Purpose of the Plan

Purpose

This plan has been developed so that Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont (GSCP2P) can respond to emergencies effectively, keep audiences informed and use the media as a liaison to disseminate key messages. Although crises differ, they share many common elements. GSCP2P must anticipate a crisis and be fully prepared to implement this plan quickly and effectively.

Objectives

• Protect lives and property by containing the crisis—take care of the physical emergency. • Demonstrate that the council has the issue under control through the rapid deployment of its crisis plan. • Implement actions that inform key audiences, especially family and personnel involved, minimize rumors and restore order and/or confidence. • Take appropriate actions to protect the reputation of the council. • Maintain ongoing operations and programs as conventionally as possible.

What Is a Crisis?

For the purposes of this plan, the term “crisis” covers a range of scenarios, from local, negative press coverage to serious situations that may include actual or potential injury or illness. For practical purposes, different levels of crisis will require different levels of response. Some examples are:

Level 1 Situation/Minimal Impact

• A mild, local, negative media story about the council • Complaints of activity/program mismanagement • Defective product (cookies, merchandise, magazines, recognition item, etc.) • Minor injury or illness at camp property or during activity • Serious injury of a member when NOT participating in a Girl Scout activity

Level 2 Situation/Moderate Impact

• Lost troop/camper/Girl Scout • Crime either committed by or against a girl, volunteer or staff member • Legal action • Council facing financial difficulty

Level 3 Situation/Major Impact

• Death or serious injury during Girl Scout activity • Allegation of misconduct or abuse by a volunteer or staff • Violence or a natural disaster threatening Girl Scouts during an activity • Product recall • Compromise of member’s personal data • Harassment in the workplace • Embezzlement • Fire on council property