Service Unit Orientation This customizable training is for River Valleys volunteers at the service unit-level who have completed registration and onboarding. In this training, you'll find: Applicable Training Link(s) Full Position Description(s) Next Steps Select your role to gain access to the trainings applicable to your role: Service Unit Manager/Assistant Manager Service Unit Recruiter Service Unit Treasurer Service Unit Communications Representative Service Unit Event Coordinator Service Unit Cookie Manager Service Unit Fall Product Manager Service Unit Troop Mentor Service Unit Registrar Service Unit Family Giving Coordinator Service Unit Outdoor Champion Trainings• Take the online Service Unit Team Orientation (Training.GirlScoutsRV.org) or check our calendar for the in-person Service Unit Team Training option.• Service Unit Manager Orientation (Training.GirlScoutsRV.org) • Recruiter Orientation (Training.GirlScoutsRV.org)• Treasurer Orientation (Pop-out YouTube) • Mentoring Troop Leaders and Juliette Mentors on Finances (Pop-out YouTube) • Cookie Program Training - When you're ready, we require all cookie managers to complete two additional trainings in preparation for the cookie season.• Snacks & Magazines Training - When you're ready, we require all Fall Product Program managers to take one additional training in preparation to prepare for the Snacks & Magazines sale.• Troop Mentor Orientation (Training.GirlScoutsRV.org)• Registrar Orientation (Pop-out YouTube) • Family Giving Coordinator Orientation (Pop-out YouTube) Training.GirlScoutsRV.org Some or all of your training is hosted on Training.GirlScoutsRV.org, which will prompt you to create a username and password. If you have previously completed any training on Training.GirlScoutsRV.org, you may log in using the same username and password. If you can’t remember your password, please contact us.Your Position Description(s)Service Unit Manager/Assistant Manager Full Position Description The service unit manager/assistant manager provides leadership, support, and delegation to service unit team members to provide excellent service and support for girls, troops, volunteers, and families within a geographical area. This position is appointed yearly by River Valleys staff. Responsibilities and Timeline August-October Secure and confirm meeting space and time for all upcoming leader meetings. Welcome any new volunteers to SU at leader meeting. Support recruitment efforts as needed. Recruit for open SU positions if needed. Highlight/observe Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday (October 31). November-February Promote and ensure that all troops know about cookie rally activities. Promote and ensure service unit representation at River Valleys' Annual Meeting. Highlight/observe World Thinking Day (February 22). March-June Highlight/observe Girl Scouts' birthday (March 12). Highlight/observe National Volunteers Week/Girl Scout Leader’s Day (April 22). Identify and recruit for team positions for upcoming year by June 30. Promote early bird registration at leader meetings. Celebrate Success—hold a SU Court of Awards/Bridging if possible. Hold SU Plan of Work meeting with team/volunteers. Submit SU Plan of Work by June 30. Ensure treasurer submits Troop and Service Unit Finance Report by June 30. Qualifications Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records. Currently registered adult member of GSUSA. Complete River Valleys' volunteer onboarding process. Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds. Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law. Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills. Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community. Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude towards Girl Scouts. Additional Responsibilities and Qualifications Communicate regularly with River Valleys as necessary. Schedule, plan, and facilitate regular service unit team and/or leader meetings. Share important Girl Scout information from SUM Summaries enewsletter to volunteers in your area. Support, recruit, supervise, train, place, and recognize service unit team members. Monitor service unit finances in partnership with the service unit treasurer. Support Juliette (individual) Girl Scouts in the service unit as necessary. Promote adult awards to service unit. Must have an email address and allow River Valleys to provide it to others as necessary for Girl Scout related business. Maintain positive relationships with River Valleys staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners. Follow all GSUSA and River Valleys’ policies, standards, and procedures. Promote and support River Valleys’ Family Fundraising Campaign, Snacks & Magazines program, and Girl Scout Cookie Program in relationship to your volunteer position. Support and promote The Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Recruiter Full Position Description Service unit recruiters recruit adult volunteers and girls in Girl Scouts while ensuring that all girls in the assigned service area have the opportunity to fully participate in Girl Scouting programs and activities. This position is appointed yearly by River Valleys staff. Responsibilities and Timeline August or Earlier Contact elementary schools in your area to confirm attendance at fall back-to-school events. August-September Ensure all back-to-school events have a local volunteer or troop representative to promote new troop formation. Order online and distribute back-to-school and/or recruitment rally materials as needed. September-November Promote and host a troop formation event Promote volunteerism Formation of new troops Additional Responsibilities Collect and submit interest forms to River Valleys promptly. Support the online catalog process for girls and adults joining new or existing troops. Support and promote The Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Communicate recruitment progress to service unit team and River Valleys' staff members. Maintain positive relationships with River Valleys staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners. Follow all GSUSA and River Valleys policies, standards, and procedures. Promote and support River Valleys’ Family Fundraising Campaign, Snacks & Magazines, and the Girl Scout Cookie Program in relationship to your volunteer position. Attend regular service unit team and leader meetings. Provide support for service unit events and initiatives. Qualifications Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records. Currently registered adult member of GSUSA. Complete River Valleys' volunteer onboarding process. Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds. Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law. Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills. Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community. Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude towards Girl Scouts. Treasurer Full Position Description The treasurer provides general oversight and management of all service unit finances. This position is appointed yearly by River Valleys staff. Responsibilities and Timeline September-October Ensure the service unit bank account statements are mailed to the service unit manager. Ensure all troops have a bank account prior to Snacks & Magazines sale. Assist new troops with opening new bank accounts and obtain troop bank account records. New treasurers will become a signer on service unit bank account including online access and a debit card. November-January Ensure all troops have a bank account prior to cookie sale. May-July Send out reminders to troops to fill out and submit finance reports by June 30. Help troops fill out finance reports as needed. Attend service unit plan of work meeting as necessary. Submit SU Finance Report to River Valleys by June 30. Contact troops that have not submitted a troop finance report by June 30. Review troop finance reports and discuss problems with your service unit manager. Additional Responsibilities Collaborate with your service unit team to update/develop budget for the year. Provide a monthly service unit finance report to other volunteers. Assist troops with bank account management as needed. Assist disbanding troops with closing accounts and finalizing paperwork. Be comfortable with money management. Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records. Maintain positive relationships with River Valleys staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners. Follow all GSUSA and River Valleys’ policies, standards, and procedures. Promote and support River Valleys’ Family Fundraising Campaign, Snacks & Magazines program, and the Girl Scout Cookie Program in relationship to your volunteer position. Support and promote The Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Attend regular service unit team and leader meetings. Provide support for service unit events and initiatives. Qualifications Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records. Currently registered adult member of GSUSA. Complete River Valleys' volunteer onboarding process. Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds. Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law. Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills. Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community. Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude towards Girl Scouts. Communications Representative Full Position Description Communications representatives enhance public awareness and support of Girl Scouting through regular two-way communication with local media and community contacts, and serve as a vital link between the community and the council communications department. This position is appointed yearly by River Valleys staff. Responsibilities Actively seek opportunities to submit news releases and photos to local communications media, including print, school publications, TV, and radio. Take photographs and write brief articles regarding service unit and troop activities and events. Submit news items and photos to the council’s marketing and communications department for internal (i.e. River Valleys newsletters) and external use (i.e. news and social media). Ensure photo releases and interview consent forms are completed by parents/guardians of minors included. Inform troop leaders how to submit stories and photos to area newspapers or council publications. Develop a system for sharing information within the service unit. This might include promoting and supporting the service unit website or building an email newsletter. Follow all GSUSA and River Valleys policies, standards, and procedures. Promote and support River Valleys’ Family Fundraising Campaign, the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and the Snacks & Magazines program in relationship to your volunteer position. Attend regular service unit team and leader meetings. Provide support for service unit events and initiatives. Qualifications Ability to speak and write clearly, accurately, and enthusiastically. Basic knowledge about your community and its resources. Willingness to work with all troops within service unit as well as other nearby communications representatives to ensure quality coverage of Girl Scout events. Currently registered adult member of GSUSA. Complete River Valleys' volunteer onboarding process. Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds. Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law. Demonstrate excellent group and interpersonal communication skills. Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community. Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude towards Girl Scouts. Communications Representative Full Position Description This position supervises the coordination of service unit events to ensure safety, risk management, adherence to policies, and connection to Girl Scout Leadership Experience outcomes. This position is appointed yearly by River Valleys staff. Responsibilities Work with the service unit manager to recruit volunteers/committees to plan, implement and evaluate Service Unit events. Coordinate and/or support all events held within the service unit, either by direct planning or by supervising and supporting other event volunteers. Ensure events are planned and implemented utilizing River Valleys’ Event Guide and Core Service Unit Event planning packets. Involve your service unit treasurer in all financial aspects of events. Ensure all applicable pre-and post-event paperwork is completed, submitted by deadline, and approved by your manager. Follow established council guidelines to remove barriers ensuring that events and facilities are open and accessible to all girls. Encourage leaders to participate in service unit and council-sponsored events. Follow all GSUSA and River Valleys policies, standards, and procedures. Promote and support River Valleys’ Family Fundraising Campaign, Fall Product Program and Cookie Program Activity in relationship to your volunteer position. Work with Registrar to ensure all girls and adults are registered. Attend regular service unit team and leader meetings. Provide support for Service Unit events and initiatives. Qualifications Ability to organize and coordinate events/programs. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead. Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records. Currently registered adult member of GSUSA. Complete River Valleys volunteer onboarding process. Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds. Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law. Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills. Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community. Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude towards Girl Scouts. Service Unit Cookie Managers Full Position Description Service unit cookie managers help troops have a successful Girl Scout Cookie Program sale. Responsibilities The service unit cookie manager is renewable by a two-year appointment. Be informed Attend one of River Valleys’ in-person service unit trainings. If unable to attend, complete the online training. Read and understand all information contained in the service unit cookie manager guidebook. Guidebook Read the Smart Cookie emails from council. Do not unsubscribe from these emails. Troop liaison Be confident in your knowledge of the Cookie Program; be the first point of contact for all troops within your service unit. Deliver training for troop cookie managers in your service unit. River Valleys will provide training tools, directives, and resources. Distribute Cookie Program materials and girl rewards to troops in a timely manner. Troop management Be proficient in the online cookie management system, and monitor all troops within your service unit to ensure that they: Properly manage troop inventory. Properly allocate cookies to girls and submit girl rewards on time. Understand the cookie return policy. Submit collection problem reports (if necessary). Facilitate the movement of inventory among troops in the service unit to minimize returns at the end of the sale. Training Service unit cookie managers are required to attend training with options for in-person or online training. In-person training sessions are led by River Valleys Product Program staff and are offered at multiple locations each year in the late Fall, typically in November/December. Online training is available to those who are unable to attend an in-person session. Sessions are designed for new and returning volunteers. Service Unit Fall Product Managers Position Description As a service unit fall product manager, you are responsible for facilitating Snacks & Magazines, our fall product program, within your service unit. The service unit fall product (Snacks & Magazines) manager is renewable by a two-year appointment. Responsibilities Be informed Complete River Valleys online training. Read and understand all information in both the Service Unit and Troop Snacks & Magazine Guides. Read the In a Nutshell emails from council. Do not unsubscribe from these emails. Troop Liaison Be confident in your knowledge of the Snacks & Magazine program; be the first point of contact for all troops within your service unit. Inform troops of online training, participation options, and resources. Oversee product delivery and distribution to troops. Distribute Snacks & Magazine materials and girl rewards to troops in a timely manner. Troop management Be proficient in the online Snacks & Magazine management system and monitor all troops within your service unit to ensure that they: Enter and submit the product/magazine orders by the deadline. Submit collection problem reports (if necessary). Training Service unit fall product managers must complete the online training. Online training is typically available starting in September. Troop Mentor Full Position Description The troop mentor welcomes new leaders and introduces them to resources and support including: the service unit team, leader meetings, troop support, and online training and resources. This position is appointed yearly by River Valleys staff. Responsibilities and Timeline September-November Obtain new troop leader(s) information from River Valleys reports or service unit team. Contact new leader(s) via email or phone call to introduce yourself and welcome new leader(s). Invite new leader(s) to the upcoming service unit meeting and/or provide information about alternative methods of communication (email, website, etc). Check in with new leaders to see if they have questions or concerns about the Snacks & Magazines program, troop meetings, getting started, registrations, program, etc. and refer them to the appropriate resources if needed. Attend leader meeting and introduce any new leaders that attend. Facilitate a new leader orientation meeting with new leaders. December-January Check in with new leader(s) to see if they have questions or concerns about the upcoming Girl Scout Cookie Program and refer them to the appropriate resources and support as needed, including their service unit cookie manager and council staff. March-May Encourage and remind new troops to renew their membership early for the upcoming year. Be available to answer questions related to bridging and court of awards. June-July Follow up with new troops that have not registered early to see if they will be returning. If not, make sure they know the disbanding process. Attend SU plan of work meeting as necessary. Additional Responsibilities Be a friend and mentor to new troop leaders. Must have an email address and allow River Valleys to provide it to new troop leaders in your SU. Promote River Valleys' programs, training, and resources to new leaders. Maintain positive relationships with River Valleys staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners. Follow all GSUSA and River Valleys policies, standards, and procedures. Promote and support River Valleys’ Family Fundraising Campaign, Snacks & Magazines program, and the cookie program in relationship to your volunteer position. Support and promote The Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Attend regular service unit team and leader meetings. Provide support for service unit events and initiatives. Qualifications Currently registered adult member of GSUSA. Complete River Valleys' volunteer onboarding process. Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds. Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law. Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills. Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community. Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude towards Girl Scouts. Registrar Full Position Description The registrar’s role is to assist the members in your service unit (SU) with registration and to support and encourage accurate registrations for Snacks & Magazines, the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and Early Bird Registration. This position is appointed yearly by River Valleys staff. Responsibilities and Timeline August-September Create/maintain a SU troop roster (to include information on troops welcoming new members, schools, meeting information, leader contact, #girls, etc.). Encourage troops to register on time by October 1. December-January Encourage troops to register before cookie sales begin. April-June Promote Early Bird registration (send out reminders). Qualifications Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records. Currently registered adult member of GSUSA. Complete River Valleys' volunteer onboarding process. Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds. Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law. Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills. Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community. Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude towards Girl Scouts. Additional Responsibilities and Qualifications Assist with troop placement, as necessary. Contact troops that have not registered, as necessary. Maintain positive relationships with River Valleys staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners. Follow all GSUSA and River Valleys’ policies, standards, and procedures. Promote and support River Valleys’ Family Fundraising Campaign, Snacks & Magazines program, the cookie program in relationship to your volunteer position. Support and promote The Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Work with troop leaders to ensure troop rosters are correct. Work with service unit team members to ensure girls and adults are registered. Attend regular service unit team and leader meetings. Provide support for service unit events and initiatives. Family Giving Coordinator Full Position Description The Family Giving coordinator works to educate and solicit Girl Scout families for Family Giving contributions from the local service unit area families. By raising funds at the local level, Family Giving coordinators increase River Valleys’ ability to deliver services and program to girls. This position is appointed yearly by River Valleys staff. Responsibilities and Timeline September-October (Planning for Campaign) Make an effective plan—set objectives and coordinate tasks—to reach your service unit’s Family Giving goal. Plan the timing of your event/emails to families/troop fundraising to fit in with your service unit calendar. October (Launch and Promote your Campaign) Host an event, create an email campaign to parents, distribute and collect donation envelopes from troops, etc. Family Giving events and campaigns can happen anytime during your Girl Scout year. Working around cookie season, many Family Giving events and campaigns are supported and welcomed during the spring months (March – May). Coordinating Family Giving into your already existing service unit yearly events is a great way to add opportunities to make your goal. During Your Family Giving Campaign/Event Promote campaign to Girl Scout families and educate on the importance of Family Giving and investing in girls. Give every Girl Scout family the opportunity to make a gift. Contact all troops within the service unit to encourage their participation in the Family Giving Campaign. Support their troop-level campaign efforts or lead the efforts at the troop-level so that all parents/guardians are asked to participate. Keep records of Family Giving campaigns, donations collected, and ensure all donations are kept confidential. After Your Family Giving Campaign/Event Submit donations within one week of receiving donations to your local service center, or by mailing them to the St. Paul Service Center. Share stories and best practices with the Fund Development & Volunteer Support Team to share with other Family Giving coordinators. September 30 is the end of our fiscal year, all Family Giving contributions need to be submitted by this date to apply towards your Family Giving goal for the year. Expectations Lead by example and make a personal contribution to Family Giving that is meaningful to you and your family. Handle donors and donations with responsibility, confidentiality, and ethical behavior. Always ask while respecting that giving is a personal decision. Attend regular service unit team and leader meetings. Provide support for service unit events and initiatives. Qualifications Comfortable speaking about Family Giving and how Girl Scouts helps girls empower themselves. Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records. Currently registered adult member of GSUSA. Complete River Valleys volunteer onboarding process. Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds. Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law. Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills. Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community. Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude towards Girl Scouts. Outdoor Champion Full Position Description Outdoor champions are Girl Scout volunteers who are confident in their outdoor skills, including outdoor cooking, fire building, sleeping outdoors, and leading outdoor activities. This position will include teaching, supporting, and mentoring troop leaders and other volunteers who are ready to lead girls in nature activities, outdoor skills, and outdoor badges. This position is appointed yearly by River Valleys staff. An outdoor champion should be confident in their ability to lead a small group of adults through outdoor training activities, and should be passionate about getting girls outside! Responsibilities Teach, support, and advise volunteers on how to take girls camping at River Valleys' camps as well as local, state, and national campgrounds. Promote the importance of outdoor activities as a part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This includes teaching, mentoring, and supporting volunteers in nature-based activities and outdoor skills. Ensure outdoor activities are planned following the guidelines found in Volunteer Essentials, Safety-Wise, and the Safety Activity Checkpoints. Encourage leaders to participate in service unit and council-sponsored events. Complete volunteer position training within the required timeframe. Follow all GSUSA and River Valleys policies, standards, and procedures. Attend regular service unit team and leader meetings. Provide support for service unit events and initiatives. Qualifications Experience camping outdoors with girls. Currently registered adult member of GSUSA. Complete River Valleys' volunteer onboarding process. Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds. Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law. Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills. Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community. Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude towards Girl Scouts. Next StepsLearn More About Your Role(s)• Check out our service unit manager checklist to see your year at a glance.• Check out our treasurer checklist to see your year at a glance.• Check out our recruiter checklist to see your year at a glance.• Check out our communications representative checklist to see your year at a glance.• Check out our communications representative checklist to see your year at a glance.• Check out our service unit fall product manager checklist to see your year at a glance. • Check out our service unit cookie manager checklist to see your year at a glance.• Check out our service unit fall product manager checklist to see your year at a glance.• Check out our troop mentor checklist to see your year at a glance.• Check out our registrar checklist to see your year at a glance.• Check out our Family Giving coordinator checklist to see your year at a glance.• Check out our outdoor champion checklist to see your year at a glance. Complete the Volunteer Agreement Form Now that you've finished your orientation, be sure to complete the Service Unit Volunteer Agreement to complete your role onboarding. Questions?Congratulations on completing the service unit orientation! Do you have any questions?Yes, I have questions.Nope!What questions do you have?Name* First Last Email*