daughter.
Consistency within the community so they know that Girl Scouting is here and who to
contact; leads for financial donations, participation, retention.
How can we sell Girl Scouting if public can‘t identify what is Girl Scouting?
Be stronger in public
Mentality of women is different from men. Don‘t have good power (lack of self esteem,
extends to willingness to be a troop leaders…can‘t, have no skills). Need to
communicate consistent message.
New mission statement in assisting with this change
Working in being a leader, defining it as a whole is helping teens using ―Building
Leaders‖ match Girl Scout message of building character equal to ―become a man‖
Success story – sudden services – know expectations and try on how to conduct an
interview/flag ceremony for consistent message, full Girl Scout uniform, public
perception of Girl Scouting
New uniform will lead to more public awareness and meets female needs for what to
wear for conformity
Embrace differences between Girl Scouting and Boy Scouting
Give media training, not all can talk about our leaders. Girl Scouting is about leadership
and how we want different opinions/activities and this is how you develop it in a
167
female.
Local level leaders have to understand the importance so can communicate to parents
to change so they will select Girl Scouting as an option for their elementary school age
children.
Preschool students are already committed to….
Why is the Gold Award always the notation to the Eagle Award on resumes for girls in
high school. One way to be in the public eye is to invite public officials.
Eagle Award ceremony is huge like a wedding reception but the Gold Award recipient
glorification is nonexistent.
Gold Award ceremony was done thinking day
Some councils with communication directors have to literally have verbal conversations
with editors or reporters to equate Eagle with Gold projects covered.
Some older Girl Scouts are willing to do Girl Scout Gold Award projects but others shy
away from publicity.
The publicity leads to fund development and recruitment across all age levels
Colleges are slow to acknowledge Gold Award and do Eagle
There are thousands of ways to build character – fundraising.
Fundamental – visibility with changes of uniform. Girls don‘t want to wear uniforms
How do we sell Girl Scouting without uniforms?
Mentality of our gender is to be shy about being a Girl Scout
Guys will brag about great camping trips – gals are timid to talk about camping trips
168
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Recognition of Different Needs for Retention
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Shavaeila Srivast
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members:
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Specifically, I think it would be helpful to have a way to help girls know that if they are
part of a troop or program that they are not enjoying or feeling inspired by, that they
have the option of re-locating to another troop or pathway that might better suit them.
What about the possibility of a generic form to be transmitted to girls and parents via e-
mail or snail mail that asks about reasons for leaving and informing them of other
options.
169
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Recruiting Adults Who Are Not Necessarily Mothers of Girls
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Pat Heaney
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Carleen Hannan
Los otros participantes
Other members: Carleen Hannan; Claire Fnlay; Dee Goforth; Debbie Howell; Jean Turner;
Leslie Pinkston; Monica Husen; Beverly Covington; Manisha Nahar; Kathy Beernink; Emily
Bartow; Pat Sherwood; Patti Howard; Pam Clark; Margaret Haines; Karen Grale; Rebecca
Ponder; Lindsey Adams; Nancy Bird; Kathy Deffer; Jamie Cor; Kathy Tamer
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Not all volunteers/leaders are mothers
Public perception and attitude of volunteers equals being a mother
Do not have to be a mother to join
E. MO - trying to attrach leaders who are not mothers
Meet people at social events, networking, colleges, mix and mingle
Offering short-term opportunities for non-mothers
Challenges in training, parents take turns in planning meetings
Make opportunities convenient for adults
Virtual troop - online chat session - have moderator - can participate in council-wide
events - ages 13 and over
Corporate environment - recruiting needs to be pro-active to ask if they want to help
National service requirement in European Countries - why see large numbers of young
adults not all moms
Adults begging councils for opportunities
Graduating girls, Gold Award recipients as resources
No communication from national, council for graduating girls, Gold Award, lifetime
members
Alumni camp for girls 18+ - not necessarily Girl Scouts
Graduate, go to college, go away - syndrome
Opportunities for adults to interact with other adults, share ideas and fun
Strengthen councils to be open to adult volunteers who are new and non-moms
170
Actively recruit men - possibility needs to be utilize
Stress not just moms - dads too at parent meetings
Girls want co-ed experience
Media recruitment for non-moms. TV spots, monthly coverage in newspapers, TV - have
list of resource volunteers
Ask volunteers to bring a friend event
Have group of young ladies to help troops
Utilize 18-29 year-old young girls
Senior centers - use to help troops
171
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Recruitment Materials
(What is being used, works and how can we standardize distribution?)
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Misty Gilmore
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Misty Gilmore
Los otros participantes
Other members: Donna Clontz, Pat Sheward, Rose Gonzala Perez, Jennifer May, Suzanne
Pardo, Judy Gallagher
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Fliers less effective
Panther Press with tear off card has Simmons sisters on the flier
Movie theater AM showings for current Girl Scouts to bring a friend – send flier to troop
leader who will distribute to girls; 25% brought a girl. Presale ticket $5. End of
October, first of November, recruited volunteers in schools without girl members
Schools not putting out fliers – even for recruitment they post on marquis
Video announcements – girls made a pre-recorded skit
Stood by front door with signs that told about rally
Age level tables at event
Communication volunteers run event
Take parents to see what girls are doing
Recruitment during troop meetings at schools
Email fliers to teachers
Pocket cards to hand to girls as they leave; pocket card has rally info
Posters successful in junior and high schools
Donate water bottles, add labels with rally or contact info
Ask grocery to donate water bottles
If not allowed at school, stand across the street
Could also use healthy snacks
Bookmarks in libraries with contact info on it
Booths at festivals
Fashion show in stores, allowed them to put signs and fliers in stores, recruited more
172
girls than adults
Use companies by recruiting them to a community board which is actually the service
unit team
173
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Reduce Paperwork - Volunteers/Streamlining - Simplifying Paperwork
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Genny Chasteen
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Lindsey Adams, Utah
Los otros participantes
Other members: Rebecca Browning, Andrea MIller, Natasha Southerland, Anne Marie
Wills, Mary Manning, Wanda Maltese, Suzanne Pardo, Kris Pope, Vikki Shepp, Chris Peddle,
Carmen Smith, Charlene Klein, Leigh Ann Davis, Norma Barquet
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
All forms are PDF format - no access to write it. Have to print off, :-(
Software application that will change electronic forms to writeable format
Need multiple versions for people to be able to have access
Check out www.gscsnj.org
New leader paper shuffle--too many papers for new leaders, need checklist of what
position
Forms okay, but keep it the same and organized without change
SES - councils are not using it; don't know what to do; it's not ready yet
Change items often frustrating--keep it the same for a length of time
Standardard paperwork from GSUSA check list, check regular form, check health history-
-only guideline from GSUSA
Helps new and existing leaders
Too much stuff/overwhelming - too much to sit and organize
Orientation too in-depth?
Leadership development specialists staff members
So many new staff are not clear on what they should be doing
Service manager email group
Paperwork = liability insurance = purpose
One signed paper from adults for all activities
No consistency between councils on simple troop trips
Technology - GSUSA technology
Bank accounts - all online - no paperwork
174
All about the volunteers
Online registration program/training
New Jersey uses e-council for tracking – service units have access to their service unit
Even paperwork for national convention was hard
New volunteer interest indicator passes through 8-10 hands
Silo databases - between functional area
Dues summary - people keep doing because the other paperwork is lost
Universal process, the process is outdated and paperwork
Touch point - do we lose people?
Membership checks put into troop accounts - council electronically transfer to their
account
Each council is different - you move, have to fill out new forms
Redundancies - time waster, example: at open space
Note taker form asks for "other members"
There also is a sign-in sheet for each group
We need to think about environment--use resources wisely, practice what we preach
We need to get a conversation between people who make and people who fill out
paperwork
We know personify is coming - but not sure how it will help/work--we hope it does
1970s technology buzz used in 21st Century
Families - parents weith multiple kids have tons of paperwork for each - streamline,
etc.
Look at other businesses/industries to see how we can adapt their model, i.e., banking,
membership specialist of other non-profits
Make it user-friendly, geared to individual who is managing it
Create "user accounts" that contain essential info that must be included, then add to
"accounts" as other info is needed - focus additions based on needs of individual
"account holders"
Have to get volunteers on board in form creation process; they can help work out kinks,
before the flawed form rolls out
It's about paper, too. We need to conserve resources/use them wisely; the reason to
cut back in paperworrk to be able to cut back on paper usage.
-Rebecca has made up own form for permission slips
Can use two-thirds permissions to use per car; use something like pay pal
We noticed everybody is doing something different; why can't we make standard
paperwork - but use best ideas that work best from every area.
To create new system we had to piece together a 21st Century information/
paperwork/form model using best practices that are working in isolated areas.
175
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Reinventing Girl Scouting
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Cindy Garren
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Kathy Mackeen
Los otros participantes
Other members: Grace Hubbard, Lisa Cheeseman, Cat Rinaldi, Lynn Apolinaro, Ruth Cote,
Elizabeth Connwright, Jennifer Stokes, Lori Laird, Donna DePiola, Susan Siekmann, Leonor
Linares, Arisa Gereda, Susan Kantor, Ann Carrasquillo, Kuh Ting Ting, Donna Rivera-
Downey, Leslie Pinkston
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Have been marketing to adults/not girls
Feel like geek as older Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Congress meets monthly/retention through more adventurous stuff/girls want to
join Venture Scouts/pain to get to do adventurous stuff
Can‘t go before students and talk about Girl Scouts
Push girls to go to GSUSA website
Too many rules – Safety Wise
Can do stuff – too many rules
Never wear uniform to school. Can‘t wear all uniform stuff. Fitted t-shirts. Same
message on t-shirts – different style.
Used to be visible in communications and marketing
Girl Scout Dannica Patrick – NASCAR
Get away from cookie image
Tags – a portion of this goes to Girl Scouts
What cool things to be associated with
Active in community – helping/clean local park
Image – stewardship report – partner with Disney, film, I-mags, too! National level –
famous women, then ordinary girls
Good values/leadership
Why you were a Girl Scout as a girl? – Camping, knife life without appliances, how to
talk to people
Like meeting every week/talk about school, boys, life. Do other things/volunteer and
176
work with other girls, confidence.
Girl Scouting can start off as friends right away
Sisterhood/safe community
Girltopia – like it
All opportunities – Destinations/scholarships/travel places like here –
convention/delegate
Fulfilling a childhood dream coming to convention
Archives – processing ladies binder – going to convention
Girls now want same things as long ago
Values and meeting other girls is the same
The things you do/events and opportunities
Other groups have trips/conflict of opportunities
Girl Scouts - we get to do what we want!
Start as Daisies, let them decide what to do – more decision making for girls earlier
National TV campaign – what cookie creates – what we do with that money
Girl Scouting is cool
Boy Scout Eagle – known for skills
Need work on image – girl opportunities
Bring out successful people that have been Girl Scouts - Hillary Clinton – needs Girl
Scout info! Wear the pin!
Change image and provide unique opportunities for older girls – image will help retain
older girls
All three girls told people without Girl Scout background that they wouldn‘t be what
they are! Girls stayed – no one was having fun
Girls make mistakes but use values to get on track
National image so can admit they are Girl Scouts
Halloween dance with Boy Scouts
*Second chance – Girl Scouts/come back can be independent
Those of us who came back after college want to make a difference
Our troop took in everybody/special needs friends that sit with her at lunch
Second chance – encourage girls to come to one meeting – want to go rock climbing –
kept asking – they have to do it (not leader)
Get leaders to understand the girls have to do it, not the leaders. Barrier can be
leader.
NE Texas girls wanted to build something – fifth year and above pair with
architect/engineer or designer and they build with cookies. 800 empty boxes.
December get boxes; one month to build. Booth sales girl experienced two different IPs
Mall can attract more traffic if we sell cookies
Canoeing regatta – compete
Council – nontraditional
177
Tell about ourselves without being embarrassed. More positive image nationally – what
they do with cookie money, not just cookies.
CNN, Today Show – wrong perception
178
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Serving Girls with Special Needs
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Pat Heaney
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Jo Ann McCann
Los otros participantes
Other members: Mary Ann Wolfe, Gigi Regolizio, Nancy Miller, Chelsea Burden, Stephanie
Heilig, Janet Kington, Jo Ann McCann, Anne Marie Wells, Diane Jeffers, Melissa Chislom
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Had girl with special needs (learning disability) - local task group (TG) to study services
to girls with special needs
Task Force - G+A - special needs troop - challenging 22 K-1 low functioning autistic -
school day - aides remain with class - camping - badge work - overnight
Parents
Some disability - "cannot see" - great rewards working with special needs - whatever
they can do is good, life skills - events - incorporate manners patch into event
Inclusion - in regular troops - aides with girl when necessary
Older girls - felt - able to help those with needs - doing things at "her own level"
Girl - Down Syndrome - willingness - in leaders
Educating leaders during training
Must encourage openness; include parent in planning process
Problem - troops with special needs, autistic, blind, LD's - utilize - resources
Develop resources for assistance
Fear of failing the girls?
Resources - do we provide leaders with resources
Build awareness - involve college students studying special needs
Make resources availabile
Patch program - all inclusion - teaches girls about special needs. How to help those
with special needs. Helps leaders at same time.
Involve schools and staff
Must make school system understand the Girl Scout program and how to invigorate in
school program
179
Girls treated same in group - not differentiated
Include girls of special needs early on so they go together
Parents of special needs ______ of Girl Scout program and how their children can
participate
Make special needs girls understand they have a place
Should include all aspects of handicaps
Parents in denial
Key: each girl different
Primary - be atuned to what kids can do - leader should ____ limits of girls
Up to 22 Gold Awards
Leaders, volunteers - should share concerns with parent, and parent with leader
Girl needs assessment form
Program Aide Training (Council provides) for children with special needs
If girl is so disabled they have their own aides
In regular troop age appropriate
Should have ability to adjust or adapt program for girl based on age/ability
User group - gather people and _______ best practices
Great insight
Share things that work
Develop resource of parents/leaders for ideas of things that work with special needs
girls
Funding - Board of Directors should allocate, Corporate - grant writer, Campground
accessible - should be ADA approved
Service ______ - barrier-free sections
Arizona - state park and city
Cultural thing - parents don't want to admit
Where do their girls fit in?
Should make a place for these girls
180
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Serving Low Income Girls
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Kathy Little
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Barbara Van Essen
Los otros participantes
Other members: Stephanie Helig, Mary Hazzard, Irene Gramza, Annette Moore, Joann
Sabades, Diane Theiss, Susan Krupa McCune, Lisa Harder-Reyls, Lona Adams, Vicki Porter,
Maggie Murray
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
These girls are the ones who need us the most. Other girls will make it okay. Girl
Scouting makes a real difference in these girls‘ lives.
Funding sources often want to fund programs for low-income girls. Another council has
little funding for low-income troops.
Community partner program sponsors 10 week program. Their cookie sale provides
funding. Sponsor partners with school to provide volunteers.
Utah – 1,500 girls. Transition to troops by recruiting parents. Title 1 urban schools.
Council loans materials to volunteer-led outreach troop.
Key to troop being able to transition may be starting out with a volunteer provided by
school community partner.
Leaders who are parents whose daughter is graduating are good to tap for outreach.
Volunteer recruitment websites to find volunteers.
San Diego provides funds for council events as well as for membership fees.
Orange County, California: Gets support of school secretary or community liaison. 20%
of outreach troops turn over to volunteer-led. In Spanish language churches recruiting
volunteer teams. 400 girls in program through churches. Creating Girl Scout sense of
community. Provide training in Spanish. Outreach leaders come together for small
blocks of training.
Police department running for five years. Women officers. Requires trust building.
Meet at community recreation center.
In-school day program in Duluth. Done at lunch and recess. 80% - 90% of girls in Girl
Scouting. Principal is a Girl Scout volunteer. Cookie sale supports troops. Parent
volunteers coming forward. Outcome: huge decrease in girl bullying. Staff provides
leaders. School helps with materials. Had to get teachers on board because of
disruption of routine. When they saw success, they came on board. Girls went before
181
United Way and received funding. Activity credits from cookie sale for events, shop.
Banks supporting financial literacy program.
182
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Sharing the Value of Girl Scouting
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Mica Minor
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Judy Gallager
Los otros participantes
Other members: Ann Carrasquillo, Judy Gallagher, Jim Say, Mica Minor, Donna Rivera-
Downey, Suzanna Brown, Kerry Morris, George Vanfealis, Lillian Cephas, Susan Krupa
McCule
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Keeping girls in helping parents see the value!
In our economic times, we‘re the best value for Girls!
We'll teach your daughter how to be self-sufficient
Push to give awards same value as the other local awards like presidential community
service award
Women need to toot their horn more
Need to push stories of interest
Have "graduated" girls come back to talk to girls/parents/community about their stories
Have leaders/girls be out more in the communitry speaking opportunities
Ask for Gold Award Scholarships in your local colleges
Celebrity in own community
Creating two-minute parking lot special on Girl Scouting
GSUSA campaign - identify yourself as a Girl Scout!
Put Girl Scout on your resume
More destimonials in Family Campaign
Train group of volunteers to speak out for Family campaign
How do we communicate the value of Girl Scouting to the girl so they decide to
continue?
The value of Girl Scouting needs to be more consistent - Can the Journeys do that?
Encourage schools to recognize the highest awards: Gold, Silver, Bronze at their
ceremonies
Community size effect the girls involvement. Large size more opportunity! Smaller
183
communitites Girl Scouting is the only thing that they have.
Title 9 is giving girls more options
Offer girls different programs at different times so girls can be part of Girl Scouting
Is there a way for GS program to gain academic credit. That would add value.
Two months of cookie - 10 month of the local important stuff
Partnership with the local media source
New Technology is the way to communicate on their level - but their is the fear of how
to communicate
We need GSUSA to find a place for girls to chat - facebook or the other places they go
on the internet
Association or service limit pages on the website - that has press/media info including
swiss cheese release and local community contacts.
184
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Tap Into Lifetime Membership
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Sandy More
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Sandy Hoffer
Los otros participantes
Other members: Sandra J. Moore, Sue Hansen, Sandy Hoffu, Virginia Claire Bart Kowicz,
Judy Ginty, Vicky Beyerle, Cindy Gilman, Kim Heel, June Kubariwk, Carolyn Pickel, Lillian
Cephas
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Lifetime Membership at graduation, but received nothing. Move to DE and wanted to
lead a troop, never received info. Lifetime members want to lead, want to do
community service. Service unit registers do not know about lifetime members.
Lifetime members don‘t fill out forms so usually they ―get lost.‖ Untagged resources.
GSUSA should give Gold Award recipient a lifetime membership. What is list of Gold
Award recipients to dig into. Always a part of GS if lifetime member. Should be part of
service team.
Strategies - Let all service units know who Lifetime Members are.
Huge potential resources (financial)
Council needs to get a list of who Lifetime Members are
Why not contacting them
GSUSA will advise lifetime members – must share with councils
Leads, Steams, 100 year anniversary, programs, council resources, counselors,
internship, share a story
*Service Unit will pay to train them in specific areas (archery, camp, etc.)
Ten Lifetime Members in group of #14
Lifetime Members should be able to sponsor girls for their Lifetime Membership - they
can not donate $ other parents girls.
Girl Scout of Distinction Award
Companies could donate $
*Webpage for Lifetime Members – survey- what unit and state, who are you, where are
you, what do you need, how can Girl Scouting help you?
*Acknowledge Lifetime Members each year. ―Thank you, we need you, can you do, can
you share, teach?‖
185
Cultivate meeting one member
Lifetime Members get lost
Some councils can access Lifetime Members most – can‘t councils have website?
CRS membership system personified members
*Council gets credit if Lifetime Members sell cookies
Service unit/troop
*Now no adults can sell cookies
Let them know variety of jobs - leader, one shot deal, service team, and council
trainers
Leader magazine, communities
Info to Lifetime Members from GSUSA last known address and info
*1-800 number for all Lifetime Members
*PSA life members - how to become one
*Need young women to be mentors, whether Gold Awardee or not, share with current
girls
*List of people who have certifications
*Black Hawk Council, Wisconsin - tremendous resource of how to track Lifetime
Members
*What is the time frame for Lifetime Members - how far back to be tracked
GSUSA/council ―welcome back‖ contact info. Where to help, where to find support,
where to buy cookies
Lifetime - need to give help, money, expertise
NEWSLETTER
75 years at May 1987
―The Promise Circle‖ in DC weekend world of understanding of many
Commission on status of women and children-state
Can‘t say ―what do you want to do‖ but present them with a list of things that need to
be done. Volunteer match.com
186
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Colleen Wright
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Martha Spruitenburg, Pauline Heislp, Dolly Smith, Joan Scott, Ann Baker,
Dee Goforth, Lilian Caphas, Brenda Britton, Karin Carlson, Rusine Mitchell Sinclair, Crystal
Brooks, Leigh Lynch, Susan Laidlaw
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Great opportunity now with new trainings and facilitators to choose "new" face. On-line
training is pro for some and con for others. Need to be careful to not make training
impersonal. Change is wonderful and old values are great and needs to be brought to
the table. We need to be open to working together. How do we present and get buy-
in? Explaining change is hard and not easy to do. Ask leaders what the needs are,
where difficulties are. Troops and leaders need to adapt. Give troops some of the old
and some of the new ideas that they can take back to girls. Use yahoo groups to post
ideas. Have older girls videotape "how to" videos that troop leaders can watch.
"Program Advisor" shows up unannounced and monitors troop meetings. We need to give
leaders and girls age-appropriate responsibilities at meetings. Girls need to run the
show. We need to understand that not all girls want to be in the "lime light." Give the
girls examples of how they reach the goal. Let the girl do behind the scenes.
Have patrols with postions. Let the girls decide a position that they could be, I.e.,
photographer, historian, etc. Even girls that were shy did it. This lets the girls use
what they are already good at and have troop responsibilities. Rotates every two
months.
Give leaders training on patrols
Service units should have patrol training
Parents and volunteers get overwhelmed if there is too much training
Girl Scouting needs to be girl-led
Challenge the girls
Challenge the "old ways" leaders, the same way you challenge the girls.
Can there be a mandatory term for leaders to serve each level?
What worked five years ago doesn't work now.
187
Girls today have totally different needs and goals and interests.
Elder circle
Sometimes older girls do not have a computer. Difficult to do online training for them.
Some leaders and paid staff are stuck in doing things a certain way and refuse to
change.
I want leaders to "buy in" to new ways to do things. I want to keep these leaders
involved - they respected me when I was a girl, but now we need for them to change.
We know change is hard. Tell us what you need so you can do the new program.
Balance - outdoors, songs, arts and crafts
Girls need to grow - incorporate useful, helpful, items (learning) in neighborhoods and
service area meetings.
Use the new technology - yahoo groups for service units. Post service unit minutes on
the yahoo group.
Some things need face-to-face. Difficult to visualize how to pass the light if not there.
Video ceremony - older girls videotape ceremony and post on Utube.
The 15 leadership outcomes
Some of the older leaders and some of the new leaders need to put the 15 outcomes in
action.
Progression - Progression in action. Citrus Council has new volunteer program advisor,
visits troop meetings. Sees 15 outcomes in actions.
Some girls don't want to "lead" in the front of the group. Find ways that older girls can
lead, but NOT always be in the front.
We need to broaden our definition of "leadership"
We say cooperative and talk about cooperative leadership, but still they see the leader
as the "one in front"
Use more patrols. Get girls to discuss what they are good at. Girls named positions and
then troop chose girls for that job. Newspaper person goes out to troops.
It's difficult to find a patrol leader training.
Boy Scouts have it. Difficult to find good patrol leader training.
Mentoring - new leaders see patrol system in action.
If we want the girls to go on, they have to be trained for that everyday.
Progression - complete tasks that give you confidence.
Experienced leaders - need to try new things.
Do we need a mandatory retirement for certain levels? Some councils have eight years
or less as a service unit manager and then you are put out.
Elder Circle - mentor and help, experienced women
188
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Technology
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Sandy Hubbard
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Cathy Pierce
Los otros participantes
Other members: Cathy Pierce, Lauren Tomlinson, Judy Gallagher, Laura Thielges, Ginny
Cashbaugh, Carol Lee Spayges, Kathy Beernink, Mary Hazzard, Leslie Pinkston, Lisa Bland,
Donna River-Downy, Kathy Little, Patty Bock, Sue McCivre, Mary Tull, Gina Wynn, Sally
Leep, Janet deVries, Tracy Gillin, Lindsey Adams, Barb Hunter Mahera
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Volunteers need to be included in communication
Girls have moved to instant messages
A girl participates via speakers, videos with rest of girls, therefore missing meeting isn‘t
a real loss
Email to cell phone
Some don‘t want texting
Generational diversity – mature, don‘t use technology, generationy. texts & twitters
Girl to girl - similar to facebook - hosted on a website, council monitors activities &
people
Partner people who like technology with people who don‘t
Phone blast - recorded message calls a list ―Calling Post‖
Survey Monkey (FREE) allows impact without peer pressure
Blog - used at meeting time
Yug ma - free version of meeting place
During call-in conferences, phone participants aren‘t as engaged. Publish etiquette for
meeting. Video Conferencing
Email etiquette should be defined
Mass email
Computers are tools
Password protected web sites
Share web sites
189
Partial training
Cell phone and labtops used over blackberry
Broadband cards cheap/airtime expensive
190
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Traditional Troops In Decline. What New Ideas Are Working or Not?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: John Bodl
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Beth Watkins, Barbara VanEsse
Los otros participantes
Other members: Gabrielle Minnich, Rebecca (Becky) Whitney, Sam Johnson, Beth
Watkins, Julie Carlson, Barbara VanEssen, Diane Tartaglia, Douglas Perth, Pauline Haisys,
Suzy Hoise, LIsa Ealley
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Number declining even with alternative delivery programs. In alternative programs,
girls miss the rich history of Juliette Low because they are short-term Girl Scouts.
Retention of girls is due to the dedication of volunteers. Special interest troops with
flexibility. Leadership consistency – doesn‘t always work. Recruitment events by older
girls for younger girls. Open easy access to older girl troops.
Where does the input for program changes come from?
Girls plan - girl run - adult role is to guide. Traditional troop need to change and adapt
to the girls and their interests. Work the traditions into the plan. Tradition is the heart
of the organization. It is not about "my troop" it‘s about a girl.
How much money was spent on developing Studio 2B and Journeys? Where do we go
from here? How do we stop the decline?
Why do new programs get rolled out so poorly? Stuff (products) drive the programs.
To make troops stronger - girl lead.
DO WE NEED TO ABANDON OUR VALUES TO BE POPULAR?
Traditional troops give girls relationships for a lifetime - long-term relationships. They
can get something from short-term - valuable experience.
Council sharing camps with other councils.
See the need to create the program. Let the girls plan and take the lead.
Pathways
Membership in traditional and overall girls has been declining since mid-90s.
Flexible older girl troop. Girls may only come for events. Attendance is flexible.
GIrls have more opportunities now than in the past.
Volunteers benefit from interacting with girls. Challenge is adult involvment. Let the
191
girls lead us. Troop in existence since 1994 with three leaders over the years.
Traditional troops with flexibiliry is ideal. Troop of 31 girls with non-mom leaders.
Have seen troops fail because of moms moving up with girls.
Areas with more older girls than younger girls. Schools do not let them recruit or meet
there.
New Brownie leaders are short-term commitment people from new generation.
Recruitment for all youth organizations together.
Older troop does event for girls old enough to bridge, making them feel special.
One older girl troop for each service unit. Need open and easy access. Come as
interest draws them.
Resistance from long term leaders. Compromise individual small troops with monthly
activities together.
Planning boards can meet by phone or virtually.
Troop needs to be up to date and responsive to girls but traditional model works.
We'll become just another social group without traditions.
Competition between senior troops; outdoor camping; backpacking; orienteering; first
aid; traditions; and history.
If Studio 2B failed, how do we know Journeys won't fail too? How are studies done
before programs change?
Do we want to invite society to join us or mold to society?
Traditional long-term Girl Scouting gives girls the most benefit but some benefit also
comes from short-term Pathways.
Girls should have the opportunity to take advantage of another council's facilities and
programs. Often they just don't know who to ask.
Interest Group - council choir. Run like a troop. Some in troops. Some from folded
troops. Retention with troops. Volunteers from Sweet Adelines.
Drill team. Puppet team. Canoe group. Backpacking group.
Choir ran sing-a-long. Leadership skills developed in its members.
192
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Transition Girls with Special Needs to Adults
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Gail Meyer
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Susan Quinn, Terry Cohee, Cheryl Zaydel
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
How do we market Girl Scouts to the parents of children with disabilities? How much
effort do we put into developing program? How do we conquer the fear of those girls
with disabilities and help train leaders to welcome them?
Alumni group of ―women‖ with disabilities
Can they help with program in resource areas?
42 year-old man just received Eagle Award in Baltimore. Can our girls continue to earn
Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award even when aged out?
As councils, do we put effort into a ―market‖ of possibly 1% of our population
Appears that most of these girls are reached by word of mouth but getting leaders to
open up troops is hard
Do girls want to earn badges, just do crafts, or just ―belong‖
NEED TO EVALUTE THIS NEED
193
Tema
Issue / Topic:
United Way Community Impact and Leadership Experience Outcomes
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Jennifer Stokes
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Jill/Jennifer
Los otros participantes
Other members: Jill Troutman; Jennifer Stokes; Janet Brown; Martha Barilla; Jane
Straight
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
We need to decide to adopt or not. We can be "Blackballed." Sometime is not
resubmitted. Organization focus on certain issues, they are caring less and less.
Companies no longer mandate a gift to United Way so the $ is declining. Some
companies can do anything - open enrollment. Community impact grants have to follow
severe guidelines. Huge time investments for presentations for a $100/C
Combining of United Ways? Some - but it is a common application. We don't have
measurable outcomes that are quantitative to the UW Community impact outcomes.
We can use the programs that we are already doing - do we have outcomes for these.
$3 SU of United Way across all Girl Scout councils. We need to convene a group
nationally to align us as an organization with UW to talk, think talk, not just a referral.
We've seen 20% decline. We have the stuff that matters and they know how to talk
about it.
Now we don't use badges - girl-driven means that we can't tell them what to do. How
do you prove that we have a measurable community impact - even in a week.
"Resiliency" Research - we need to use this - new tools - we don't need to learn about
logic models and outcomes - but we need to take Girl Scouting and put it in the program
- results based accountability. "Trying hard isn't good enough" Book
MACY CONVENE THINK TANK ON THIS! Good United Ways GSRI, Council Development.
Why do we have to schedule fundraising around United Way?
AZ - $30,000 to $5,000 - no need to give because we are such a well-run organization.
Boy Scouts got $40,000. In-equality between GSA:BSA
Leadership outcomes are WEAK
Where are the high school graduate rates?
Secondary Ed?
Not using drugs?
194
Community crimes?
Data we need
1991 - Achievements were much Better - UPDATE
Blackouts are extremly restrictive - NEGOTIATE
Community Impact focus model has really hurt us
Challenging our programs to just get $ not the right thing to do. Stop chasing $
Homelessness isn't a fit. Success by SIX
Do we give up funding : compete?
United Way $35 million (2005) was what GSUSA has declined. Where is the program
impact, client impact, community impact
Leadership Experience Think Tank to come up with Outcomes - Benchmarks - *Results
Based Accountability*
United Way
Council Staff
GSUSA
MACY
When Girl Scouts show up we are often a proxy for Boy Scouts - they get so much money
Women's Leadership Circles in United Way Women in Philanthropy - anywere between
$500 - $10,000 - United Ways aren't all alike
Barbara Boniface - other outcomes - GSRI - send copies to donor United Way - Become a
leader for Girl Scouts Premier change
Mentoring - stress this, we aren't great at social networking
Do we have access to grades like Boys and Girls Club
Outcomes for Leaders - NYDIC (?) conglomerates website of Youth Development -
competencies for Adult Volunteers
Outcome: leaders deliver the GS program in such a way
Measurement is on membership numbers
The financial engine of Girl Scouts is the membership uniform - the real evaluation for
membership staff is numbers - looking at outcomes for this
Tie in measurement outcomes in the cookie sales to volunteer hours
What about service hours? Track them through other software options
We aren't seen as the alturistic value of Girl Scout leaders
195
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Using Girls Who Have Graduated
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Carol Pulaski
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Anna Pettefish
Los otros participantes
Other members: Kaitlin Burkhardt; Mariann Novanna; Elizabeth Williamson; Mytsha
Jordan; Alison Gunke; Connie Jeska; Katrina Jameson; Joy Hart Hunter; Tanya Maurer;
Sarah Stroik
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Campus Girl Scouts not utilized; no car to get to activities; not a mother; leave
community to go to school; call council and ask, ―What can I do?‖
Have no connection; competition; lack of time; councils have to keep in touch with
college students; transportation and communication issues; want to volunteer but
―new‖ council in new community doesn‘t recruit or get back to college girls; post signs
(How can we serve you?) in residence halls.
Care packages—markers, highlighters with council info; list of volunteer opportunities;
list of graduates with postcards to ―new‖ council or e-mail address to welcome new girls
in college; stay connected to girls and parents; maintain contact with alumni who will
think ―Girl Scouting still cares about me.‖
School breaks—welcome home dinner
Councils reach out to schools that require community service; have to be registered,
bring girls to college campus, mandated to give back to community in Pakastani troops
in ?; input is valued; first year leaders look down on ―young‖ girls who want to help—
―What do you know? You‘re 22!‖
Ask them to help; if Campus Girl Scout doesn‘t want to be leader, they think there‘s no
place for them; need college venture crew like in Boy Scouts; graduating seniors want to
be involved but don‘t know how—has to be defined.
Give quality resume terms and value budgeting, teaching, supervising; young adult
volunteers is an okay distinction; how can grads advertise girls to volunteer—advertise
benefits of Lifetime Membership; communicate among councils to notify each other of
new girls in community.
―On the Move‖ packet or database to track grads who want to help; Google group for
neighborhood and info—they‘re deciding what to do with their lives; help them build
skills, find jobs; summer internships; outreach with interns; build girls now and they will
continue to contribute later.
196
Helps retention when girls see young women involved
Designated council staff: mail newsletter, email, connect with college age and young
adult women.
Girl Scout networking—at colleges interested in Gold Award; ―sell‖ leadership—the
experiences they got in Girl Scouting; still value in girls who chose not to earn the Gold
Award; girls get a lot out of Girl Scouts but also want to give back; brand building to add
value.
Girl Scouting needs to make effort to build connections; resource fairs; someone to have
dinner with even if girls don‘t volunteer; assign college or career girls to troop so they
can send letters; make connections; resource for older girl troops—i.e., speakers,
alumni groups tend to be older—need to seek out young adults; alumni sounds like
finished with volunteering but will still be asked for money
How can young adults be members without becoming Lifetime Members? So much going
on before October 1 you forget about lifetime discount—maybe a five-year membership?
College girls can‘t afford membership—help pay for it?
Some service unit help; alumni set up scholarship fund; will remember where donations
came from when asked later for donations; specific requests, volunteer database with
experience and interests; national database, cooking class to make meals to freeze for
later; find freshman on campus—they‘ll bring friends you can recruit; gather friends for
dinner, get togethers with former council when home on breaks. etc.
Sororities, fraternities concern that this conversation will go no further than here,
volunteer in middle schools, councils need to make these connections and move
connections across councils.
Young adults fear volunteering if they want to work at that council some day.
Recruiting others who aren‘t Girl Scouts is great potential, new troop leaders would
know traditions if they were retained as young adults; retain the passion; send
newsletter; helps them feel cared for—care package before finals.
197
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Using Community, Local Governments to Support Girl Scouts
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Cheryl Zaydel
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Tina Boone
Los otros participantes
Other members: Jan Benson, Deannale Wells, Lynne Sport, Susan Atherton, Joyce Knoll,
Carolyn Pickel, Mary Howard, Laura Dulle, Claudia Baez-Carcy, Alice Blair Hockenberg,
Sheila Barnett, Beth Hill, Dolly Smith, Lona Adams, Jane Carter, Pat Sherwood, Jody Smith,
Melissa Gosling
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Involve community groups
Invite to events
We only ask for money not participation
Girl Scouts seek out service projects to make ourselves visible
What can we do for you instead of visce versa
Try to get community leaders involved in councils
Partnership between Girl Scouts and community
Chambers of commerce, business associations, improve associations - actively engage in
their world
Rural areas - it seems community groups think Girl Scouts just want money and ask for
girls to do community service; how can we get them to help with the girls on a NEW
LEVEL?
Do community groups understand our program? It is up to us to educate
Always invite community groups to OUR meeting and ceremonies
Invite personally - not just in writing
Can we get council or National to help?
Not sure that would be effective
People don't know our program agenda
Recruit PR person in the community as a service unit team member
As we look for volunteers, look for a PR person for outreach to the community
Community Engagement
198
Constant contact to keep name out there
Girls could intern or job shadow in the community
Frito-Lay has a mentorship with Girl Scouts; they have plants all over
Campus connections
Need volunteers to help girls get out in the community
Get girls through those volunteers, to go speak to town groups; Women's groups,
Hispanic groups, PTA
Make relationships
Outstanding women in the community awards - we can honor those whose values mirrors
our program
Contact community groups to let them know we are there to be more active in
leadership roles
Get on the community websites
Community programs meeting inviting community leaders to service unit meetings
Get advertising approved through the council
Get out brand information
199
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Using Journeys and Try Its/Badges, etc., Together
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Carleen Hannan
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Carleen Hannan
Los otros participantes
Other members: Pamela Sapp, Joyce Hetrick, Felicia Burud, Joy Grunden, Susan Kantor,
Chris Peddle, Ramona Barr, Steffani Donahoe, Lee Holmes
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Program parties made it fun for leaders
Went through changes
How they are set up?
Leadership Essentials needs better framework
Added section for Try Its, badges, etc., to connect old and new
Journeys come off as ―glorified patch‖
Too homework-y (Journeys)
Workshop for programs
Meeting out-service, etc., meeting in-school
Not all girls want to be leaders
Want to hang out with friends
Too much pushed on volunteers
Journeys too touchy-feely
Leaders confused between the two program models
Can work on both together
Make program fun, especially for older girls
Training needs to make program sound fun
Be able to stop a badge if girl is not interested
Need to keep current with what girls are interested in
Older girls – Cadette, Ambassador - touchy/feely - feelings too much
Leaders read books ahead and already decide they don‘t like it, therefore girls won‘t
like it
Too much change going at once
200
Like to see ―what they get for it‖
Girls so bright and vivid for older girls – too hard to focus
Cluttered and over-stimulating
Keep both badges, etc. AND use Journeys as resources, not core program
Not visually easy for girls with dyslexia, etc.
Material in older-girl Journeys repetitive
Older girls don‘t think - those girls won‘t use books – want to have fun
Girls don‘t want to be a leader all the time or may not want to be one
IPAS can choose what you like to do
Fear of badges disappearing
Hesitant to do all of ―old‖ and new program
Girls‘ feedback of Studio 2B better in groups, no requirements
201
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Using Malcolm Baldridge
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Carol Mullin
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Sheila Snoddy, Carole Puleski, Susan Steck, Katie Sullivan, Sondra Lowen,
Patty Bock, Sally Leep
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Modeling at council level/may be tough for USA to accomplish/www.nist.gov
What are strategic advantages, challenges need? Who is the customer? Are You
meeting their needs? Compare to other industries?
Google Malcolm Baldridge
Leadership/Strategic Planning/Customer Focus/Measurement Analysis - Knowledge
Management/Workforce (look at volunteers)/Process Management/Key successes
Customers/Adult Volunteers/Girls?/Primary customer/secondary customers—these are
treated differently
What happens next? Discussion about GSUSA following this model.
What operational models are every council doing - What is GSUSA using?
Discussion about GSUSA models, are there any?
This is an award
Ideas - consistent across the country and ability to track and trend processes to anayze
results
Discussion about board makeup, need people that have knowledge of Girl Scouting
202
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Using Outside Counselors to Assist with Activities
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Nancy MacCracken
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Vicki Porter, Gail Haines, Diana Smith, Jane Cornelius, Vickie Kemp
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Want: - Database of Resource Volunteers in specified area of expertise to be called on
to assist leaders
Standardized requirements (training) for leader-led activities like camping, fires,
canoeing, etc.
Journey books great
Need counselor registration
Mandatory service hours for banks and corporations and college students
Other groups that have people who do service
On-Line registration should be available nationwide
Need to destroy the line between BSA and GSUSA
Need to have nationwide standards for training for specific training
Need council–wide and events
Nationwide database
Need counselor cards
Ask national to set standards
Should be no cost to register as an outside counselor
Need standards/gratifications/criteria for creating counselor levels
If Boy Scout trained/reciprocity between the two
Teachers/Outward Bound
Have option of being leader along
203
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Utilizing Girl Board Members and Older Girl Focus Groups
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Melanie Jay
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Rachel Dever
Los otros participantes
Other members: Melanie Jay, Rachel Dever, Carol Cross, Maggie Murray, Marie Graziosi,
Lisa Ealley, Kate Crowley, Eula C. Greegan, Maureen Quinn, Yvonne Leung, Tamara
Woodbury, Martha Webb, Jean Schumacher, Nancy Faulks
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Girl board members are underutilized - how do you utilize them?
Nation's Capital has two girl board members
Convene forums led by board members open to delegates, alternates, and visitors to
gather input, ask for future topics
Having girl board members convene girl forum
Mixed board of volunteers and CEOs
Trainings for girl board members - mentor system, get board members to recognize girls'
importance
Treating girl board members as adults
Equal representation
What is a good term length?
Adding girls from all service centers – e.g., PA had eight non-voting
One-year term - girls can commit to it. Down sides to one-year term?
Key role: be voice for girls, so one-year term is okay
Number of girls on board? One, definitely
Camaraderie engages girls to board meeting issues
If small board, can't support too many - maybe two is best
Advisory committee to board can help
Girl representation at every level - not just board (e.g., area meetings, national
meeting)
Give girls some topics as the adults not _____ on "girl" topics
Send back slates, if not appropriate girl representation on national meeting delegates
204
Should there be GSUSA guidance on % of delegation that are girls?
Cutting back size of national council may impinge on girl participation
Mandate on girl participation not very welcome
GSUSA responsibility - training of board development committees
Because boards are smaller, "expertise" vs. girl involvement
Some individual girls on boards are outspoken, some not
Girls on board committees - need one girl - "critical mass" - "in the loop" - via email isn't
enough
Voting vs. nonvoting members - determined by state laws (personal responsibility if
under 18 > parent/guardian)
Girls need to be invited to participate in meetings if "high capacity" board doesn't have
Girl Scout experience, important to write into bylaws girl representation nomininational
election process?
Self nominate
"Fish bowl" girls sit in circle in middle
Adults sit in circle around to obseerve {empty chair}, one adult can sit in it to ask
participate at a time therefore adults don't overwhelm discussion.
Use this technique for certain issues
Voting vs. no voting
Elected or appointed? Some of each. Some "identified‖ by staff first.
Age? 14 years and older in some, just seniors in some - one term
Girl advisory committee to board in addition to girl board members
Board executive decides what goes to that committee in one newly merged council -
board didn't have a volunteer to take this responsiblity
Continue better use of time/girl expertise
One council started as an extension of survey of girls by girls
Mostly high school girls
Meet once every two months and make it fun
First issue - program, properties
First group was sort of hand picked
"Younger" board members = facilitators
Another council - address their own issues that they raise
Girls get it! They want to share and participate
Have to facilitate over geography?
Make meetings worthwhile and long enough funding?
Meet mostly at properties, some fee (small) for food for a weekend, council providing
some programing small budget
Girls wrote grants to fund committees
Fits with new program design "take action" and advocacy continue - good stepping stone
to getting advocacy started - how do adults advocate to get girls on boards, on
205
committees etc.
Conference calls?
Get girls to figure out what technology they can use and make it efficient
Two hours drive to a two-hour meeting?
Board "business types" maybe able to meet on weekdays but not on weekends
Transition to doing everything during one meeting
Maximize face-to-face time but keep everyone active in between
206
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Veteran Volunteers
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Linda Sola
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Kath Tamer
Los otros participantes
Other members: Julia Agresta, Gail Tompkins, J.J. Clark, Linda Sola, Kathy Tamer, Flo
Gormley, Chris Dougher, Sherry Keggel, Christy Blandford, Vicki Erhart, Bonnie Kerry,
Vickie Harrison, Lillian Fernandez, Inez Jones, Mica Minor
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Volunteer development and change
Don‘t tell me you‘re going to move me from something I love! How about pairing them
with buddy or something with a fresher idea. Worked in NJ
People don‘t realize they‘re ―stuck‖ – volunteers spoke with volunteers, confrontational
at first.
Don‘t want you to leave – learn from new ones and share your knowledge as well.
Sometimes exclusivity exists because of long time-friendships. Instead of separation of
old and new – create exclusive ―culture.‖ Getting experienced leaders involved.
Proactive - create momentum and opportunities before they quit.
Mentoring from beginning. How do you bring people back, trainer, service unit
managers, finance, moving people beyond current position – don‘t reach out to people
beyond _______________ folks. Infusing new ideas and experience.
Need to think beyond current veteran/volunteer pool
We know that elders can be problematic, complainers; redirecting misbehaving
volunteers. Not necessarily move ‗em. What‘s my purpose? Step back. Rules enforcer
or supports leaders – provide tools
I‘m here to help, service units, trainers
Need to talk to administrative volunteers different than troop volunteers
Leave baggage out side the room
Service units – positive approach – choice to stay in position – ―re-choose rather than
reappoint‖
Leadership Essentials course – experienced leaders brought lots of baggage from Studio
2B; offer each
Assessments
207
Kentuckiana – formal
Bobby Kelly – Cherry Hill – self-evaluation on service unit level, troubles, help, service
unit assessments. What are we doing good, bad, improvement?
SWOT analysis; training to keep veteran volunteers from getting in a rut; expanding
thoughts, how to stay fresh and flexible
Enrichment workshops; patch; 10 – 4; $10 – info and network; all adults and girls over 14
Workshops targeted to service teams, workshops targeted for service unit teams, things
change so much
Continued support to volunteer development for experienced volunteers
Roundtables
Keep cheese moving; move people around; get input from people around table;
workshops at higher levels to continue development of skills
Smaller service units don‘t want other meetings, have other responsibilities
Bring ideas – what to do with them? They don‘t want to spend the time, but they want
them dealt with.
Team approach – inexperienced people afraid, lacking confidence.
Age-level workshop - plan event and experienced folks help carry it out.
Could you make five phone calls; five things to pick up. Or giving people jobs or task to
enlarge group.
Not a surprise on agenda; round table to plan age-level event. Examples of experienced
person enabling new people to learn and be successful.
Build list of veteran volunteers‘ skills: train, mentor, educator, change, coach.
Make veteran volunteer part of what cool things you do that would be interesting to
other troops?
―Council campers‖ – offered services to troops to prepare troops and go camping with
them.
Event trainers negative and clique – what else can they do?
Outdoor Discovery Day – beyond troop training – troop leaders qualify to attend event –
all over big piece of property – where you bring girls. Veteran, problematic volunteers
are all over site. New leaders teach girls while trainer watching. Over 350 people with
wait list. Whole year; wait list follows even with re-schedule. Camp counselors,
trainers, etc. Veterans get girl time! Price of getting in is outdoor training. Linda Sola
– San Diego Imperial Council for info. Huge, wide game covering basic to advanced
skills. Multi-level exposure. ―Leave no trace‖ games; designed to take veterans but
turned into good for all. Put veterans with girls! Remind them why you‘re there.
Brings to consistent level of knowledge and practice. Brown bag and own water – on
their own! It‘s a beautiful thing. Make it happen. Do with leadership skills? All
population staff, volunteers, men-women. Street fair; mother of all friendship circles;
fire department took picture; spiral in.
208
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Volunteer-Led vs. Staff-Led Troops
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Regina Toda
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Donna Willard
Los otros participantes
Other members: Holly Nishida, Margaret Tweaor, Diane Tartaglia, Diane Jeffes, Mag Bell,
Nancy Bild, Andrea Milley, Jody Smith, Rose Gonzalez Perez, Debra Christ
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Volunteer- vs. staff-led program impact on girls
Outreach at one school 400 girls throughout the year – how to get them in ―real‖ troops
Staff to assist volunteer for one year into leader role
Transition to service unit
Transition of underprivileged to service unit – maybe transportation
Convert volunteerism from staff to volunteer family member
Need to change us vs. them ―your girls‖ - ―not the regular Girl Scout‖
Can staff volunteer in same council?
Low income areas need staff run
First Saturdays – five sites – funded through grants – last Saturday in spring go to camp
for a day experience – give brochure about resident camps
Outreach Girls – day at camp - one day program
When want to be parent/volunteer led, they didn‘t have funds to run program couldn‘t
match what staff had done
Teen led outreach groups = PA‘s
College student partnership
Junior League partnership
Outreach manager and specialist recruit volunteers to do programs
Train their staff at public housing
LDS leadership development service
Always plan for group to move to troop
Low income volunteers need to feel acceptable
Outreach girls sell cookies for money towards camp – transportation – program
209
Leaders sometimes don‘t want ―other‖ girls and don‘t want to be told what to do
Troop girls won‘t accept ―outreach‖ girl and sometimes don‘t accept ―regular‖ girls
Train leaders to accept girls not just to run troops
Because of logistics or paperwork need to be trained as advisors
Promise and Law for adults also – discuss at service unit meetings
210
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Debi Frankovich
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Joan Sprague
Los otros participantes
Other members: Patty Bock, Wendy Pitts, Joans Sprague, Anna Ho, Cathy Buse, Norma
Barquet, Kathy Toderaro, Jana Powell, Florma Slyte, Sheila Weisfell, Dianne LaPurdy,
Pamela Sapp
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Frustration with loopholes/red tape/training to be leader
Online training is advantageous after background check of course
Training must be fun – hands on
FUN, it‘s got to be time for ME
If you take a Saturday make it work – getting started training vs getting started
Must be leaders because they want to be not because of their daughter is in troop
How to get parents in the door
Is it true you are not on your own?
Group agrees that the troop can be when/where/as often as they and the leader want
Emphasis on family of Girl Scouts
Try recruiting volunteers, not leaders. Maybe they will step up to lead a troop when
they see it‘s fun and easy.
Get parents to do specific job
Do we have success with nontraditional leaders like grandparents, business people,
former Girl Scout staff?
Retention of adults – an adult day with special program; Mary Kay, dinner party
Girl Scouts must be visable
Girl Scouts must be prepared to give a job to a woman off the streets who is ready to
help in a nontraditional way
Girl Scouts must be able/ready to use old times with new opportunities
When a lady at church says I was a Girl Scout and seems ready to help now - what is the
best avenue? There are no systems in most councils to assure that the lady is hooked up
somehow.
211
Good girl experiences often lead to girls giving back and becoming involved later.
We need to learn to ask – sometimes we think we asked but it wasn‘t perceived that
way. Also ask must be specific to a person and there must be a job to do when you ask.
How do we pull in new adults – somebody has to go out and recruit. The recruit has to
connect/hit home with the parents at a recruitment event not someone saying the
partyline info.
Don‘t tell me you are coming to training and then not show up because my time as a
trainer is as valuable as yours.
New leaders really are nervous. Even changing a level can be scary. Use consultants.
Need to resurrect the speakers bureau and go to women‘s group meetings to talk and
recruit – female legislators, business women, judges, lawyer organizations
Put GSUSA money towards national PSAs to recruit women not towards cookies.
Opportunities to use reciprocal organizations.
Girl Scout flyers in the welcome centers
Green Angel assigned to each new leader as mentor
Recruit retain, recognize – the basics!
212
Tema
Issue / Topic:
We Can Facilitate a Fund Development Conference
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener:
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Jill Troutman, Kayte Kennedy, Katherine Stagg, Heidi Hanson McCrory,
Abbie Schlegell
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
The above individuals are offering to facilitate a fund development conference for
present and future of Girl Scouts.
Contact: Jill Troutman (717) 576-1714
213
Tema
Issue / Topic:
What Do We Love About Girl Scouts?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener:
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Lynne Sport, Yvonne Leung, Melissa Marley, Debi Frankovich, Merci
Rowe, Tina Boone, Dolores Bartlett, Mary Peralta, Brenda Peralta, Rachel Dever, Edie Dale
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
FUN
International travel
Camping
Friendship and camaraderie
Belonging
The girls are first
Girl Scouting has something to offer to every girl
Impact on girls
Bonding – lifelong friendships
Soul
Girl Scouts can be on the girls terms
Pathways may keep the girls
Girls – free to be you
Leadership
Leading younger girls
Like the versatility of uniform
Like the official uniform
Is Girl Scouting for every girl??
Easy to get close to people; like family
Support system
Easy to make new friend
More often – but always find Girl Scouts
214
Accepting girl/adult are equal
215
Tema
Issue / Topic:
What Does Leadership Really Look Like?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Janet Helms
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Janet Helms
Los otros participantes
Other members: Janet Henry, Carol Snyder, Karen Rowe, Jaclyn Libowitz, Kathy Eck,
Sherry Kessel, Sue Hansen, Gigi Regolizio
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
What is it looking like out and about? Leadership at Junior Level - control, team
building, focus on groups rather than self, building the outer eye (bigger picture).
Variety of Lenses:
* adults creating environment and what is expected
* age-appropriate opportunities
* room for girls
* having girls define leadership
* motivation
* content:
*"dang things"
*rock climbing
*destinations
*trips
*team building
* levels of leadership - step by step mapping
* leadership is part of whole experience
* without experience how does one lead>
Junior team building
Step 1
Step 2 Reflection
Step 3 Exterior - how do we pass this along or translate to peers, younger girls?
Building levels ? adult allowing the grils to lead, fail, sort out, discover, grow.
Camping - leaders have to tie hands sit back, sort out. Mistakes = Growth. Allow girls
to have their own experience.
Connect - leadership pathway. (GSNNJ)
* older girl leadership groups
* group for middle school
216
* group for high school
Viewed as additional experience to troop/group. Girls can join anytime/leave anytime.
What else are other councils doing to get the leadership actually moving?
Two new joiners
* how do we become girl centered?
* girl voice, where is it, how is it coming in?
* GSUSA - #1 girl answer, want to be with friends
* girls crave acceptance
* how acceptance is developed
Attitude - developed at camps by staff, volunteer
Program aide old school - needs update and be a priority
Golf Coast - Teen Board
* leadership different defination - motivation, being with themselves, inner value
* choices - program connittments
* often meeting time
* staff supported
* needs PR, not enough info out to council volunteers
Older Girl - programs for council must be focused choice, "purpose and passionate"
Pairing senior volunteers or staff with fresh professional or volunteer
Merger has put older girl and more in-depth program on back burner and other profound
leadership experiences
Reality - large jurisdiction, phone conferencing would allow volunteers to merge
Private chatroom
What is working?
* mentoring troops with veteran leaders to have had success (define a ?)
* veteran leaders have experience w/group dynamic overwhelmed by next
generation
* new leaders have the ideas and know the girls
Pathways are master topics:
* stress making it a council's own
* Pathway still confusing to leaders
Define Pathways – a lot of confusion. Sharing new Pathways are linked to badges,
Silver, Gold and Bronze. Awards
Reaching out to new leaders. Boys and Girls Club, coaches, profesionals
New leaders for Pathways need level training, as well as all trainings that apply to
traditional troops.
Troop leaders/service unit manager frustrated by the new piece without all the pieces
troops have to follow
Linking training for more flexibility may not need formal evening training. Online
component - worry in that.
217
Tema
Issue / Topic:
What We Love About Girl Scouting
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener:
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Cathy Cheves
Los otros participantes
Other members: Billie Baker, Pat Walker, Lisa Stewart, Joan Scott, Ann Baker
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
First discussion realignment
Introductions and how many conventions attended; 1/2 volunteers, 1/2 staff
Love about Girl Scouts:
able to give opinions
mainly women so opinions are more respected
working with girls
redirecting volunteers to who they need, the right person
customer service - family should be
some volunteers slip through the cracks, every council functions differently
same goals within the organization
30 years in Girl Scouting, love telling parents about the opportunities, regional,
national, inter national
teach girls how to operate a cash register
girls are learning and searching, confidence
girls - other organization tell you what to do; in Girl Scouting the girls decide
everyone is welcome - no matter if you move around
adults do not need expertise, we train and teach
no competition with the boys
opportunities
diversity
girls will come if they are welcomed
support system; Green Circle; in sorrow, happiness, lunch money shoes
Promise and Law - anchor - unity
respect and integrity
218
protective of image
volunteers taking ownership of positions and becoming stagnant and need to rotate
try things again
girls make good decisions
tradition not lost
flexibility
219
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Where Are the Girls?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Emily Holoch and Steffani Donahue
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Steffani Donahoe
Los otros participantes
Other members: Diane Campo, Flo Gormley, Alysia Wilson, Carolyn Tillman, Susan
Schneiderevious, Darlene Griffin, Joy McMillan, Sheila Snoddy, Denise DeVoll
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Where are our voices?
Membership?
Programs?
Girls not interested in badges – only getting together
Losing important local programs
- Teen Outreach – MN and WS Joy McMillan
Older Girl Scouts bringing up younger Girl Scouts
Working harder to obtain awards
- Bridging Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards
- Building upon values
Pulling older girls in
- Make time
- New ideas to avoid boredom
- Change perception: Not books and badges, but trips and fun
- Word of Mouth
Travel
- Individuality
- Affordability
- Set goals
Open up Destinations to non-Girl Scouts
Must fund raise; no checkwriting
Individual funds
Separate cookie money for trips
Serving girls as individuals
220
By age, location, interest
Bringing new people in
- Merit program; earn points by bringing a parent/friend
- Parental involvement
- Too many fundraisers; not all about money
Girl Scouting in alternative high schools and foster care
- Potential for teen growth
- More ―digging‖ required
- Teen events open to non-members; brings in new members
Integrating girls without computers/Internet
- Word of mouth
- Advertising
221
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Who’s Running the Store?: Board/CEO Conflicts
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Doon Foster
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker: Judy Frey
Los otros participantes
Other members: Jill Stelfox, Linda Saldibar, Mary McPhail, Leigh Ann Davis, Debra L.
Crist, Becky Bailey-Findley, Caroline Engrend, Peg Cunningham, Gina Magee, Alisa
Crothers, Trudy Williams, Carol Cross, Kim Hutzell, Nancy Nygren, Pat Clark, Amy Pulver,
Holly Nishida, Sue Sewall, Sally Berry
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Old board – new CEO
Taking guidance
How to balance?
New relationship, new rules
Not understanding the culture
Common language
Try to communicate
Not interact differently with new person
GSUSA – pay ―old‖ CEOS to mention new CEO
Small into large – overlapping terms of CEO-COO coming in from corporate difficult
Board needs to take care of problem
CEO hasn‘t given the Board what they ask for maybe need to mentor and support Board
and Chair so they are up to their tasks, empower Board
―presenting‖
Noted down state that‘s what works
Interviewed people to be mentors
Board – large training every year done by CEO and Chair
Can get GSUSA consultant
Board - corporate good but need a few ―green‖
What expectation?
Some have Nominating/Development reporting to Board because it was found they got
222
too far from Board strategy
Nominating Committee – some board, some non-board, some delegates. They have
separate Development Committee with Nominating as subcommittee until crossover,
CEO supports, doesn‘t lead
Some boards have very few ―green‖ people
Best practices – each meeting some training on Girl Scout info
Fund development done by Board
New model – lead on strategy is CEO
One thinks it strange to have to give up volunteer jobs to be on Board
One is a volunteer and on Board
Delegates should bridge that gap. Forums for board members and delegates meet
together in several locations. Board asks questions of membership per their needs then
open it up and take both operational and policy question.
Open space at annual meeting
Women‘s Advisory Board – they raise money – no legal responsibility
223
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Why Aren't There Girls On the National Board?
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Patricia Guebara
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s): Marthajane Vincent, Suzanne Guebara
Los otros participantes
Other members: Nancy Swalby, DrueAnne Schreyer, Megan Corbin, Katie Fairley, Susan
Laidlaw, Breann VanOrden, Maureen Quinn, Carol P. Mullin, Marie Graziosi
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
Megan: On Board - sometimes meetings confusing. Need different regions represented.
Yes, girls on National Board. Maybe girls on council boards could serve a term on
National Board.
Patricia: Girls really need to have a voice. Girls from each state. Consider have a
National Girl Board, separate group, then coming together with Adult Board. Not
enough Girl Scouts on regular Advisory H Board. Having Girl Board could facilitate them
being more intimately involved. Board's job is to raise money, need contacts in the
community. Girls could connect to community.
DrueAnne: Council used to have girls on Board for one year terms - had to present
something to Board to help them learn more about Girl Scouting. Girls could help
National Board learn more about Girl Scouting. Girls voice so important - reminds adults
of the focus. National Board could tap into regional groups of National Girl Boards for
speaking, etc. One-year term not enough; it takes a year to learn. Council moved away
from traditional age groupings to rotating in new girls as older ones go out; mentor
system. What girls job is - no voting rights because of liability (law suits, parents (of
girls) being liable) so they don't know why they are there. Would need clear
responsibilities.
Heart of PA - No girls on Board after merger - to "ugly"
Golf Coast - No voting member girls. Five non-voting. Spotlight - forum for girls to
speak. Teen Leadership Board time for exchange. Growing aspects - focus areas they
want to work on.
Girls need to know how to act in the boardroom. "Girl" representation to be able to
voice opinion. Girl Congress should be held once a month to discuss topics. Girl
Leadership Congress every 18 months just for girls. Serve a two-year term. If girls
realize that they are being heard then they would be more interested.
Better communication out to girls about opportunities.
Why can't we get some Girl Scout to sit in actual Board Meetings to gain experience.
224
Girls want to be taken seriously.
Huge ego boost to be asked.
Helps give confidence to speak with adults.
It helps create confidence.
It is goal worthy to keep girls interested.
225
Tema
Issue / Topic:
Younger Girls – How to Build the Foundation
La persona que haya identificado el tema de la discusión
Convener: Melissa Gosling
La / Las persona(s) que toman las notas
Notes-taker(s):
Los otros participantes
Other members: Laura Dulle, Joy McMillion, Myisha Jordan, Audrey Howard, Kathie
Fodevavo, Peggy Stambaugh
Notas de la discusión, conocimientos claves, preguntas pendientes, observaciones, y cosas para hacer y siguientes pasos si
apropiadas a esta discusión:
Discussion notes, key understandings, outstanding questions, observations, and, if
appropriate to this discussion: action items, next steps:
It is about trying to do new things like horseback riding, etc. to gain confidence.
Troops set goals about what they want to do. Set what you want to do next year
Adult recruitment – have DVD for adult involvement
Girls only know that it is about cookies
Need to educate families on what Girl Scouting really is
PR – websites, paper
My troop has grown by peer pressure of the girls to be included
Utilize older girls to help retain them, recruit them
Invite girls who are not Girl Scouts to events
Interest groups
Resources (not leaders)
Do about one event a month sponsored by the older girls
In-school Girl Scouting for inner city
The girls drew a picture of the previous event to make a scrapbook
Ask girls why they want to be here; find out, what the girls want to do; remind the girls
that we are teaching
What if the parents want to control the meeting? Have a parent meeting, ask parents to
have responsibilities during meeting to make the break from their daughters
Journeys vs. old Program
Girl Scout Awards
Daisies Ceremonies
Brownies usually two to three ceremonies
226
Closing Comments and Reflections
I want to thank you for this wonderful learning experience. An underlying theme was
the need for more communication and education.
There is a need for continued dialogue outside this room.
It is interesting to be involved in groups that are diverse geographically – to see how
things happen elsewhere – to learn from each other. ‗Wow! I never thought of that!‘ –
the light went on.
One thing I would like to share is that after experiencing these conversations I realize
that I am not alone - we all face the same problems. The other thing is the wonderful,
dedicated people in this room from all over.
It is wonderful that there are many older girls here. I used to think that ―Ambassador‖
meant one thing. Today I also learned that Ambassador means ―taking responsibility.‖
I saw many amazing young women here today. I noticed that we are all in the same
place – and that was a real ‗wow‘ moment. These dialogues confirmed to me that we
all have similar goals and similar feelings in Girl Scouting. We all have ―green blood.‖
I learned that I am not the only one who struggles with all the things that have to be
done by girls my age, of feeling the weight on my shoulders. Others here struggle also.
There is a common intensity of such caring for older girls. We are not offering them
programs, therefore they are being pushed into Venture BSA. Is Safety-Wise still
relevant? We need to stay bonded so we can ―go up‖ from here.
There are two things I would like to share. The first is that Senior Planning Committees
planning council-wide activities should be instituted throughout the USA. It keeps
Seniors involved in Girl Scouting and younger girls look up to the older girls. The second
is that adults push their daughters out of Girl Scouting because their daughters are busy
and Girl Scouting is not felt to be as important as school and sports. We need to show
parents how Girl Scouting is equally important.
What makes Girl Scouting great? It is about passing on what we know, inspiring girls and
leaders, and inspiring those who come after us.
I enjoyed the feedback from Cadette/Senior Girl Scouts. I also enjoyed sharing best
practices.
We need to revitalize Girl Scouting and our national image. There is an amazing young
leader here - I would like to introduce to you a young woman who energized me in the
discussion.
Thank you. I learned a lot, met new friends, had a change to talk with adults who
actually listened to us and encouraged us to talk. It was all about us -- and we like
that!
This is my first time attending the national convention. This was definitely different!
Open Space is a different format. I learned a lot and plan to attend again.
High school graduates want to stay involved in Girl Scouting. Recognize their time and
budget constraints. Invite them in.
This Open Space process was an awesome format! I am energized and inspired. I met
leaders who are energized and committed. It was an awesome experience for me. I
227
was a butterfly - there were so many topics and nuggets that were worthwhile. Thank
you for Open Space, a forum to share what is on our hearts. It was an awesome,
awesome, awesome format and one that I will take back and use.
Communication is the biggest challenge. Change isn‘t always communicated well. It
should not be trickled down, but be more direct, more uniform, and more accurate.
I doubted that I would be comfortable in this setting, but I was comfortable. I plan to
bring the Open Space format back to my home council.
This was fun! I got a lot out of it. And I now have an idea for my Gold Award.
Trainings are communities of learning. We need diversity and inclusion in training
deliveries.
I met an angel!
It is so awesome and overwhelming with so many young adults here and the interaction
between older and younger adults. I am proud of the young adults! They are awesome!
This has been a wonderful forum. Seniors, we listened and learned from you. I would
like to introduce one of our future leaders. She graduated this year and doesn‘t know
what to do. I suggested she be a Girl Scout leader.
Thank you. I have two handouts with ideas for serving Senior girls. I want to share
because being a Senior is the best!
After listening to other councils, I realized that our council merger was a dream!
In the first session I wanted to go to all the conversations, so I became a butterfly. It
was wonderful. The second session was about our 100 Year Anniversary. We need to
cherish the history of Girl Scouting, to share it, and promote it. We have so many ways
to share this information including getting everything in the local news and sent to
GSUSA. Get it out!
My nervousness changed to enjoyment.
I have been in Girl Scouting for 30 years, but just finished my first year as a leader of
my daughter‘s troop. I can‘t believe I‘m crying right now, but I‘m so happy. I want to
thank everyone. I‘m home here! I am so happy to be able to bring back things to my
daughter‘s troop. Thank you!
This was my first convention. I have been a member for 50 years. I started as a
Brownie Girl Scout. The Open Space format was awesome. I found out about new
pathways. I attended recruiting. I can‘t wait to take this process back to my council
and put it into action.
I discovered some technology ideas. I appreciate GSUSA‘s support.
Our realignment went well, but we need more communication between volunteers and
staff. Here we have volunteers at all levels. The key is communication! I loved this
session - there are new ideas here that I don‘t need to reinvent. We can work with
these new ideas or adapt them slightly.
It was interesting to be involved in discussions with people from such geographic
diversity. Things happen in such different ways through the country and sharing our
approaches and ideas allows us to shine a light on ways we ―never thought of doing that
way‖!
We discussed why Girl Scouting is fun with an amazing group of women young and old.
No matter where we go in the discussion we are all on the same even plane talking
228
together as equals. Even with five older and three youth members, we were all Girl
Scouts talking together and sharing our ideas. We are all green blood.
Two things stand out for me. The idea of a Senior Girl Scout planning group is a great
idea I want to try. Young girls look up to our older seniors and want to be connected to
them. Working together, Seniors will help us grow and retain young girls. The other
idea was the importance of showing parents that Girl Scouting is as key to a girl as
school activities. As a girl gets overcommitted many parents look for something to cut
out and when they don‘t see the value of Girl Scouting, they suggest cutting Girl Scouts
and the girl is gone. We need to position Girl Scouting as important as other activities
and give it a priority.
I participated in two groups on how to revitalize Girl Scouting beyond cookies. Talking
to the young women was exciting. I want to introduce to you a young woman that
energize me in the discussion.
I learned a lot and made new friends. I was amazed that the adults were actually
listening to us. It was all about us and we like that!
This Open Space process is the epitomy of ―swaps‖! Thanks for sharing. Plus, we get to
take all the discussions home in a book!
This is a great swapping moment. We must weave these threads into something and
spread the word. Traditions have been lost, such as the handshake, the ―silence‖
signal, the friendship circle. Traditions are a global bond. We must bring back the
traditions and values of Girl Scouting.
This is my first time in Open Space and I was not sure what to expect. It was awesome!
I was energized and inspired by young women and women who had been leaders for
years and still loved it. I was a buttefly the first session because there were so many
topics I could not decide. I can‘t wait to get back to my computer in the hotel to send
notes on all I learned to my service unit and other leaders. We came with an open
heart. It is an awesome format and I will use it soon.
I got a lot out of being here especially an idea for my Gold Award.
This was my first Open Space and first convention. We are young adults not teenagers
and we were treated as such. It was open and I was happy to be heard. I was so proud
of the girls participating. They were awesome. There was open and honest dialogue
among young and older adults.
I have been in Girl Scouting for 30 years but just finished my first year as a leader of my
daughter‘s troop. I can‘t believe I‘m crying but Im so happy. [Cheers and ‗you go girl!‘]
I am so happy to be part of what I hear is happening and sorry that I missed the years
when this started. I‘m excited to be here now. I feel I belong.
We have realigned and now we need to look at the spread between the volunteer and
the staff. I am glad we were all here today on an equal footing – council staff - trainers
– leaders - GSUSA staff - national volunteers, and so many more of such diversity. We
were all talking and communicating with each other.
I was taking notes about what I was going to say [lays down her notes]. I came in this
morning with a heavy heart, but now my heart is full. This is only the beginning. The
rest of the convention is an opportunity to continue the conversation, to listen, to
share, and to feel heard. How many of you felt heard? There will be many more
conversations to be filled with the passion we all have. I send you on your way and
thank you from the bottom of my heart.
229
Flow of pen Space
Before the Event
Determine the purpose of the event and convening question. This question needs to
be engaging and capture the givens without giving answers.
Discern who will be invited. The broader and more diverse the group, the better.
Determine the time frame – three days is ideal. If at all possible, at least one
overnight is involved.
Invite participants and describe the purpose of the event, such as the opportunity to
participate in shaping the future of your organization by creatively taking initiative
and to be inspired by the dynamics of self-organization and the diversity of sessions
proposed by participants.
Ensure seamless flow of logistics.
During the Event
Opening the Space
Participants sit in one large or concentric circles with an open space in the middle.
Paper, markers and one microphone are the only items in the center
Facilitator walks the circle while welcoming participants and introducing Open Space
by describing the process, principles, and convening question. Basic tenets: Self-
organization, Individual and group creativity, freedom to choose level and scope of
involvement, freedom to express and take action on what individuals are most
passionate about bound by responsibility and accountability in belonging to the
“whole”, as represented in the group.
Participants write topics that are most
meaningful to them in the context of the convening question on large
pieces of paper and then announce their topic.
Marketplace
Participants review the discussion sessions to choose which topics they
are most interested in.
Hosts may choose to combine their sessions or find different times or
places to accommodate various participant needs.
Breakout Sessions
Hosts convene their sessions in the breakout space they have chosen at the time
they have chosen.
Each breakout session produces a summary report (report forms may be
provided), which are collected and assembled in a event report
2 to 10breakout sessions cycles will be held depending on time available
Closing
Large group reconvenes to share their key
learnings, insights and take-aways.
Depending on the topic and length of the event, action steps may be
determined.
After the Event
Data Documentation & Capturing the Energy
Breakout session report forms are copied, compiled into a Proceedings Book
or made available on-line and disseminated to all participants. In multiple day Open Space events, the Proceedings
can be handed to participants on the final day, before decision-making and action planning.
Graphic, photographic and video documentation can accompany the written reports to capture the feel of the event.
If desired, we can prepare a Highlights Summary to present to the conveners after the Open Space Event.
Milagro27@cox.net
480.759.0262
www.christinewhitneysanchez.com
230
Open Space Participants*
GSUSA National Council Meeting
October 30, 2008
Last Name First Name Council E-mail
Abramson Sandra Middle Tennessee
Adams Lindsey Utah ladams@gsutah.org
Adams Lona Riverland reginald005@centurytel.net
Agresta Julia Gateway angelsrm@aol.com
Apolinaro Lynn Northern NJ lapolinaro@gsnnj.org
Argotsinger Connie Eastern Missouri conprodirector@hotmail.com
Arneser Mary Chris Sybaquay arensermc@comcast.net
Atherton Susan Gulfcoast of FL smatherton@comcast.net
Auger Julie augerkaz@sbcglobal.net
Axelrod Emily Greater Chicago emily@axelrodgroup.com
Baez-Carey Claudia NE Texas claudia.baez-carey@fritolay.com
Baker Ann Heart of PA vna@vnahanover.org
Baker Billie Citrus Council bbaker@citrus.GS.org
Ball Bonnie Virginia Skyline bonnieball@ymail.com
Ball Linda Historic Georgia ball523@bellsouth.net
Banks-Ficcio Donna Northern NJ hellobanks@aol.com
Barilla Martha Northern NJ marthabarilla@optionline.net
Barnes Carol Seven Lakes carolb@htva.net
Barnett Carrie Kentuckiana Koala22@bellsouth.net
Barnett Haidee San Diego Imperial haideeba@yahoo.com
Barquet Norma GSUSA nbarquet@girlscouts.org
Barr Ramona MN and WI River Valleys ramonabarr@qwest.net
Barrett Sue Eastern Missouri suebeesew2@hotmail.com
Bartkowilz Virginia Claire Southern & Central NJ vbartkow@verizon.net
Bartlett Dolores Arizona Cactus Pine dregabartlett@rocketmail.com
Bartow Candice Winema candaceb@girlscoutswinema.org
Bartow Emily SW WA and OR ebartow@gmail.com
Bathke Joyce Eastern Missouri jbathke@redcrossstl.org
Belgrave Vilma Greater New York vilbel@optonline.net
Bell Mag Arizona Cactus Pine magbell@girlscoutsaz.org
Bell Shannon Medfordbells@hotmail.com
Bellows Michelle Colorado michelle.bellows@comcast.net
Bennett Jackie Connecticut 4bennett@optonline.net
Bensen Jan MN and WI Lakes and Pines jan.bensen@rbc.com
Bess Gale T. Pioneer gtbess@yahoo.com
Beyerle Vicky Lynn Central and Southern NJ gb_vbcomcast.net
Bickerton Katherine Northern NJ kabmum@optonline.net
Bird Nancy South Carolina nbird@gssc-mm.org
Blackwell Terry Kentuckiana tblackwell@kyanags.org
Blandford Christy Kentuckiana chris_blandford@bellsouth.net
231
Last Name First Name Council E-mail
Bodi John San Fernando Valley jamordad2000@socal.rr.com
Bonner BJ San Jacinto bjbonner@sjgs.org
Boone Tina Middle Tennessee tina.boone@wallerlaw.com
Booth Kathie Macomb County boothk@gdls.com
Bossie Kathy Nation's Capital tboss1@cox.net
Boykin Carla Mt Wilson Vista cyb@sbcglobal.net
Boykin Pat Arizona Cactus Pine patti36918@aol.com
Brandini Nancy Jersey Shore nbrandini@yahoo.com
Brandon Risa G Pioneer risabrandon@girlscoutspc.org
Briesacher Vicki Citrus Council vbreisacher@cfl.rr.com
Britton Brenda Eastern SC nutsgs@aol.com
Brooks Crystal NE Texas thanks4yourbiz@cableone.net
Broussard Rachel LA Pines to Gulf rbroussard@girlscoutstogulf.org
Brown Janet Arizona Cactus Pine TheJBrowns@aol.com
Brown Louise Heart of PA lbrown1217@comcast.net
Brown Suzanna Vermont suz_brown99@yahoo.com
Brown Tracey Kentuckiana TraceyBrownPL@yahoo.com
Browning Rebecca Historic Georgia rbrowning@georgiasouthern.edu
Burden Chelsea Eastern WA and Northern ID harmony_and_balance@hotmail.com
Burdick Barbara Citrus Council burd2u@aol.com
Burkhardt Kaitlin Jersey Shore KBDOGS@COMCAST.NET
Burkhardt Linda Jersey Shore ltlepiggy4@comcast.net
Burrows Diane Central and Western MA dburrows11@comcast.net
Caballero Debbie Greater GA dcaballero@gshg.org
Campo Diane Western WA ron-diane@cablespeed.com
Carlson Karin Orange County kcarlson@gscoc.org
Carrasquillo Ann Gulfcoast of FL anncarrasquillo@gmail.com
Carroll Tracy South East Florida _carroll@bellsouth.net
Carson Julie Nation's Capital jcarlson@gscnc.org
Cate Ruth Mountain to Midlands rutrh@ruthcatelaw.com
Cephas Lillian Nation's Capital chessiebear@verizon.net
Cernicharo Aimee Palm Glades aimeecernichan@bellsouth.net
Cerreta Karen Northern NJ cerreta@gsnnj.org
Champlin Virginia Seven Lakes danvriginiac@aol.com
Chasteen Virginia Historic Georgia vchasteen@charter.net
Cheeseman Lisa Green Hills lisacheeseman@ymail.com
Chenoweth Shelley Kansas Heartland schenoweth@kansasgirlscouts.org
Cheves Kathy Pioneer kathycheves@girlscoutspc.org
Chislom Melissa Nation's Capital mchislom@gscnc.org
Cissell Leslie Kentuckiana lesliecissell@aol.com
Clark J.J. San Jacinto jjindp@gmail.com
Clark Pamela Central and Western MA pssamon@hotmail.com
Clements Dede Eastern WA and Northern ID justgo4it2005@yahoo.com
Clontz Donna Sierra Nevada donnanorm1@yahoo.com
Cogburn Nan Pines to the Gulf ncogburn@girlscoutspinestogulf.org
232
Last Name First Name Council E-mail
Cohee Terry Heart of PA tcohee@gshpa.org
Conkwrigght Elizsabeth Kentuckiana love_is_the_child_of_Illusion@hotmail.com
Conners Kristen Kentuckiana k.connorss@gmail.com
Cook Debbie Mt Wilson Vista
Copeland Swanne Central Texas copelandsb@yahoo.com
Corbin Megan Eastern Missouri softballrocks2010@hotmail.com
Corbit Char Utah ccorbit@gsutah.org
Cornelius Jane Shagbark goldilocks8686@yahoo.cfom
Corr Jamie Shagbark jamiecor@siu.edeu
Covington Beverly Historic Georgia plowgal43@hotmail.com
Crawford Donna NC Coastal Pines donnac6625@aol.com
Crisler Julia F. San Fernando Valley alwyna@earthlink.net
Crist Debra GSUSA dcrist@girlscouts.org
Crosby Jane Southern & Central NJ jecrosbyz@juno.com
Cross Carol Nation's Capital clcross_gs@yahoo.com
Crothers Alisa San Diego Imperial acrothers@girlscoutssdi.org
Cullman Donna Coastal Pines of Carolina dcullman@cc.rr.com
Cunningham Peg Central and Southern NJ pegcunning@comcast.net
Cyr Darlene K Northern IN MI
Dahlin Cynthia Nation's Capital cynthiared@aol.com
Dale Edie Northeast Ohio thedales@windstream.net
Daniels Rita Southwest Texas kurtdaniels@earthlink.net
Darnell Sue NOV sdarnell@darnelllaw.net
Davis Leigh Ann MN and WI River Valleys ladavis@gslakesandpines.org
Davis Linda Heart of PA lldavis6@verizon.net
Day Dottie Dakota Horizons gsmikrules@yahoo.com
De Dios Romero Amelia GSUSA adedios@girlscouts.org
Deffer Kathy Nation's Capital kdeffer@gscnc.org
DeLong Julie Utah jdelong@gsutah.org
deLucia Alexis San Fernando Valley lex_luther@ca.rr.com
Derhake Mary Anne Eastern Missouri bamaderhake@sbcglobal.net
Deuprey Solveig San Diego Imperial sdeuprey@depreylaw.com
Dever Rachel Kentuckiana rachel.dever@insightbb.com
DeVoll Denise Heart of Michigan mandd5153@sbcglobal.net
deVries Janet Montana & Wyoming janetdevries@hotmail.com
Devrous Susan Jersey Shore suedevrous@aol.com
Dolce Donna Heart of NJ dmd@comcast.net
Domanico Judy Eastern Pennsylvania judy.domanico@exeloncorp.com
Donahoe Steffan Greater Iowa steff_donahoe@hotmail.com
Donahue Lilie Northern NJ lilie@optonline.net
Dougher Christine Heart of PA dougher411@hotmail.com
Dulle Laura NE Texas laura.dulle@fritolay.com
Ealley Lisa Nation's Capital l_ealley@msn.com
Eberly Carol Heart of PA ebbocar@comcast.net
Eck Kathy Greater Iowa eck@goldfieldaccess.net
233
Last Name First Name Council E-mail
Edgar Ginny Greater Iowa
Edwards Marie Arizona Cactus Pine medwards37@cox.net
Elias Mary Macomb County ma_elias@hotmail.com
Engrad Caroline Citrus Council c-engrand@hotmail.com
Esposito Debbie Heart of NJ debesposito@gmail.com
Evans Sandra Shagbark danevaqns@midwest.net
Faga Kelly San Jacinto Kelly.Anne@sbcglobal.net
Famolaro Marcia NOV sfamola1@rochester.rr.com
Faulks Nancy Heart of NJ faulksn@comcast.net
Fauller Chris Eastern Missouri marypoppins@charter.net
Fay Angela Greater Iowa afay@aca14.k12.ia.us
Fernandez Lillian Southwest Texas lilmzchief@yahoo.com
Ferner Jennifer Seven Lakes jferner@girlscoutssevenlakes.org
Finch Lesley Orange County lfinch@gscoc.org
Finger Peggy Central and Southern NJ mspeggy4@aol.com
Finlay Claire Northern NJ bunnyfin@gotonline.net
Fish Vickie Guam Girl Scouts ggsi@ite.net
Flynn Kim NE Kansas & NW Missouri KimFlynn@girlscoutsksmo.org
Foderaro Kathie Central and Southern NJ fopcopper30@aol.com
Frankouch Debi Sybaquay frankovichmomof3@verizon.net
Frantz Peggy Heart of PA pfrantz113@gmail.com
Fugate Pat Arizona Cactus Pine patfugate@girlscoutsaz.org
Gaines Margaret Commonwealth of Virginia marg.g@verizon.net
Gallagher Judy Seven Lakes jgallagher@girlscoutssevenlakes.org
Ganley Denise Arizona Cactus Pine deniseganley@girlscoutsaz.org
Garber Barbara GSUSA bgarber@girlscouts.org
Garger Betty Northern NJ bgarger@gsnnj.org
Gereda Arisa Heart of PA cupsandrolls7@aol.com
Getzen Linda Gulfcoast of FL lgetzen@comcast.net
Gillin Tracey Lea San Jacinto Tgillin@sjgs.org
Gilman Cindy Nation's Capital ctsunshine@verizon.net
Gilman Cindy Nation's Capital ctsunshine@verizon.net
Gilmore Misty NE Texas missangelica1996@yahoo.com
Ginty Judy Northern NJ jginty@gsnnj.org
Glenn Gail Northern California gglenn@girlscoutsnocal.org
Gnjalva Tania Arizona Cactus Pine taniagnjalva@girlscoutsaz.org
Goenmer Mary Wyman MN and WI River Valleys
Goforth Dee Mountain to Midlands dgoforth@spartanburgcounty.org
Gonzalez Joanne Gateway joannegonzalez1996@yahoo.com
Gonzalez Perez Rose Southwest Texas rperez@girlscouts-swtx.org
Gordon Gerri NE Texas ggordon@gsnetx.org
Gormley Flo Jersey Shore thegormleys3@comcast .net
Gosling Melissa NE Texas mgosling@yahoo.com
Gostisha Kelly Northwest Great Lakes gosttisha@charter.net
Gramache Susan Susitna Council sgamache@calistacorp.com
234
Last Name First Name Council E-mail
Grantham Kathy Southwest Texas kgrantham@girlscouts-swtx.org
Griffin Darlene O. Historic Georgia hopeful1963u5@yahoo.com
Grode Karen Greater Iowa kgrode@gsiowa.org
Grossmann Emily Eastern WA and Northern ID clafrizz@comcast.net
Grugan Eulah Heart of PA grugan@verizon.net
Grunden Joy Heart of PA joy.grunden@comcast.net
Gunkel Allison Eastern Missouri arueunk@gmail.com
Haines Gail Western WA gailkayhaines@comcast.net
Hall Natalie Arizona Cactus Pine nataliehall@girlscoutsaz.org
Halperin Linda Middle Tennessee linda.halperin@comcast.net
Hannan Carleen Seven Lakes gscarleen@yahoo.com
Hansen Carol NE Kansas & NW Missouri
Hansen Sue Nation's Capital sue_hansen@nps.gov
Harden-Reynolds Lisa Utah lhardin@gsutah.org
Harris Natasha Coastal Pines of Carolina NLH1975@msn.com
Harrison Vickie Pioneer vickie.harrison@gmail.com
Hart Elizabeth San Fernando Valley jrtoolco@aol.com
Hart Judy Jersey Shore heyjude916@comcast.net
Hartney Shelly Colorado shelly@hartneyfamily.net
Hayes Anne I. Connecticut Aihayes@travelers.com
Hazzard Mary E San Diego Imperial mhazzard109@roadrunner.com
Heaney Pat Jersey Shore pheaney@optonline.net
Heard Judy Eastern Missouri heardjudy@yahoo.com
Heck Chelseay Kentuckiana chelseayh@bellsouth.net
Hecker Cheryl Historic Georgia checker@girlscoutscsra.org
Henry Janet Northern NJ jhenry@gsnnj.org
Herrin Janet Central Texas jhherrin@aol.com
Hicks Laurel Pioneer hicksgl2000@yahoo.com
Hill Beth Montana & Wyoming gs2bhill@aol.com
Ho Anna Northern NJ atm168805@YAHOO.COM
Hoenig Laurie MN and WI Lakes and Pines lauriehoenigmassage@gmail.com
Hoffer Sandy Nassau sandyhoffer2001@yahoo.com
Holden Donna Virginia Skyline donnaholden56@aol.com
Holloway Francina Gulfcoast of FL f.holloway@comcast.net
Holmes Lee Fox Valley sherlock4@SBCglobal.net
Holoch Emily Greater Iowa eholoch@hotmail.com
Hosie Susie San Diego Imperial shosie@wote.com
Howard Audrey Central and Southern NJ asarge@aol.com
Howard Patti Nation's Capital phoward@gscnc.org
Howell Debbie SC Mountains to Midlands gstroop493@gmail.com
Hubbard Grace Central and Western MA amazing_grace@kudmail.net
Hubbard Sandra Central and Western MA sandy@richardhubbordlaw.com
Hunter Joy NE Texas joyhart@hart-hunter.com
Husen Monica MN and WI Lakes and Pines mhusen@gslakesandpines.org
Hutzell Kim SC Mountains to Midlands Khutzell@gssc-mm.org
235
Last Name First Name Council E-mail
Huxford Elizabeth Black Diamond elizabethhuxford@comcast.net
Jameson Katrine Colorado katvcolo@aol.com
Jeffers Diane Nation's Capital dmjeffers@cox.net
Jeska Connie NE Texas sg100yrold@yahoo.com
Johnson Judy A. Eastern Missouri
Johnson Maria Central Maryland mjohnson@gscm.org
Johnson Sam Nation's Capital piddles542@gmail.com
Johnston Tracie Chesapeake Bay joscelyn70@yahoo.com
Jones Inez Eastern Missouri inezjgs@aol.com
Jordan Myisha Greater St. Louis myshjordan@yahoo.com
Joy Melanie Central and Western MA mjoy@schoolph.umass.edu
Kaczorowski Gertrude Central and Southern NJ gkaczorowski@gscsnj.orf
Kakoti Kemi Middle Tennessee popstar12@gmail.com
Kantor Susan GSUSA Skantor@girlscouts.org
Kaplan Jennifer Western New York janpuzzler@aol.com
Kelly Bonnie Central and Southern NJ bkelly@gscsnj.org
Kemp Vickie Kentuckiana
Kendall Susan Fox Valley susan@fugsc.org
Kennedy Kayte Nation's Capital kkennedy@gscnc.org
Kershing Joanna CA Central Coast joannasu52@aol.com
Kessel Donna Gulfcoast of FL
Kington Janet Arizona Cactus Pine janetkington@girlscoutsaz.org
Klein Charlene MN and WI River Valleys charlene.klein@girlscoutsrv.org
knoll Joyce Orange County jknoll@gscoc.org
Kottkamp Mary K. Eastern Missouri wbkmkk@yahoo.com
Kramer Carleen Eastern Missouri cg525@aol.com
Kuba Linda Central Maryland lkuba@hcpss.org
Kugel Peggy Susitna Council kugel@gci.net
Laidlaw Susan Arizona Cactus Pine susanlaidlaw75@hotmail.com
Laird Lori Colorado llaird@coroutl.com
Lampman Joscelgn Northern California jlampman@girlscoutsnorcal.org
Lawrence Kellyn Sybaquay KellynJLawrence@gmail.com
LeBlanc Victoria Kentuckiana eltseagle2011@yahoo.com
Ledet Bonnie Colorado ledet@plainstel.com
Linares Leonor Kentuckiana Leonordlinares@yahoo.com
Little Kathy SC Mountains to Midlands Kathy@littlegateway.com
Little Mel Orange County mary.ellen.little@L-3com.com
Lomax Ginny Black Hawk g.cashbaugh@charter.net
Lomax Nancy Northern NJ nslomax@optonline.net
Lowen Sondra MN and WI Lakes and Pines slowen@gslakesandpines.org
Lynch Leigh A. lalynch@everstllc.net
Lyon Jean Middle Tennessee jean.lyon@state.tn.us
MacCracken Nancy MT & WY nmaccracken@mt.gov
Macheda Cathi Central and Southern NJ Cathi.Macheda@verizon.net
Mackeen Kathy Eastern Missouri mackeen@sbcglobal.net
236
Last Name First Name Council E-mail
Magee Gina Orange County gmagee@gscoc.org
Magruder Jill Commonwealth of Virginia jdlmagruder@msn.com
Maltese Wanda Northern NJ mom_bop@hotmail.com
Manley Melissa Middle Tennessee melissahm@comcast.net
Marshall Sandee Eastern Missouri greengal@charter.net
Marx Kate San Jacinto sailcasa@gmail.com
Mathis-Satterly Sharon Kentuckiana tikiathome@aol.com
Maurer Tanya San Diego Imperial tmaurer2002@yahoo.com
May Jennifer Southwest Texas GarnerGirlScouts@yahoo.com
McBee Henrietta Southwest FL hmlbee@fpl.com
McCann JoAnn Jersey Shore konops513@comcast.net
McClure Sue Jersey Shore smcclure@girlscoutsjs.org
McCrory Heidi Hanson Virginia Skyline hmccrory@shc.edu
McDavitte Jan jmcdavitte@girlscouts.org
McLoughlin Arthur NOV mickey3643@aol.com
McMillion Joy MN and WI Lakes and Pines jmillion@clearwire.net
McNeal Janet Central Texas janet.mcneal@ua.army.mil
McPhail Mary WAGGGS
Melton Debbie Kentuckiana mcgsdm@yahoo.com
Mendoza Carmel Nassau East_Meadow_Girl_Scouts@yahoo.com
Metzger Ruth Eastern SC ruthmetzgergsesc@aol.com
Meyer Helen Eastern Missouri hmeyerd1tm@hotmail.com
Miller Andrea Central and Southern NJ amiller@gscsnj.org
Miller Betty J Gulfcoast of FL scoutbjm2000@aol.com
Miller Nancy J. Virginia Skyline millernj52@aol.com
Minnich Gabrielle Virginia Skyline gminnich@vt.edu
Minnick Sandy Northern IN MI Chirp_3@msn.com
Minor Mica Hornets' Nest msmica@carolina.rr.com
Mitchell Karen South Carolina bkmitchell@bellsouth.net
Mitchell Sinclair Rusine North Carolina Coastal Pines rsinclair@nccoastalpines.org
Mohr Wilma Eastern Missouri mohr_w@sbcglobal.net
Monahan Frances Nassau monahanf@gsnc.org
Monday Jo San Jacinto jmonday@sjgs.org
Moore Gwen Central Maryland gwenfm@gmail.com
Morotto Kristine Connecticut om1313km@sbcglobal.net
Morrell Linda Macomb County gs2manyhats@sbcglobal.net
Morris Kerry Kentuckiana my3troops@aol.com
Mueller Sara Jo NE Texas dsjmuell@verizon.net
Muir Sharon NOV gr8hnz@gmail.com
Mulcahy Donna San Diego Imperial dmulcahy@san.rr,com
Murphy Amy NE Texas murphyx3@netzero.com
Murphy Gina San Jacinto gmurphy@sjgs.org
Murray Maggie Colorado muaiqa@gmail.com
Nahar Manisha Heart of PA manishanahar@yahoo.com
Nape Linda Central Maryland llnape@msn.com
237
Last Name First Name Council E-mail
Neel Kim Zeise SC Mountains to Midlands kzneel@aol.com
Nielson Debbie Utah dnielson@gsutah.org
Nienaber Cindy MN and WI Lakes and Pines dcaske@albanytel.com
Noila Jennifer Greater Iowa vtwirl91@msn.com
Noiva Nancy Greater Iowa jenanoiva@msn.com
Novarina Mariann CA Central Coast mariann.novarina@chomp.org
Nygren Nancy Orange County nnygren@gscoc.org
O'Neill Katkleen Orange County koneill@gscoc.org
O'Rourke Jennifer Kentuckiana
Otlawski Joanne Heart of NJ libraryjo@hotmail.com
Owen Wafae Central Texas wafae.owen@gmail.com
Padro-Soler Gladys GSUSA gpadro-soler@girlscouts.org
Palmer Bob Commonwealth of Virginia r2pmhp@mindspring.com
Pardo Suzanne Gulfcoast of FL suzypardo@comcast.net
Parker Candra Commonwealth of Virginia cparker@richmonddiocese.org
Payan Bessie Arizona Cactus Pine bessiepayan@hotmail.com
Peddle Chris Sybaquay peddlegirlscouts@yahoo.com
Pedersen Maleah MN and WI River Valleys malpeder@msn.com
Pence Wilma Kentuckiana cpence6@bellsouth.net
Peralta Breona Arizona Cactus Pine Gmperalta@msn.com
Peralta Mary Arizona Cactus Pine Gmperalta@msn.com
Petefish Anna Montana & Wyoming anna@gsmw.org
Peterson Nancy Lee San Jacinto petersonjackson@aol.com
Peyron Jr. Douglas Virginia Skyline
Pickel Carolyn Eastern Missouri cgpickel@sbcglobal.net
Pierce Cathy NE Kansas & NW Missouri CathyPierce@girlscoutskamo.org
Pitts Wendy Southwest Texas wpoohd@yahoo.com
Pombier Ursula Northern IN MI umpombier@skyglobal.net
Ponder Rebecca Central Maryland rbponder@toad.net
Pool Cindy Eastern Missouri mcpool4@msn.com
Pope Kris MN and WI River Valleys kpope@carlsonwagaonlit.com
Porter Norma MN and WI River Valleys nalporter@comcasr.cet
Prive Emma J. LA Pines to Gulf yourenent3126@yahoo.com
Pulver Amy NOV apulver@cdc.gov
Purdy Dianne L. Pines to the Gulf dilpu@netzero.com
Putney Barbara NC Coastal Pines barbara_putney@yahoo.com
Rackliff Priscilla J. Jersey Shore
Randall Kathryn Western Ohio Brandall@cinci.rr.com
Rappaport Lori San Diego Imperial drlrap@growinupgreat.com
Ray Kathy Eastern Missouri KLRSTL@sbcglobal.net
Reece Sharon California's Central Coast sreece@girlscoutsccc.org
Reed Kimberly Central and Southern NJ kreed@gscsnj.org
Reihl Donna Central Maryland dreihl@ccbc.md.edu
Richardson James Gateway jrichard@coj.net
Rinaldi Carol Eastern Missouri cyrinaldi@msn.com
238
Last Name First Name Council E-mail
Rinaldi Cat Eastern Missouri cyrunaldi@msn.com
Rivera-Downey Donna Nassau riverad@gsnc.org
Rizzo Jacki Nation's Capital jrizzo406@comcast.net
Robertsjohn Jan Michigan Waterways daverobertjohn@comcast.net
Robine Frances Gulfcoast of FL frobine@fgcu.edu
Roderick Pat NC Coastal Pines mamapat@charter.net
Roman Anthony Central Maryland tonygscm@yahoo.com
Rowe Karen Heart of PA KarenrowePTL@COMCAST.NET
Rowe Merci California's Central Coast seding@aol.com
Rudisell Kathleen Heart of PA RBR48@aol.com
Rushing Sarah L. San Jacinto gsguru@hotmail.com
Rutherford Susan G SW TX srutherford@girlscouts-swtx.org
Ryan Mary Sue Kentuckiana marysueryan@aolcom
Sabados-Carolina Joann Heart of NJ jsabadoscarolin@gmail.com
Saldibar Linda GSUSA lsaldibar@girlscouts.org
Saltsman Penny Kentuckiana pennysaltsman@windstream.net
Samiian Baraz Gateway baraz.samiian@bcbsfl.com
Sanchez-Way Ruth GSUSA sanchez-way@comcast.net
Santi Karen W CT karensanti@cox.net
Sapp Pam Historic Georgia dpjsapp@yahoo.com
Sarim Zehra Eastern Missouri zsarim@sbcglobal.net
Say Jim Green Hills wyojims@hotmail.com
Schneiderwined Susan Historic Georgia wildroses777@hotmail.com
Schonerman Sue Heart of Central CA sueandglenn@sbcglobal.net
Schreyer DoveAnne B. Heart of PA doveanne@yahoo.com
Schumacher Joan Commonwealth of Virginia schumacherjean@aol.com
Schwartz Julie Utah julie.schwartz@comcast.net
Scott R. Vicke Colorado scott491@comcast.net
Severson Bray Sue Eastern WA and Northern ID fskc4tca@embarqmail.com
Sewall Susan LA Pines to Gulf ssewall@girlscoutspinestogulf.org
Shepp Vikki Orange County vshepp@gscoc.org
Short Carol NE Texas Carolshort@alumni.utexas.net
Shrever Francy Heart of PA frick209@comcast.net
Sibert Georgiana Heart of PA bandgsib@verizon.net
Sickmann Susan LA Pines to Gulf AJimm49@yahoo.com
Silberholz Deborah Central Maryland debmurray@comcast.net
Sirianni Nora Nassau cookiemom1@optonline.net
Smith Carmen Historic Georgia cesmith1969@hotmail.com
Smith Diana Black Diamond
Smith Diana Hornet's Nest diana_smith@comporium.net
Smith Dolly J Kentuckiana girlscoutsofnc@yahoo.com
Smith Jody Greater Iowa mamajo19912000@yahoo.com
Smith Laura Heart of PA llmahs@yahoo.com
Smith Margaret Central and Southern NJ margaretmsmith@verizon.net
Snell Sue Anne Heart of PA snell@epix.net
239
Last Name First Name Council E-mail
Snoddy Sheila South Carolina ssnoddy@gssc-mm.org
Snyder Carol Heart of NJ crsny@comcast.net
Sola Linda San Diego Imperial lsola@girlscoutssdi.org
Spages Carol Lee Northern NY clspages@earthlink.net
Spedding Marilyn Central and Western MA GCS200@aol.com
Spetz Patricia Nation's Capital Pspetz@GSCNC.org
Sport Lynn Nation's Capital lsport@ceip.org
Sprague Joan Indian Hills spraguejm@verizon.net
Spruitenburg Martha Citrus Council mspruite@cfl.rr.com
Srivastava Sheila Utah Sheilats@sisna.com
Stacy Jane MN and WI River Valleys jan.stacy@GirlScoutsrv.org
Stagg Katherine LA Pines to Gulf Kstagg@girlscoutstogulf.org
Stambaugh Peggy Spirit of Nebraska girlscoutleaderpeggy@yahoo.com
Staples Cathy Commonwealth of Virginia cstaples@rmc.edu
Steck Sue Eastern Missouri srsstl@hotmail.com
Steinberg Susan Central and Southern NJ nromandsusan@yahoo.com
Stelfox Jill Nation's Capital JSTELFOX@MAC.COM
Stephens Florence Gulfcoast of FL uplands976@aol.com
Stevens Kay E Black Hawk kays@girlscoutsofblackhawk.org
Stewart Denise Diamonds of AR, OK, TX dstewart@girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Stewart Lisa San Diego Imperial loyal_GS@cox.net
Stewart Sandi Gulfcoast of FL sandis@gsgct.org
Stroik Sarah Heart of Michigan
Sullivan Katie San Diego Imperial katie@sullivan5.org
Swalby Nancy Citrus Council nblastic@moorepeterson.com
Tamer Kathy San Jacinto ktamer@sbcglobal.net
Theiss Diane Southwest Texas dianet@ktc.com
Thielen Diane MN and WI River Valleys ddthielen@meltel.net
Thielges Laura GSUSA lthielges@girlscouts.org
Thompson Arvis MN and WI Lakes and Pines
Thompson Marleen Y. LA Pines to Gulf Marleen1952@cox.net
Thrower Vicke Greater Los Angeles vickie.l.thrower@abc.com
Tillman Carolyn LA Pines to Gulf carolyn.tillman@christushealth.org
Todd Regina San Diego Imperial Rtodd@girlscoutssdi.org
Tomlinson Lauren Arizona Cactus Pine dbacksfan512@aol.com
Tompkins Gail San Jacinto gtompkins@sjgs.org
Troutman Jill Heart of PA jbteas@gmail.com
Tull Mary K. Sybaquay sycamoregs@comcast.net
Turner Alysse San Diego Imperial aturner@girlscoutssdi.org
Turner C Jean Nation's Capital liturn@verizon.net
Tysler Sandra Gateway stysver@girlscouts-gateway.org
Uyeda Gary San Diego Imperial pinedesign1@netscape.net
Valaitis Sheri Connecticut sherivalaitis@comcast.net
VanOrden Bream Utah cutiepieskye@msn.com
Vilhauer Heather Northern California hvilhauer@girlscoutsnorcal.org
240
Last Name First Name Council E-mail
Vincent Marthajane Arizona Cactus Pine marthajanevincent@girlscoutsaz.org
Vittone Evelyn San Jacinto evittone@sjgs.org
von Schlegell Abbie Central and Western MA abbie@abbievonschlegell.com
Waldman Barbara Northern NJ barbara.waldman@gmail.com
Walker Pat Southwest Texas walkep001@aol.com
Walsh Elaine Northern NJ PEEMC528@aol.com
Walters Nancy Historic Georgia waltersrn@windstream.net
Watkins Beth San Jacinto texsings@comcast.net
Watson Annette San Diego Imperial annette-watson@cox.net
Webb Martha NC Coastal Pines marthawebb@nc.rr.com
Weinberg Nanette Greater Los Angeles nanette@pca.com
Weller Cynthia Kentuckiana stillonmyhonor@bellsouth.net
Wells Anne Marie Shuey Heart of PA mrsw141@aol.com
Wells Suzanne Arizona Cactus Pine susannewells@girlscoutsaz.org
Westley Laurie GSUSA lwestley@girlscouts.org
Weston-Smart Gloria Historic Georgia
Whitney Christine Arizona Cactus Pine milagro27@cox.net
Wier Carol Central Maryland b_a_scout@hotmail.com
Willard Donna Heart of PA donna.willard@comcast.net
Willerscheidt Phyllis A MN and WI River Valleys phyllisaaw@comcast.com
Williams Katrina South Carolina kfw0914@aol.com
Willis Cynthia Historic Georgia cwillis@gshg.org
Wilson Alysia LA Pines to Gulf wilsonalysian@aol.com
Wilson Tiffany Heart of NJ tnwilson@att.net
Wingo Barbara Gateway wingo@atlantic.net
Wodnick Anne Central and Southern NJ
Woelfel Marty Kentuckiana WoelfelMarty@aol.com
Wolf Janelle Dakota Horizons janelle_wolf@hotmail.com
Wolfe Maryann Kentuckiana gracie0511@insightbb.com
Wolfe Taylor Kentuckiana softballchick29@insightbb.com
Wright Colleen Nassau motherwright@optionline.net
Wright Lucille Heart of Michigan WRIGHTL@MSU.edu
Wynn Gina Sybaquay gina.wynn@mckesson.com
Zaydel Cheryl Central Maryland cczaydel@aol.com
Ziegler Debbie Eastern Missouri gzeiglermo@hotmail.com
Zierke Kara MN and WI River Valleys zkarrot@hotmail.com
* The contact information contained in this Book of Proceedings was provided by the person listed for the
purpose of facilitating further conversations.
241