Volunteer Eligibility Policy

Volunteers deliver the Girl Scout experience and are relied on to provide a safe space for Girl Scouts to participate. They are trusted by caregivers to care for their child’s safety and wellbeing while participating in Girl Scout activities. To ensure member safety and wellbeing, River Valleys may remove volunteers who engage in conduct that it determines negatively impacts youth members and/or Girl Scouts River Valleys’ organization. If someone is told they cannot volunteer, they have a chance to appeal that decision to ensure fairness and understanding.

Policy Statement

• To be a Girl Scouts River Valleys volunteer, you must:
  • Be a current Girl Scout member
  • Pass a criminal background check every three years
  • Fulfill the responsibilities of your volunteer role(s)

Standards

• All Girl Scout volunteers must be current members of Girl Scouts of the USA.
• Responsibilities of volunteer role(s) must be met.
  • Responsibilities vary by role.
  • Role-specific position descriptions can be found on the Girl Scouts River Valleys website.
• Girl Scout volunteers must complete a criminal background check every three years, conducted by Girl Scouts River Valleys’ approved vendor.
  • A social security number is requested but is not required.
  • Girl Scouts River Valleys will take necessary measures to ensure that member data is secure and will pay the full cost of background checks.
  • The background check is a check of criminal history and does not include a credit check.
• Reasons for volunteer removal, non-reappointment, or disqualification include:
  • Failure to complete a criminal background check, or results of criminal background check show charges and/or convictions that include sex crimes, driving under the influence, felony offenses, violent crimes, or crimes involving the use of weapons.
    • Registered sex offenders are not allowed to participate in Girl Scouts in any capacity.
  • Violation of Girl Scouts of the USA or Girl Scouts River Valleys policies.
  • Misuse or theft of Girl Scout funds.
  • Actions that put youth or adult members, volunteers, or staff at risk.
  • Failure to meet the responsibilities of the volunteer role, as stated in the applicable position description.
• Removals are final, with the exception of a successful appeal.
  • Volunteers may appeal their removal within 10 days by submitting the Removal Appeal web form.
  • The removal will remain in effect during the appeal process.
  • The results of an appeal are final.
• River Valleys’ records and actions regarding volunteer eligibility are available only to those with a legitimate need to know and as required by applicable law or court order.