Introduction Philosophy & Wellness | Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

Welcome to GSNEO Member & Volunteer Policies!

Click below to read an introduction to the policies, learn GSNEO’s philosophy, and a statement about volunteer wellness.

I. Introduction toggle arrow

This document outlines the policies of Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO). It is not the intent of this document to repeat national policies, but to adopt specific policies to clarify those areas needed to be defined for local use.

All members of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) are responsible for adhering to the policies, practices, procedures, and guidelines in the Blue Book of Basic Documents, Volunteer Essentials, and Safety Activity Checkpoints. These documents are published by GSUSA and are used throughout the national organization.

In addition to all the standard volunteer policies, board members have additional policies and standards of conduct that apply to that particular position which are reviewed after election to the board. A board member may not, while serving as a member of the GSNEO Board of Directors, serve in any operational volunteer position for GSNEO. An exception is made to allow for serving in the role of Helping Hands in a troop in which a Girl Scout member of their household participates.

Within this document, the term GSNEO is used interchangeably with the words “the council.” Also, the term “volunteer” is defined as any person who is not a paid staff member but delivers Girl Scout programming, and whose participation affects the health, safety, and/or finances of the girl or adult membership.

II. Volunteer Philosophy toggle arrow

Volunteers are Girl Scouts of North East Ohio’s (GSNEO’s) greatest asset in guiding generations of Girl Scouts to become leaders in their own lives and in the world. It is through this volunteer leadership that the Girl Scout Movement serves girls and realizes its mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. To ensure job satisfaction of volunteers and to utilize the talents of volunteers effectively, it is essential that the following policies be established and maintained. Together we can work to ensure the safety and well-being of all members.

III. Volunteer Wellness toggle arrow

Volunteer service can involve multiple commitments. Enthusiasm, energy, and positive attitudes are essential to providing Girl Scouts and adults with worthwhile and enjoyable leadership experiences. To this end, it is vital that adult volunteers not overextend themselves by volunteering for too many overlapping roles. Building a broader base of adult support by encouraging others to participate increases and expands the opportunities for everyone to grow and share. GSNEO is committed to providing enriching quality experiences for both girls and adults.

Glossary

Administrative Volunteer Roles – SUT roles, council level volunteer roles, trainers, Troop Leaders.

Community Support Coordinator/Specialist – GSNEO staff member who support volunteers, troops, and service units within a specific geographical area.

Fundraising – the act or process of soliciting funds. Fundraising is an ADULT activity.

gsLearn – online training platform used by GSNEO volunteers.

GSNEO – Girl Scouts of North East Ohio; local Girl Scout council serving 18 counties. Girl Scouts of North East Ohio serves girls in grades K-12 and adult members in Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Sandusky, Seneca, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas Counties.

GSUSA – Girl Scouts of the USA; national Girl Scout organization.

Juliettes – an individually registered Girl Scout member, who participates independently from a troop.

Money Earning Activities – activities for the purpose of earning money to accomplish a financial goal for a troop/group activity. Money-earning is a YOUTH activity.

Service Units – a community of troops, usually aligned with a school-district.

Service Unit Teams (SUTs) – a group of volunteers in leadership roles within the service unit, led by the Service Unit Director.

Special Interest Group (SIG) – a group of Girl Scouts from multiple service units that meets based on a focused area of interest (e.g., Travel, High Adventure, Social Justice).

Subordinate Unit – a unit serving as an extension of GSNEO, including but not limited to troops, groups, service units, and day camps.

Troops – a group of at least five Girl Scout members.

Volunteer Toolkit – a customizable digital planning tool, with view-only access for parents/caregivers.

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Introduction, Philosophy, & Wellness

Welcome to GSNEO Member & Volunteer Policies!