Volunteer Recognition

Appreciation Pin toggle arrow

The Appreciation Pin was instituted in 1976 by GSUSA. The Appreciation Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the GSLE with impact within one geographic area of service, beyond a troop level, within Girl Scouting.

Gratitude Pin toggle arrow

The Gratitude Pin can be awarded to any adult volunteer who has previously earned the Appreciation Pin. Candidates must continue to provide exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience with impact within at least one geographic area of service beyond the troop level within Girl Scouts.

Honor Pin

The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.

Thanks Badge toggle arrow

The Thanks Badge was instituted in 1912 by GSUSA. The Thanks Badge honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Thanks Badge II toggle arrow

Thanks Badge II was instituted in 1987 by GSUSA. The Thanks Badge II honors a previous Thanks Badge award recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role which resulted in a measurable impact benefiting the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Forever Green toggle arrow

Forever Green is a GSNEO created award and was implemented in 2012 by the Volunteer Recognition Committee. It may be presented to Volunteers who are nominated after receiving the Thanks Badge and Thanks Badge II. This award honors their continued exemplary service.

GSNEO Award toggle arrow

The Girl Scouts of North East Ohio Award was implemented in 2018 by the Volunteer Recognition Committee. The award recognizes any individual, or group, whose outstanding service to a Council-wide assignment, committee, or whose service and dedication impacts the success and development of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for GSNEO. This award is appropriate for individuals or groups who have impacted on the council as a whole and does not have the prerequisite of receiving other awards first.

Focus of Service	Benefits at least one geographic area of service beyond the troop level or wider reach.
Impact of Service	Significant service above and beyond the expectations of the position(s) held. Recognizeds a volunteer’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience with impact on one geographic area of service.
Length of Service	No length of service requirement.
Examples of Possible Candidates	Service Unit team members Volunteers who repeatedly coordinate large events for an SU or group Adult facilitators working primarily in one SU or group
Nominations Required	1
Endorsements Required	2
Approval Required	By the GSNEO Volunteer Recognition Committee
Presentation	Provided by GSNEO and presented at the Volunteer Recognition Celebration.
General Requirements	The Awardee must have a current Girl Scout membership and approved background check. The Awardee must not owe any debt to GSNEO. If the Awardee is responsible for any bank account(s) for GSNEO, those accounts must be in good standing with an up-to-date finance report on file. The Awardee must have completed all required training related to volunteer role(s).

Focus of Service	Benefits at least one geographic area of service beyond the troop level or wider reach.
Impact of Service	Honoree demonstrated outstanding achievement in the following areas. Empowers Girl Scouts to create and/or participation in meaningful program opportunities. Inspires service to the community. Leverages resources and programs available through the council and national offices. Supports council goals with membership recruitment and growth.
Length of Service	At least two years after Appreciation Pin which can include the current membership year.
Examples of Possible Candidates	Long standing Service Unit Volunteer who continues to offer their expertiese to the unit and its members.
Nominations Required	1
Endorsements Required	3
Approval Required	By the GSNEO Volunteer Recognition Committee
Presentation	Provided by GSNEO and presented at the Volunteer Recognition Celebration.
General Requirements	The Awardee must have a current Girl Scout membership and approved background check. The Awardee must not owe any debt to GSNEO. If the Awardee is responsible for any bank account(s) for GSNEO, those accounts must be in good standing with an up-to-date finance report on file. The Awardee must have completed all required training related to volunteer role(s).

Focus of Service	Benefits at least two geographic areas of service beyond the troop level or wider reach.
Impact of Service	Significant service above and beyond the expectations of the position(s) held. Recognizes a volunteer's exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience with impact on one geographic area of service.
Length of Service	No length of service requirement.
Examples of Possible Candidates	Service Unit Volunteers who have roles in more than one service unit. Volunteers who repeatedly coordinate large events for multiple service units or groups. Adult facilitators working across a regional area covering more than one SU.
Nominations Required	1
Endorsements Required	3
Approval Required	By the GSNEO Volunteer Recognition Committee
Presentation	Provided by GSNEO and presented at the Volunteer Recognition Celebration.
General Requirements	The Awardee must have a current Girl Scout membership and approved background check. The Awardee must not owe any debt to GSNEO. If the Awardee is responsible for any bank account(s) for GSNEO, those accounts must be in good standing with an up-to-date finance report on file. The Awardee must have completed all required training related to volunteer role(s).

Focus of Service	Benefits GSNEO Council or entire Girl Scout Movement.
Impact of Service	Continuous and outstanding service above and beyond the expectations of position(s) held. Exemplifies the Girl Scout Promise and Law in their daily life.
Length of Service	No length of service requirement.
Examples of Possible Candidates	A volunteer who has mentored and revitalized SU teams in more than one area. An adult facilitator who impacts the entire council by mentoring other educations from other geographic areas throughout the council. A member of a council committee who had a profound impact that improved processes throughout the council.
Nominations Required	1
Endorsements Required	4
Approval Required	By th GSNEO Volunteer Recognition Committee
Presentation	Provided by GSNEO and presented at the Volunteer Recognition Celebration.
General Requirements	The Awardee must have a current Girl Scout membership and approved background check. The Awardee must not owe any debt to GSNEO. If the Awardee is responsible for any bank account(s) for GSNEO, those accounts must be in good standing with an up-to-date finance report on file. The Awardee must have completed all required training related to volunteer role(s).

Focus of Service	Benefits GSNEO Council or entire Girl Scout Movement.
Impact of Service	Continuous and outstanding service above and beyond the expectations of position(s) held. Exemplifies the Girl Scout Promise and Law in their daily life.
Length of Service	No length of service requirement. Candidate must have previously earned the Thanks Badge.
Examples of Possible Candidates	Same examples as Thanks Badge. The awardee does not have to be serving in the same capacity but must still continue to benefit the entire council.
Nominations Required	1
Endorsements Required	4
Approval Required	By the GSNEO Volunteer Recognition Committee
Presentation	Provided by GSNEO and presented at the Volunteer Recognition Celebration.
General Requirements	The Awardee must have a current Girl Scout membership and approved background check. The Awardee must not owe any debt to GSNEO. If the Awardee is responsible for any bank account(s) for GSNEO, those accounts must be in good standing with an up-to-date finance report on file. The Awardee must have completed all required training related to volunteer role(s).

Council Finder

2025 Volunteer Recognition Awardees

Nomination Process

National and Council Recognitions

Service Unit Level Awards

Focus of Service	Benefits the troop, service unit, or other group, in a capacity other than Troop Leader or Troop Admin. If a person serves in additional non-Leader/Admin roles, they are eligible. Endorsement should focus on these additional roles.
Impact of Service	Significant service above and beyond the expectations of the position(s) held. Volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly wih girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience using the National Program Portfolio, or in support of Council’s mission delivery to youth and adult members.
Length of Service	No length of service requirement.
Examples of Possible Candidates	Troop committee members, such as a Troop Product Manager – CP or Troop Treasurer. A troop leader who has already received Outstanding Leader, but also serves with distinction in another troop role, like Troop Product Manager – FPP or Troop Product Manager – CP. A volunteer who received an Appreciation Pin, then took on a Service Unit Committee role for addtional years.
Approval Required	The SU Team for the candidate. This award is not issued via the GSNEO Volunteer Recognition Committee. If Service Unit Team does not exist for the area this award can be issued directly by GSNEO staff.
Presentation	By the Service Unit and presented at a local SU event, candidate can count towards Honors Grant recipient. If Service Unit Team does not exist for the area this award can be issued locally by GSNEO staff to recipient.
General Requirements	The Awardee must have a current Girl Scout membership and approved background check. The nominee has successfully completed a term of service and all requirements (including training) for the position. The Awardee must not owe any debt to GSNEO. If the Awardee is responsible for any bank account(s) for GSNEO, those accounts must be in good standing with an up-to-date finance report on file. OR The candidate’s performance has been beyond the expectations of the position, has supported the council’s mission delivery goals in one or more of the following areas: Membership development, Community cultivation, Volunteer Relations, Girl Experience Programming, Governance, Fund Development, or Council Support Services (i.e. Customer Service, Product Sales, IT, etc.). The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the value of inclusive behavior.

Focus of Service	Troop Leader or Troop Admin volunteer roles
Impact of Service	Demonstrated outstanding achievements in the following areas: Implementing a girl-led program appropriate to Girl Scout level. Communication with troop(s), family, service unit, and council. Membership development (meeting or exceeding troop size agreed upon by the leader and the service unit team) in accordance with the service unit's membership goals.
Length of Service	No length of service requirement.
Examples of Possible Candidates	Troop Leader Trop Admin
Approval Required	The SU Team for the candidate. This award is not issued via the GSNEO Volunteer Recognition Committee. If Service Unit Team does not exist for the area this award can be issued directly by GSNEO staff.
Presentation	By the Service Unit and presented at a local SU event, candidate can count towards Honors Grant recipient. If Service Unit Team does not exist for the area this award can be issued locally by GSNEO staff to recipient.
General Requirements	The Awardee must have a current Girl Scout membership and approved background check. The nominee has successfully completed a term of service and all requirements (including training) for the position. The Awardee must not owe any debt to GSNEO. If the Awardee is responsible for any bank account(s) for GSNEO, those accounts must be in good standing with an up-to-date finance report on file.

Focus of Service	Local troop or service unit
Impact of Service	Troop or SU
Length of Service	At least one completed year of active service. Can be awarded in the second active year of service, and candidate must be committed to a third year of service.
Examples of Possible Candidates	Any adult volunteer in troop leader who is active within the service unit. Definition of service to the SU is left up to the SU team. Completed and executed a bridging event, community service project, campout, etc Focused on continuing to progress through the troop experience.
Approval Required	Approval of nomination and endorsement is handled at the SU level by the SU team or by GSNEO staff if no unit team is in place.
Presentation	Service Unit Presentation or GSNEO
General Requirements	The Awardee must have a current Girl Scout membership and approved background check. The nominee has successfully completed a term of service and all requirements (including training) for the position. The Awardee must not owe any debt to GSNEO. If the Awardee is responsible for any bank account(s) for GSNEO, those accounts must be in good standing with an up-to-date finance report on file. The Awardee has completed all the training required for their role. Candidate must be active within the local service unit if a unit team is in place.