From the desk of ... Toby Ann Weber, Interim CEO

You may have recently received an email titled “Support Girls/Skip the Cookies”. As Girl Scouts, we respect the opinions of others and their freedom to express such opinions. However, the email being circulated is not an official Council communication and contains inaccurate and misleading information.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the most comprehensive business, entrepreneurial and financial literacy training program available for girls today. While participating in one of the most widely anticipated and enjoyable Girl Scout activities, girls strengthen their skills in goal setting, decision making, business ethics, people skills and money management.

With big hearts and big imaginations, Girl Scouts become young entrepreneurs who learn leadership values and responsibility. Girls feel a sense of accomplishment when they earn money and, in turn, help others. The cookie program also makes it possible for girls to plan for activities that build courage, confidence, and character. Our brand and mission are strong – and our girls should feel proud to be Girl Scouts. Customers look forward to seeing the smiling faces of Girl Scouts selling cookies and learning how they are doing “a world of good.” We also want you to know that your grass roots efforts are reinforced by a Council marketing and communications, advertising and public relations campaign on the radio, TV, online and in print media throughout all 18 counties.

While boycotting the sale of cookies could negatively impact the Council, the 40,000 girls we serve would ultimately suffer. Finally, we want to be sure that everyone understands the official Girl Scout policies regarding troop/group fund raising.

• Girl members may not engage in any direct solicitation for money, as stated in the Blue Book of Basic Documents, GSUSA.

• If you are selling cookies at a cookie booth you may not sell additional items such as baked goods or craft items. The Cookie Booth dates are considered Money Earning Blackout dates meaning no other money earning activity can take place during that time, as stated in the GSNEO Volunteer Policies.

• If you are at a cookie booth and a “Skip the Cookies” station is nearby, please remember that we are all to use the Girl Scout Promise and Law to guide our behavior.

If you have any questions regarding the Cookie Program, money-earning regulations or general Girl Scout Policies, please contact Kim Janikovics, Director of Business Services, at 330.983.0392/800.852.4474, ext. 0392 or kjanikovics@gsneo.org. She will be sure that your questions and concerns are promptly addressed.