Service Unit Orientation

Purpose: To provide the leadership and management of an assigned geographic area by ensuring the retention of existing members and the extension of the Girl Scout program to potential members.

Term of appointment:The service unit manager position can only be held as a 3 year term. Volunteers in this position will be appointed annually by staff based on demonstrated ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. An interview with Girl Scout River Valleys staff is required for all new service unit managers prior to appointment.

Reports to: Service unit managers are supported by and report to their identified Volunteer Support staff. Service unit manger training is available both online and in person.

Requirements

• Currently registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA
• Complete and pass background check
• Complete Girl Scout River Valleys volunteer onboarding process
• Complete service unit agreement

Qualifications

• Be guided in all actions by the Girl Scout mission, Promise, and Law
• Girl focus: Help girls to empower themselves to lead activities, learn by doing, and cooperate with others on current issues that involve their interests and needs, while having fun.
• Maintain organization and confidentiality of materials and records.
• Personal integrity: Demonstrate dependability, honesty, and credibility.
• Adaptability: Adjust, modify own behavior, and remain flexible and tolerant in response to changing situations and environments.
• Oral communication: Express ideas and facts clearly and accurately.
• Foster diversity: Understand, respect, and embrace differences.
• Computer skills: Access to email and the internet.
• Willingness to maintain a cooperative working relationship with paid staff, service team members, and troop leaders.

Responsibilities

• Manage all service unit team volunteers.
• Provide leadership to service team, including scheduling meetings and/or other communication to review plans and issues of the service unit.
• Involve service team members in development and assessment of service unit delivery plans.
• Identify, recruit, and support development of potential service team members.
• Facilitate positive and effective communication within the service unit among leaders, service team, and parents/guardians.
• Provide timely updates to service unit members to keep them informed on up-to-date policies, procedures, and standards.
• Support year-round service unit recruitment.
• Engage with the community-at-large, regarding the value of the Girl Scout program.
• Provide meetings/opportunities for troop leaders and service unit volunteers to network and exchange information.
• Ensure the Girl Scout mission, program goals, and diversity vision is reflected in the service unit communication and activities.
• Support the Girl Scout culture of philanthropy and River Valleys Family Giving Initiatives.
• Coach, motivate, and recognize service unit volunteers.
• When necessary, implement conflict resolution techniques.
• Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Girl Scouts River Valleys and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) including, but not limited to:
  • Mandated Reporting Policy
  • Data Security Policy
  • Volunteer Eligibility Policy
• Communicate regularly and positively with Girl Scouts River Valleys staff.
• Read role-specific e-communications (do not unsubscribe from council e-newsletters).
• Share important Girl Scout information from SUM Summaries e-newsletters with volunteers in your area.
• 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.

Timeline of Responsibilities

August-October

• Secure and confirm meeting space and time for all upcoming troop leader meetings.
• Welcome any new volunteers to the service unit at troop leader meetings.
• Recruit for open service unit volunteer 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 Day (April 22).
• Identify and recruit for team positions for upcoming year by June 30.
• Provide recommendations for prospective service team volunteers to volunteer support staff.
• Promote Early Bird registration at troop leader meetings.
• Celebrate success—hold an end-of-year service unit Court of Awards/Bridging ceremony if possible.
• Participate in staff facilitated year-end review and help staff with planning and facilitation.
• Ensure service unit treasurer submits Troop & Service Unit Finance Report by June 30.

Purpose: As a recruiter, your efforts make it possible for girls in your community to be a Girl Scout. You organize events that get girls and families excited about Girl Scouts, recruit new volunteers, form new troops, and help members get ready for the new Girl Scout year. By recruiting adult volunteers and girls, you help us reach our membership goals—something we couldn’t do without you!

Term of appointment: This is an annually appointed, one-year term, including the option of reappointment based on demonstrated ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. An interview with Girl Scout River Valleys staff is required for all new service unit recruiters prior to appointment. This position is appointed by Volunteer Support staff.

Reports to: Service unit recruiters are managed and supported through a partnership with Girl Scouts River Valleys Volunteer Support staff and their service unit manager.

Requirements

• Currently registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA
• Complete and pass background check
• Complete Girl Scout River Valleys volunteer onboarding process
• Complete service unit agreement

Qualifications

• Be guided in all actions by the Girl Scout mission, Promise, and Law
• Girl focus: Help girls to empower themselves to lead activities, learn by doing, and cooperate with others on current issues that involve their interests and needs, while having fun.
• Maintain organization and confidentiality of materials and records.
• Personal integrity: Demonstrate dependability, honesty, and credibility.
• Adaptability: Adjust, modify own behavior, and remain flexible and tolerant in response to changing situations and environments.
• Oral communication: Express ideas and facts clearly and accurately.
• Foster diversity: Understand, respect, and embrace differences.
• Computer skills: Access to email and the internet.
• Willingness to maintain a cooperative working relationship with paid staff, service team members, and troop leaders.

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with Girl Scouts River Valleys staff, respond in a timely manner to inquiries.
• Communicate recruitment progress to service unit team and Girl Scouts River Valleys staff members when requested.
• Plan, manage, and implement all seasonal recruitment campaigns.
• Meet established new girl and new troop goals.
• Maintain positive relationships with Girl Scouts River Valleys staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners.
• Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Girl Scouts River Valleys and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) including, but not limited to:
  • Mandated Reporting Policy
  • Data Security Policy
  • Volunteer Eligibility Policy
• Attend regular service unit team and troop leader meetings.
• Provide support for service unit events and initiatives.
• Read role-specific e-communications (do not unsubscribe from council e-newsletters).
• Support and promote the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
• Support and utilize the online troop catalog process for girls and adults joining new or existing troops.
• Provide excellent, friendly customer service to Girl Scout members and prospective members.

Timeline of Responsibilities

May-July

• Secure a date and location for your Girl Scout Troop Formation Event during Spirit Week
• Promote your Girl Scout Troop Formation Event throughout the community.
• Contact all elementary schools in your designated area to confirm permission to attend fall back-to school events and open houses.
• Recruit Open House and Troop Formation Event volunteers.
• Order all recruitment materials, including event kits and flyers from the Impressive Print Center.
• Complete the Online Training!

August

• Attend Fall Launch.
• Make sure flyers are ready for distribution within schools the week before Spirit Week.
• Distribute Spirit Week Tyvek bracelets to troops leaders at your August service unit meeting.
• Distribute Open House kits and materials to volunteers.
• Attend school Open Houses to promote your Girl Scout Troop Formation Event!
• Complete Post-Event Data Entry form after your Open House events.

September

• Encourage troops in your service unit to participate in Spirit Week theme days.
• Promote volunteerism.
• Host your Girl Scout Troop Formation Event.

October

• Reflect and celebrate!
• Share Girl Scout information and invite community to join at:
  • School-based kindergarten round-up events
  • Elementary schools
  • Pre-k programs and child care centers

Purpose: As the service unit treasurer, you provide general oversight and management of your service unit’s finances and support troop volunteers with their troop finances. The troop volunteers are responsible for managing the troop finances.

Term of appointment: This is a one-year term, annually appointed, including option of reappointment based on demonstrated ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. An interview with Girl Scout River Valleys staff is required for all new service unit treasurers prior to appointment. This position is appointed by Volunteer Support staff.

Reports to: Service unit treasurers are managed and supported through a partnership with Girl Scouts River Valleys Volunteer Support staff and their service unit manager. Service unit treasurer training is available both online and in person.

Requirements

• Currently registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA
• Complete and pass background check
• Complete Girl Scout River Valleys volunteer onboarding process
• Complete service unit agreement

Qualifications

• Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout mission, Promise, and Law
• Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude toward Girl Scouts
• Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records
• Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds
• Ability to speak and write clearly, accurately, and enthusiastically
• Basic knowledge about your community and its resources
• Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with Girl Scout River Valleys staff.
• Maintain positive relationships with Girl Scouts River Valleys staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners.
• Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Girl Scouts River Valleys and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) including, but not limited to:
  • Mandated Reporting Policy
  • Data Security Policy
  • Volunteer Eligibility Policy
• Attend regular service unit team and troop leader meetings.
• Provide financial support for service unit events and initiatives (i.e. budgeting and management of service unit funds).
• Read role-specific e-communications (do not unsubscribe from council e-newsletters).
• Provide a monthly report of the financial expenses and revenue to the service unit manager and service unit team.

Timeline of Responsibilities

September-October

• New treasurers:
  • Become a signer on the service unit bank account, including online access and a debit card.
• All treasurers:
  • Ensure the service unit bank account statements are mailed to the service unit manager.
  • Ensure all troops have a bank account prior to the fall product program (Snacks & Magazines) beginning on October 1.
  • Assist new troops with opening new bank accounts and obtain Troop Bank Account Records.

November-January

• Ensure all troops have a bank account prior to the beginning of the Girl Scout Cookie sale beginning.

May-July

• Send reminders to troops to fill out and submit finance reports by June 30.
• Help troops fill out finance reports as needed.
• Submit Service Unit Finance Report to Girl Scouts River Valleys by June 30.
• Contact troops that have not submitted a Troop Finance Report by June 30.
• Collaborate with your service unit team to update/develop the 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.

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 Girl Scouts River Valleys staff.

Qualifications

• Currently registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA
• Complete background check
• Complete Girl Scout River Valleys volunteer onboarding process
• Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout mission, Promise, and Law
• Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude toward Girl Scouts
• Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records
• Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds
• Ability to speak and write clearly, accurately, and enthusiastically
• Basic knowledge about your community and its resources
• Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals
within the community
• Willingness to work with all troops within service unit as well as other nearby communication representatives to ensure quality coverage of Girl Scout events

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with Girl Scout River Valleys staff
• Maintain positive relationships with Girl Scout River Valleys’ staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners
• Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Girl Scouts River Valleys and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) including, but not limited to:
  • Mandated Reporting Policy
  • Data Security Policy
  • Volunteer Eligibility Policy
• Attend regular service unit team and troop leader meetings
• Provide support for service unit events and initiatives
• Read role-specific communications (do not unsubscribe from council newsletters)
• 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. Girl Scout 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
• Promote and support Girl Scout River Valleys’ Family Giving Campaign, Cookie Program, and fall product program (Snacks & Magazines) in relationship to your volunteer position

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 Girl Scouts River Valleys staff.

Qualifications

• Currently registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA
• Complete background check
• Complete Girl Scouts River Valleys volunteer onboarding process
• Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout mission, Promise, and Law
• Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude toward Girl Scouts
• Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records
• Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds
• Ability to speak and write clearly, accurately, and enthusiastically
• Basic knowledge about your community and its resources
• Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with Girl Scouts River Valleys staff
• Maintain positive relationships with Girl Scouts River Valleys’ staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners
• Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Girl Scouts River Valleys and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) including, but not limited to:
  • Mandated Reporting Policy
  • Data Security Policy
  • Volunteer Eligibility Policy
• Attend regular service unit team and troop leader meetings
• Provide support for service unit events and initiatives
• Read role-specific communications (do not unsubscribe from council newsletters)
• 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 service unit manager
• Follow established council guidelines to remove barriers ensuring that events and facilities are open and accessible to all girls
• Encourage troop leaders to participate in service unit and council-sponsored events
• Promote and support Girl Scouts River Valleys’ Family Giving Campaign, fall product program (Snacks & Magazines), and Cookie Program in relationship to your volunteer position
• Work with the service unit registrar to ensure all girls and adults are registered

Service Unit Cookie Managers coordinate the Cookie Program (largest girl-led business) at the service unit level including: training and mentoring troop cookie managers, leveling inventory among troops, assisting with cookie management software, and distributing rewards.

This position is appointed yearly by Girl Scouts River Valleys staff.

Qualifications

• Currently registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA
• Complete background check
• Complete Girl Scouts River Valleys volunteer onboarding process
• Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout mission, Promise, and Law
• Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude toward Girl Scouts
• Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records
• Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds
• Ability to speak and write clearly, accurately, and enthusiastically
• Basic knowledge about your community and its resources
• Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community
• Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with Girl Scouts River Valleys staff
• Maintain positive relationships with Girl Scouts River Valleys’ staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners
• Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Girl Scouts River Valleys and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) including, but not limited to:
  • Mandated Reporting Policy
  • Data Security Policy
  • Volunteer Eligibility Policy
• Attend regular service unit team and troop leader meetings
• Provide support for service unit events and initiatives
• Read role-specific communications (do not unsubscribe from council newsletters)

Timeline of Responsibilities

• November–December: Cookie Program Training

  • Attend an in-person training given by Girl Scouts River Valleys or take the online Cookie Program training
  • Read and understand all information contained in the Service Unit Cookie Manager Guidebook

• November–January: Before the Sale Preparations

  • Deliver training for troop cookie managers to prepare them for the sale, including the initial order, and make sure they follow pre-sale banking procedures
  • To kick-off the cookie season, you can optionally hold a Cookie Rally to get girls excited! This is a great opportunity to introduce girls to the skills they’ll be honing throughout their sale.

• February–March: Manage Troops During the Sale

  • Monitor your service unit to ensure that troops properly manage inventory, allocate cookies to girls, and facilitate the movement of inventory among troops to minimize cookie returns at the end of the sale

• March–May: Wrap-Up After the Sale

  • Monitor all troops within your service unit to ensure that they submit girl rewards on time, follow the cookie return policy, and submit Finance/Inventory Issues Form (Formerly the Collection Problem Report).
  • Receive rewards for your service unit (shipped directly to you)
  • Check reward items prior to releasing any to troops, reporting discrepancies to River Valleys in a timely manner
  • Sort reward items by troop and contact the troop cookie managers to arrange pick up
  • Give troops access to rewards in a timely manner—no more than one month from when you receive the shipments
  • Count reward items with troop cookie managers to ensure accurate counts
  • Have troop cookie managers sign off that they have received all rewards
  • Encourage the troop cookie managers to distribute the rewards to the girls prior summer break

The fall product manager facilitates our fall product program, Snacks & Magazines, within the service unit. By helping the girls in the service unit have a successful sale, they’ll earn start-up funds and develop life skills such as goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

This position is appointed yearly by Girl Scouts River Valleys staff.

Qualifications

• Currently registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA
• Complete background check
• Complete Girl Scouts River Valleys volunteer onboarding process
• Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout mission, Promise, and Law
• Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude toward Girl Scouts
• Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records
• Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds
• Ability to speak and write clearly, accurately, and enthusiastically
• Basic knowledge about your community and its resources
• Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with Girl Scout River Valleys staff
• Maintain positive relationships with Girl Scouts River Valleys’ staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners
• Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Girl Scouts River Valleys and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) including, but not limited to:
  • Mandated Reporting Policy
  • Data Security Policy
  • Volunteer Eligibility Policy
• Attend regular service unit team and troop leader meetings
• Provide support for service unit events and initiatives
• Read role-specific communications (do not unsubscribe from council newsletters)

Timeline of Responsibilities

• September

  • Take the online Snacks & Magazines training
  • Read and understand the Service Unit Snacks & Magazines Guide and the Troop Snacks & Magazines Guide
  • Encourage troops and Juliette (individual) Girl Scouts to participate in the sale
  • Help troop fall product managers register participating girls
  • Make sure all your troop fall product managers complete the online training
  • Assemble and distribute sale materials to participating troops
  • Using the fall product online management tool, update your service unit’s contact information and monitor that participating troops are accessing the system
  • Be prepared for Go Day (September 28). Girls can begin taking in-person and online orders on this date.

• October

  • Support participating troops by ensuring they are following sales dates, adhering to banking procedures, and maintaining their online fall product accounts

• October-December

  • Receive the snacks and rewards delivery after the sale ends
  • Count and ensure snack and reward inventory is correct prior to releasing any snacks or rewards to troops. Report any discrepancies to Girl Scouts River Valleys immediately.
  • Distribute snacks and rewards to troop fall product managers in a timely manner (no longer than one month from receiving). Recount snacks and rewards with the troop volunteer, and have the troop volunteer sign off that they have received everything.
  • Oversee the banking closeout process for all participating troops, including ensuring troop fall product managers have deposited all sale money into their troop bank accounts
  • If troops encountered any financial issues throughout the sale, be sure they complete the Finance/Inventory Issues Form (Formerly the Collection Problem Report).

The troop mentor’s role is rewarding, fun, and important! The troop mentor welcomes new leaders and introduces them to resources and support including: the service unit team, troop leader meetings, troop support, and online trainings and resources.

This position is appointed yearly by Girl Scouts River Valleys staff.

Qualifications

• Currently registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA
• Complete background check
• Complete Girl Scouts River Valleys volunteer onboarding process
• Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout mission, Promise, and Law
• Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude toward Girl Scouts
• Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records
• Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds
• Ability to speak and write clearly, accurately, and enthusiastically
• Basic knowledge about your community and its resources
• Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with Girl Scouts River Valleys staff
• Maintain positive relationships with River Valleys’ staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners
• Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Girl Scouts River Valleys and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) including, but not limited to:
  • Mandated Reporting Policy
  • Data Security Policy
  • Volunteer Eligibility Policy
• Attend regular service unit team and troop leader meetings
• Provide support for service unit events and initiatives
• Read role-specific communications (do not unsubscribe from council newsletters)

Timeline of Responsibilities

• September-November

  • Obtain new troop leader(s) information from Girl Scouts 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 fall product program (Snacks & Magazines), troop meetings, getting started, registrations, program, etc. and refer them to the appropriate resources if needed
  • Attend troop leader meetings and introduce any new leaders that attend
  • Facilitate a new leader orientation meeting with new troop leaders

• December-January

  • Check in with new leader(s) to see if they have questions or concerns about the upcoming Cookie Program and refer them to the appropriate resources if needed, including the service unit cookie manager and Girl Scouts River Valleys’ Product Sales team

• March-May

  • Encourage and remind new troops to register early for the upcoming Girl Scout year
  • Be available to answer questions related to Bridging and Court of Awards ceremonies

• 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.
  • Promote other ways girls can participate if troop if considering disbanding
  • Be a friend and mentor to new troop leaders
  • Must have an email address and allow Girl Scouts River Valleys to provide it to new troop leaders in your service unit
  • Promote Girl Scouts River Valleys programs, training, and resources to new leaders
  • Maintain positive relationships with Girl Scouts River Valleys’ staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners
  • Follow all Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Scouts River Valleys’ policies, standards, and procedures
  • Promote and support Girl Scouts River Valleys’ Family Giving Campaign, fall product program (Snacks & Magazines), and Cookie Program in relationship to your volunteer position
  • Support and promote the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
  • Attend regular service unit team and troop leader meetings
  • Provide support for service unit events and initiatives

The registrar’s role is to assist the members in your service unit with registration and to support and encourage accurate registrations for our fall product program (Snacks & Magazines), Cookie Program, and Early Bird registration.

This position is appointed yearly by Girl Scouts River Valleys staff.

Qualifications

• Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records
• Currently registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA
• Complete Girl Scouts 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 toward Girl Scouts

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with Girl Scouts River Valleys staff
• Maintain positive relationships with Girl Scouts River Valleys’ staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners
• Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Girl Scouts River Valleys and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) including, but not limited to:
  • Mandated Reporting Policy
  • Data Security Policy
  • Volunteer Eligibility Policy
• Attend regular service unit team and troop leader meetings
• Provide support for service unit events and initiatives
• Read role-specific communications (do not unsubscribe from council newsletters)

Timeline of Responsibilities

• August-September

  • Create/maintain a service unit troop roster (to include information on troops welcoming new members, schools, meeting information, leader contact, number of 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)
  • Assist with troop placement as necessary
  • Contact troops that have not registered as necessary
  • Maintain positive relationships with Girl Scouts River Valleys’ staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners
  • Follow all Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Scouts River Valleys’ policies, standards, and procedures
  • Promote and support Girl Scouts River Valleys’ Family Giving Campaign, fall product program (Snacks & Magazines), and 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 troop leader meetings
  • Provide support for service unit events and initiatives

This key volunteer position 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 Girl Scout River Valleys’ ability to deliver services and program to all girls.

This position is appointed yearly by Girl Scouts River Valleys staff.

Qualifications

• Currently registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA
• Complete background check
• Complete Girl Scouts River Valleys volunteer onboarding process
• Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout mission, Promise, and Law
• Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude toward Girl Scouts
• Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records
• Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds
• Ability to speak and write clearly, accurately, and enthusiastically
• Basic knowledge about your community and its resources
• Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community
• Comfortable speaking about Family Giving and the benefits Girl Scouts provides girls

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with Girl Scout River Valleys staff
• Maintain positive relationships with Girl Scout River Valleys’ staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners
• Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Girl Scouts River Valleys and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) including, but not limited to:
  • Mandated Reporting Policy
  • Data Security Policy
  • Volunteer Eligibility Policy
• Attend regular service unit team and troop leader meetings
• Provide support for service unit events and initiatives
• Read role-specific communications (do not unsubscribe from council newsletters)

Timeline of Responsibilities

• 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–Following September: Launch and Promote your Campaign

  • Host an event, create an email campaign to parents, distribute and collect 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 them on the importance of Family Giving and investing in girls
  • Utilize the Family Giving Toolkit and other resources to support a successful campaign
  • 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 effort 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 Saint Paul Service Center at: 400 Robert Street South, Saint Paul, MN 55107
  • Share stories and best practices with Girl Scout River Valleys’ Development and Volunteer Support team to share with other Family Giving coordinators
  • All Family Giving contributions are due September 15 by 4:00 pm to apply toward 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 troop leader meetings
• Provide support for service unit events and initiatives

Outdoor champions are Girl Scout River Valleys 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. 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!

This position is appointed yearly by Girl Scouts River Valleys staff.

Qualifications

• Currently registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA
• Complete background check
• Complete Girl Scouts River Valleys volunteer onboarding process
• Committed to speak and act in a manner consistent with the Girl Scout mission, Promise, and Law
• Knowledge of the Girl Scout program and a positive attitude toward Girl Scouts
• Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records
• Practice welcoming and inclusive behavior toward people of all ages, races, religions, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, gender, educational, and economic backgrounds
• Ability to speak and write clearly, accurately, and enthusiastically
• Basic knowledge about your community and its resources
• Demonstrate strong group and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability and willingness to initiate contacts with groups and individuals within the community
• Experience in camping out with girls
• Complete Outdoor Champion training with River Valleys staff. Check website for dates and locations.

Responsibilities

• Teach, support, and advise volunteers on how to take girls camping at Girl Scout 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 troop leaders to participate in service unit and council-sponsored events
• Complete volunteer position training within the required timeframe
• Communicate regularly with Girl Scout River Valleys staff
• Maintain positive relationships with Girl Scout River Valleys’ staff, service unit team, parents, troop leaders, and community partners
• Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Girl Scouts River Valleys and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) including, but not limited to:
  • Mandated Reporting Policy
  • Data Security Policy
  • Volunteer Eligibility Policy
• Attend regular service unit team and troop leader meetings
• Provide support for service unit events and initiatives
• Read role-specific communications (do not unsubscribe from council newsletters)