Social media can be a great way for you to communicate between troop families, co-leaders, and service units, and for announcements to folks out in your community about all the great stuff your troop is doing.
When using social media, like in every other aspect of life, we expect our volunteers, families, and girls to “live by the Girl Scout Law” in everything they say and do. Here are some helpful guidelines put together by our own social media mavens, the Girl Scouts River Valleys Communications Team. Feel free to share the printable version of these guidelines with the families in your troop!
Honest and fair
Be honest about your role within Girl Scouts River Valleys when communicating about Girl Scout related issues online. If you want to express an opinion about something related to Girl Scouts, it is best to clarify that the opinions you are expressing are your own and not necessarily the opinion of Girl Scouts of the USA or Girl Scouts River Valleys.
Friendly and helpful
If you see an opportunity to help a sister Girl Scout, please do! We love when parents, volunteers, or other members connect online, share resources with one another, or help answer questions.
Considerate and caring
Unfortunately, we have all witnessed social media or email being used as a way to attack, criticize, bad mouth, or belittle others. At Girl Scouts River Valleys, we want to see members and girls building each other up and supporting one another. Conflict happens—even in Girl Scouts—but when addressing these conflicts or sensitive issues with someone, it’s usually best to take the conversation offline and talk face-to-face.
Courageous and strong
In the words of Girl Scout founder, Juliette Gordon Low: “Right is right, even if no one else is doing it.” If you see questionable content or behavior online related to Girl Scouts River Valleys, don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, or contact the River Valleys Communications Team via social media, email, or phone.
Responsible for what I say and do
A wise person once said, “Think twice before you say something. Think three times before you post it on social media.” Use discretion and ask questions if you are unsure about whether or not to post something.
Respect myself and others
People vary in what they are comfortable posting online and who they are comfortable sharing that with. Use your own discretion when determining who to connect with on social media and respect that others will use theirs.
Respect authority
Girl Scouts River Valleys is responsible for monitoring its online presence and ensuring that it is a positive and supportive environment. While we welcome interaction, discussion, commentary, questions, and even criticism, we ask visitors to our sites to keep their comments and posts relevant and respectful. Girl Scouts River Valleys may remove any post or ban anyone who makes personal attacks, uses inappropriate language, spams or excessively posts, or states something that is inaccurate or otherwise objectionable.
Use resources wisely
Social media and email are great resources for Girl Scout members! If you see content you think is exciting or interesting, we encourage you to share it with your networks. We hope you take advantage of these great tools to connect with others who share a common interest in Girl Scouts!
Make the world a better place
Just like at the campsite, we hope you leave our online community a little prettier than how you found it. We love seeing people share positive comments, pictures, and posts: keep spreading the joy!
Be a sister to every Girl Scout
Ultimately, we want to make sure that everyone in the Girl Scout community feels valued, supported, and respected—both online and offline.
Just like we teach our girls, it’s important for us adults to remember that nothing we do online is truly private, and once something has been put out onto the World Wide Web, it’s hard to take it back. If you have questions about these guidelines or would like more clarification, reach out to us, we would be happy to assist you.
Happy posting!
Laurie Pulver – Laurie enjoys helping Troop Leaders (new and experienced) with any questions they may have about events, troop meetings, Journeys or higher awards. She also works with girls on their Gold Awards and runs programs and events. Prior to joining Girl Scouts River Valleys, Laurie worked out on the East Coast in recreation. She has a bachelor’s degree in Recreation from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and her background includes recreation programming, aquatics and working with girls of all ages. In her spare time, Laurie enjoys outdoor activities, animals, spending time with her family and traveling.