Outreach Volunteer Guide
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2018
1 ❧ TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION................................................................................................ 4 What is Outreach?..................................................................................................................................................4 Volunteer Role Description and Expectations................................................................................................5 Working with Your Outreach Specialist............................................................................................................6 We Are Girl Scouts.................................................................................................................................................6 Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law............................................................................................................... 7 Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) Outcomes.................................................................................... 7 What is the Impact of Girl Scouts?....................................................................................................................8 Spirit of Nebraska Council...................................................................................................................................9 Girl Scouts Signals, Signs and Motto.............................................................................................................. 10
CHAPTER 2: TROOP MEETINGS......................................................................................11 What to Expect During a Troop Meeting.......................................................................................................... 11 Girl Led Environment .......................................................................................................................................... 12 Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)....................................................................................................................................... 13 Creating an Atmosphere of Acceptance and Inclusion.............................................................................. 13 Girl Scouts Inclusion and Nondiscrimination Policy................................................................................... 14 Create a Safe Space for Girls............................................................................................................................ 15 Sensitive Topics.................................................................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER 3: SAFETY GUIDELINES..............................................................................17 Recommended Troop/Group Sizes.................................................................................................................. 17 Volunteer-to Girl-Ratios...................................................................................................................................... 18 What to Do If There is an Accident.................................................................................................................. 18 Child Abuse Policy................................................................................................................................................ 19 Girl Scout Cookie Program Safety................................................................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 4: ADDITIONAL INFO.................................................................................... 21 Marketing and Social Media.............................................................................................................................. 21 Money Earning Basics........................................................................................................................................ 22 Resignation/Reassignment/Release............................................................................................................... 22 Harassment...........................................................................................................................................................23 Refer a Friend!.......................................................................................................................................................23 Spirit of Nebraska Website................................................................................................................................23 GirlScoutsNebraska.org ☙ 3
1 ❧ INTRODUCTION
1
What Is Outreach? The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. We believe every girl deserves access to the life-changing benefits of Girl Scouts! Each year, we provide the Girl Scouting experience to more than 3,000 Nebraska girls through our Outreach Program.
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The purpose of our Outreach program is to bring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) to girls who may not be able to participate in a traditional Girl Scout Troop. By reaching out to these girls, Girl Scouts provides a safe place where girls can connect with positive adult role models and peer groups and develop to their full potential. Outreach Specialists work together with schools and community centers to collaborate and hold troop meetings where girls are located. Furthermore, Outreach strives to break down financial barriers by making Girl Scouts accessible to every girl for free. The Outreach program is funded by grants and donations from the community and relies on volunteers like you to bring programs to underserved girls.
Volunteer Role Description and Expectations Outreach Volunteers commit 1-2 hours a week for troop meetings and lesson planning time. As a volunteer, you will go into a school/community center to facilitate Girl Scout activities. You will serve as a troop co-leader for your girls; regular attendance is expected. Supplies will be provided to you by your Outreach Specialist.
VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES • Serve as a role model to girls and help them develop leadership skills. • Be guided in all actions by the Girl Scout Mission, Promise and Law. • Remain informed about and comply with the most current policies, procedures, and guidelines of Spirit of Nebraska Council and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). • Plan (or read over pre-planned) lessons each week and be prepared to facilitate activities. • Track girl attendance at every meeting. • Pass out and collect registration forms/permission slip forms for all girls who participate. • Submit any supply needs/requests to the Outreach Specialist at least one week prior to meeting. • Maintain communication with the Outreach Specialist, sharing updates/concerns/suggestions as needed. • Attend all meetings during the series; arriving on time and notifying the Outreach Specialist at least 24 hours prior if you cannot attend. The Outreach program is a donor and grant funded program. To show the progress and success of the Outreach program, each girl is required to complete a pre-survey when she starts an Outreach program and a post-survey when she ends the Outreach program. Surveys will be provided to you from your Outreach Specialists with full instructions.
OUTREACH VOLUNTEER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS To become an Outreach Volunteer, you are required to attend the following: 1. Volunteer Orientation: Provided by your Outreach Specialist. 2. Outreach Volunteer Training: Complete the GS101 Online Training and/or attend a training with your Outreach Specialist. Additionally, your Outreach Specialist may wish to meet with you at other times throughout the school year to provide support and give you any necessary updates. All volunteers are required to complete registration and background check.
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Working With Your Outreach Specialist Your Outreach Specialist will work with you to ensure you have what you need to be a successful troop co-leader. The Outreach Specialist’s role may vary slightly depending on your assigned site. Your Outreach Specialist will outline their exact duties during your volunteer orientation.
OUTREACH SPECIALIST RESPONSIBILITIES • Provide lesson plans to use at meetings. • Provide all supplies for troop meetings. • Offer educational resources and support to aid in the delivery of Girl Scout meetings, such as curriculum ideas or, dealing with behavior issues (at the request of the Outreach Volunteer). • Supply membership forms, field trip permission slips, and attendance sheets (as needed). • Communicate and provide relevant Girl Scout training opportunities, planning meetings, and volunteer development events (as needed, and this may also be requested by the volunteer). • Offer volunteer and girl meeting updates regularly by phone, email, or in person. • Respond to your emails/text messages/phone calls in a timely manner. • Update you on any changes that occur at your site. • Maintain communication with the site/after-school staff.
PROGRAM CANCELLATIONS/ WEATHER-RELATED ISSUES Girl Scouts will be cancelled if the school district and/or afterschool activities are cancelled due to weather-related issues, early dismissal, or if school is not in session. If you show up to a site and find the school/agency has cancelled activities, please inform your Outreach Specialist as soon as possible. The Outreach Specialist will contact the program director to ensure that proper communication is maintained. 6 ☙ Outreach Volunteer Guide
Juliette Gordon Low
We Are Girl Scouts Girl Scouts was founded in 1912 by trailblazer Juliette Gordon Low. We are the largest girlserving organization in the United States and a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, a sisterhood of close to 10 million girls and adults in over 145 countries.
MORE THAN 2 MILLION STRONG Girl Scouts are urban, rural, and suburban. We are in schools, churches, temples, mosques, public housing, foster homes, and detention centers. We are in virtually every zip code and in 90 countries around the world. • 1.8 million girls, ages 5 to 18 • 16,500 Girl Scouts overseas • 800,000 adult volunteers • 50 million alumnae • 112 U.S. councils
Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law The Girl Scout Promise and Law are learned by and shared among every Girl Scout member. The Promise is the way Girl Scouts agree to act toward one another and other people every day. The Law outlines the way that members act toward one another and the world. GIRL SCOUT MISSION
GIRL SCOUT LAW
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
GIRL SCOUT PROMISE On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law. Girl Scout Sign
Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) Outcomes The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), the foundation of the Girl Scout program, features a variety of fun, challenging, and experiential activities that empower girls as they develop five attitudes, skills, and behaviors essential to effective leadership:
1 2 3 4 5
Develops a strong sense of self. Displays positive values. Seeks challenges and learns to persevere. Forms and maintains healthy relationships. Learns to identify and solve problems in her community.
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What is the Impact of Girl Scouts? Research demonstrates that Girl Scouts is linked to success! According to The Girl Scout Impact Study, Girl Scouts shine above their peers in leadership, academics, career aspirations, and hope for the future. When it comes to benefiting girls, Girl Scouts delivers.
4 IN 5 GIRL SCOUTS ARE LEADERS COMPARED TO
2 IN 5 NON-GIRL SCOUTS SUPPORTIVE ADULT RELATIONSHIPS
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to have an adult in their lives who helps them:
Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to:
• Pursue their goals • Think about their future
ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to participate in: • Group leadership activities • Community service projects • Outdoor activities, like camping
• Earn “excellent” grades • Expect to graduate high school • Expect to graduate college
ACTIVE LEARNING Girl Scouts are more likely than nonGirl Scouts to: • Work collaboratively with others • Engage in hands-on activities and reflect on what worked/didn’t work • Take an active role in decision making
METHODOLOGY: An online survey was conducted by the research firm Decision Analyst and consisted of 3,014 girls (1,507 Girl Scouts, 1,507 non-Girl Scouts) aged 5–18. Quotas were set by age, race/ethnicity, region, and family income to achieve a nationally representative sample. For more information, contact gsresearch@girlscouts.org.
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Spirit of Nebraska Council Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska is the largest girl-serving organization in the state with more than 19,000 members. Our council more than 77,300 square miles across 92 Nebraska counties and Carter Lake, Iowa. Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska is broken down into five service areas. Each service area includes council staff members, service center offices, Juliette’s Boutique shops, and camp properties. We have six service centers, six camps, and one outdoor education facility. For more information about our camps and properties, visit “Camps” at GirlScoutsNebraska.org.
SERVICE AREAS West Central Northeast Southeast East Central
SERVICE CENTERS Ogallala 302 W. D St. Ogallala, NE 69153 Kearney 2412 Hwy. 30 East, Ste. 1 Kearney, NE 68847 Grand Island 2400 E. Wildwood Dr. Grand Island, NE 68801
CAMPS/PROPERTIES Lakeview Cabin North Platte, NE Hidden Oaks Cabin Valentine, NE Camp Cosmo Grand Island, NE Hilltop House Lincoln, NE
Columbus 1570 33rd Ave. Columbus, NE 68601
Camp Crossed Arrows Nickerson, NE
Lincoln 8230 Beechwood Dr. Lincoln, NE 68510
Camp Maha Papillion, NE
Omaha 2121 S. 44th St. Omaha, NE 68105
Camp Catron Nebraska City, NE
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Girl Scout Signs, Signals, and Motto Over time, any organization is going to develop a few common signals that everyone understands. As such, Girl Scouts has developed a few unique ways to greet, acknowledge, and communicate, some of which are listed here.
GIRL SCOUT SIGN The idea of the sign came from the days of chivalry, when armed knights greeted friendly knights by raising the right hand, palm open, as a sign of friendship. To give the sign, raise the three middle fingers of the right-hand palm forward and shoulder high (the three extended fingers represent the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise). Girls give the sign when they: • Say the Promise or Law (see page 7). • Are welcomed into Girl Scouts at an investiture ceremony that welcomes new Girl Scout members. • Receive an award, patch, pin, or other recognition. • Greet other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides.
GIRL SCOUT HANDSHAKE The handshake is a more formal way of greeting other Girl Scouts, and is also an appropriate way to receive an award. • Shake left hands • Give the Girl Scout Sign with your right hand.
QUIET SIGN The quiet sign can be extremely useful to you as a volunteer, so teach it to girls during your first meeting. • Raise your right hand high with an open palm. • As girls in the group see the sign, they stop talking and also raise their hands. • Once everyone is silent, the meeting can begin.
GIRL SCOUT SLOGAN AND MOTTO • The Girl Scout slogan is, “Do a good turn daily.” • The Girl Scout motto is, “Be prepared.”
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2 ❧ TROOP MEETINGS
What to Expect During a Troop Meeting Because the Outreach Program often holds troop meetings during girls’ after-school time, the structure of your Outreach Troop should be flexible. Girl Scouts is girl-led, meaning that the girls build leadership experience by deciding the direction of the troop. Girls may want a more “traditional” Girl Scout experience (wearing uniforms, learning songs and traditions, earning badges, and selling cookies). However, the girls in your troop may just want the opportunity to be with friends and positive adult role models and explore Girl Scout curriculum. Take the time to get to know your troop and learn which structure would work best for your girls. GirlScoutsNebraska.org ☙ 11
Girl Led Environment The Girl Scout program is based on the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), in which girls Discover themselves, Connect with others, and Take Action to make the world a better place—all within the safety of an all-girl environment where girls take the lead, learn by doing, and learn cooperatively. Girls from Daisies through Ambassadors will gain confidence and leadership skills when given the opportunity to lead their activities, learn cooperatively as a group, and learn by doing instead of by observing.
FACILITATING A GIRL-LED ENVIRONMENT Remember that you want girls to lead, but younger girls will need more guidance, while older girls will require much less. As your group starts its troop meetings, get a discussion going on what themes or badges they want to explore so everyone has an opportunity to express their interests. Ask them what they’re most interested in accomplishing during their time together, and then help them connect those interests to the troop activities. When offering choices, give only two or three options for younger girls who have difficulty processing information. Too many choices (as in “free time”) is very overwhelming to some girls, so having some readymade options will help with this.
EXAMPLES OF LETTING GIRLS LEAD Common ways you can let girls lead in a troop setting are: • Have a girl lead the Girl Scout Promise. • If you’re working on or planning an activity a girl has experience with, ask her to share her experience related to the activity with the troop or even have her lead part of the activity. • Ask for their input on what they want to do for a service project so everyone’s ideas are considered.
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Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) The Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) is a digital tool, accessible on your computer, smart phone or tablet that will save you precious time as you and your girls plan, organize, and manage troop activities. If your Outreach Specialist trains you on the VTK, here are some of the capabilities of the system. • MY TROOP: Holds your complete girl roster with primary parent/ guardian, email and phone information. • EXPLORE: View several pre-populated Year Plans for each program level. • YEAR PLAN: Where you will see your pre-populated or custom year plans. • MEETING PLAN: Set your calendar to include meeting locations, date and time. You can also view meeting details including activity descriptions, meeting aids, materials list, and more. • RESOURCES: Review the Safety Activity Checkpoints, meeting aids and other resources from GSUSA and Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. For additional assistance, contact your Outreach Specialist, or contact Member Support at MemberSupport@girlscoutsnebraska.org.
Creating an Atmosphere of Acceptance and Inclusion Girl Scouts embraces girls of all abilities, backgrounds, and heritage, with a specific and positive philosophy of inclusion that benefits everyone. Each girl—without regard to socioeconomic status, race, physical or cognitive ability, ethnicity, primary language, or religion—is an equal and valued member of the group, and groups reflect the diversity of the community. Inclusion is an approach and an attitude, rather than a set of guidelines. Inclusion is about belonging, about all girls being offered the same opportunities, about respect and dignity, and about honoring the uniqueness of and differences among us all. You are accepting and inclusive when you: • Welcome every girl and focus on building community. • Emphasize cooperation instead of competition. • Provide a safe and socially comfortable environment for girls. • Teach respect for, understanding of, and dignity toward all girls and their families. • Actively reach out to girls and families who are traditionally excluded or marginalized. • Foster a sense of belonging to community as a respected and valued peer. • Honor the intrinsic value of each person’s life.
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USE PEOPLE-FIRST LANGUAGE As an Outreach Volunteer, you will work with a diverse group of Girl Scouts who may be of a different faith, nationality, or socioeconomic status than yourself. Every girl has faced different circumstances and possesses a different set of skills and challenges. You are expected as troop co-leader to be inclusive to all girls and to ensure that the girls are inclusive of each other. In addition, note that people-first language puts the person before the disability. SAY...
INSTEAD OF...
She has a learning disability.
She is learning disabled.
She has a developmental delay.
She is mentally retarded; she is slow.
She uses a wheelchair.
She is wheelchair-bound.
Girl Scouts Inclusion and Nondiscrimination Policy The Girl Scouts Inclusion and Nondiscrimination Policy applies to all Girl Scouts programs, volunteers, and staff: “Girl Scouts value inclusiveness and do not discriminate or recruit on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, national origin, or physical or developmental disability.” Young people expect, crave and depend upon the guidance, structure, material support, and discipline that caring adults can provide. But this must be provided in a respectful manner. Your job as troop co-leader is to provide your girls with the tools to become successful individuals; you want to empower them to grow in their leadership skills, not draw attention to the leadership skills that they may lack. When you show respect for your girls, you create an environment where they feel safe, can learn to respect you and their peers, and will gain the leadership skills available to them through Girl Scouts. 14 ☙ Outreach Volunteer Guide
Create a Safe Space for Girls The environment you create is as important – maybe more – than the activities girls do; it’s the key to developing the sort of group that girls want to be part of. The following sections share some tips on creating a warm, safe environment for girls.
1 2 3 4 5
PROMOTE GIRL-ADULT PARTNERSHIP Girl Scouting is for the enjoyment and benefit of the girls, so meetings are built around girls’ ideas. When you put the girls first, you’re helping develop a team relationship, making space for the development of leadership skills, and allowing girls to benefit from the guidance, mentoring, and coaching of caring adults. Girls often say that their best experiences were the ones where adults treated them as equal partners. The three Girl Scout processes (girl-led, learning by doing, and cooperative learning) are integral to the girl-adult partnership. RECOGNIZE AND SUPPORT EACH GIRL Girls look up to their volunteers. They need to know that you consider each of them an important person. Help girls find ways to show acceptance of and support for one another. BUILD TRUST An important piece of building trust is being present, engaging, and encouraging. Girls need your belief in them and your support when they try new things. Encourage girls to think for themselves and how they can identify mistakes. MANAGE CONFLICT If conflicts arise, respond swiftly. Take the girl aside and explain appropriate behavior. Verbal and physical confrontations are not tolerated. If you are experiencing conflict between girls, volunteers or parents contact your Outreach Specialist. INSPIRE OPEN COMMUNICATION The most important parts of communication are active listening and encouraging open conversations. Girls want someone who will listen to what they think, feel, and want to do. Listen to the girls. Respond with words and actions. Help girls see how open communication can result in a better understanding of self and others. GirlScoutsNebraska.org ☙ 15
WAYS TO REDUCE CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR We believe that there are positive ways to reduce challenging behaviors. Should behaviors get out of hand, talk to your Outreach Specialist about other resources you can access to help reduce the instance of challenging behaviors within your troop. • SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS: Decide on rules and consequences together before there is an incident. Review rules often and give examples to make sure every girl understands. • BE CONSISTENT/AVOID SURPRISES: Ensure consistent and predictable routines whenever possible. • CHANGE THE SETTING OR ACTIVITY: If many of the girls are behaving poorly or are not following directions, it may be time for a new activity, or it may be that you didn’t give clear explanations and/or expectations. • RESPOND CALMLY: Respond to the situation calmly. • RECOGNIZE AND PROMOTE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR: Notice positive behavior and provide genuine praise.
Sensitive Topics When sensitive issues arise, your role is that of a caring adult who listens to girls in a supportive atmosphere, not someone who advocates a particular position. Girl Scouts does not take a position or develop materials on issues relating to human sexuality, birth control, or abortion. We feel our role is to help girls develop self-confidence and good decision-making skills that will help them make wise choices in all areas of their lives. We believe parents and guardians, along with schools and faith communities, are the primary sources of information on these topics.
HOW TO HANDLE SENSITIVE ISSUES As the girls get more comfortable, they may be more willing to discuss things that raise red flags about their life at home or their behavior with their peers. It is your responsibility as the volunteer to ensure the safety of the girls participating in Girl Scouts. Below are some guidelines that will help you handle sensitive issues and difficult topics: • RISKY BEHAVIOR/SELF HARM: It is important to discourage girls from participating in risky behavior (i.e. violence, drugs, alcohol, self-harm, criminal activity). In a situation where a girl states that she intends to participate in risky behavior, it is important to immediately inform your Outreach Specialist and onsite staff. • BULLYING: It is important to discourage bullying and always promote an environment of inclusion. If the bullying escalates, ask for assistance immediately from your Outreach Specialist or onsite staff. If a topic is brought up in group that is inappropriate or uncomfortable for the other girls, find a way to change the subject. If the topic persists, simply state that the topic may be uncomfortable for others and you do not want to discuss it. If a girl continually brings up uncomfortable topics, you may want to pull her aside and explain to her why her behavior may be uncomfortable for others.
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3 ❧ SAFETY GUIDELINES
There may be times when you worry about the health and well-being of girls in your group. Alcohol, drugs, sex, bullying, abuse, depression, and eating disorders are some of the issues girls may encounter. You are on the frontlines of girls’ lives, and you are in a unique position to identify a situation in which a girl may need help. If you believe a girl is at risk of hurting herself or others, your role is to promptly bring that information to your Outreach Specialist and onsite staff, if applicable. Your concern about a girl’s well-being and safety is taken seriously, and we will guide you in addressing these concerns.
Recommended Troop/Group Sizes Girl Scout groups are large enough to provide a cooperative learning environment and small enough to allow development of individual girls. These group sizes are recommended:
D
B
J
DAISIES 5–12 girls
BROWNIES 10–20 girls
JUNIORS 10–25 girls
C
S
A
CADETTES 5–25 girls
SENIORS 5–30 girls
AMBASSADORS 5–30 girls
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Volunteer-to-Girl Ratios Girl Scouts’ volunteer-to-girl ratios show the minimum number of adults needed to supervise a specific number of girls. These ratios were devised to ensure the safety and health of girls. For example, if one adult must respond to an emergency, a second adult will continue to supervise. GROUP MEETINGS
EVENTS, TRAVEL, AND CAMP
Two unrelated Plus one adults (at least additional one of whom is adult to each female) for every: additional:
Two unrelated adults Plus one additional (at least one of adult for each whom is female) for additional number this number of girls: of this many girls:
DAISIES
12
1-6
6
1-4
BROWNIES
20
1-8
12
1-6
JUNIORS
25
1-10
16
1-8
CADETTES
25
1-12
20
1-10
SENIORS
30
1-15
24
1-12
AMBASSADORS
30
1-15
24
1-12
What to Do if There is an Accident In the case of an emergency or serious accident please follow the procedures listed below. • Call 911. • Give priority attention to care of the sick or injured. • Contact your Outreach Specialist and onsite staff. Designated staff will determine if additional staff should be contacted and will make such contact. • A responsible person should remain at the scene. In the case of a fatality, there should be no disturbance of the victim or surroundings until police have assumed authority. • A responsible person should remain with girls and members if there are others at the scene. • Do not share information about the accident with anyone but the police, your council and, if applicable, insurance representatives or legal counsel. • Efforts should be made to contact all parents. • Do not speak with members of the media, a council representative will handle all media communication. • Council-designated staff will arrange for additional assistance (if needed) at the scene of the accident. 18 ☙ Outreach Volunteer Guide
Child Abuse Policy Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska supports and maintains environments that are free of child abuse and neglect. Nebraska state law requires anyone who suspects that a child has been physically or sexually abused or neglected to report it promptly to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Child abuse or neglect is defined as any act or failure to act resulting in imminent risk of serious harm, death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation of a child by a parent or caretaker who is responsible for the child’s welfare. Sexual abuse is defined as employment, use, persuasion, inducement, or coercion of any child to engage in or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or any simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct; or rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with children. Sexual abuse may also include sexual touching and bodily contact, exhibitionism, voyeurism, and/or involvement of children in pornographic material. Child abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse are unlawful actions. It is against the council’s policy for any volunteer to physically, sexually, or mentally abuse or neglect any girl member or child. Suspected child abuse must be reported immediately to your Outreach Specialist, and the proper authorities according to state law. Failure to report can result in criminal and/or civil liability. If a volunteer is unsure as to whether a situation or incident is required to be reported, they should contact their Outreach Specialist for guidance.
All formal reports of abuse will be made to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services via the Adult and Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800.652.1999. As a reminder, contact your Outreach Specialist prior to making a formal report. Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska reserves the right to refuse membership, to dismiss or to exclude from affiliation with the Council any volunteer that is found guilty of child abuse or neglect or is currently charged with or convicted of or pled guilty/no contest to child abuse or neglect. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in discipline up to and including termination of the volunteer position.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Child Welfare Information Gateway www.childwelfare.gov/can • How to Report Suspected Child Maltreatment www.childwelfare.gov/responding/how.cfm • Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/manda.cfm
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Girl Scout Cookie Program Safety USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM When using the buddy system, girls are divided into pairs. Each girl is responsible for staying with her buddy at all times, warning her buddy of danger, giving her buddy immediate assistance if safe to do so, and seeking help when the situation warrants it. Girls are encouraged to stay near the group or buddy with another team of two, so in the event someone is injured, one-person cares for the patient while two others seek help.
BOOTH SALES Cookie booths are a traditional and fun way of selling Girl Scout Cookies. Booth locations are approved by councils, facilitated within council jurisdiction and you must follow all council guidelines with regard to setting up, manning and taking down a booth. When setting up booth sales, it’s important that: • Adults are present at all times. • There is adequate space at the booth for table, products and girls and to allow safe passage by pedestrians, bikes and cars. • Girls are a safe distance from cars. If possible, set up a safety barrier between cars and the booth— perhaps a few volunteers could park their cars in spaces near the booth location. • The booth is not blocking a store entrance or exit. • Girls and adults do not confront or engage an irate customer, but call local authorities for assistance. While girls can receive cash from buyers and make change, they should hand the money to an adult for safekeeping. It is important that cash is kept safe and out of sight. This can be accomplished by: • Keeping the cash box against a wall or behind a barrier of cookie boxes • Having an adult volunteer keep the money by, for example, securing it in a front-facing pouch tied around their waist. If someone takes money or cookies from your booth, do not attempt to physically recover the stolen items and do not allow the girls to do so. Instead, get a good description of the offender(s), call 911, and alert local security (if applicable). Make sure girls know what to do in case of theft. Report any incidents to your local council according to its guidelines. For additional information about setting up a booth and safety and security suggestions, consult your Outreach Specialist. 20 ☙ Outreach Volunteer Guide
4 ❧ ADDITIONAL INFO
Marketing and Social Media PHOTOS AND STORIES If you are doing an activity and you would like to take pictures, notify your Outreach Specialist before-hand. We cannot take pictures of girls without permission from parents. The Outreach Specialist can coordinate this. Never share pictures of the girls on social media. This is a violation of their privacy and their parent’s privacy. If you want to share your volunteer work with your friends, take a picture of the project that you worked on instead. We love spreading the word about Outreach! If you want to share your photos, please send them to your Outreach Specialist.
GET SOCIAL WITH US! Follow us on all our social media platforms for the latest information and breaking news. Find links to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram on our website, GirlScoutsNebraska.org.
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Money-Earning Basics The only acceptable money earning activities are: 1. Council sponsored cookie program sales, or 2. Activities that do not include Girl Scouts direct solicitation of cash. Girl Scouts may not use games of chance such as raffles, contests or bingo. Girl Scout adults and troops may not solicit funds via crowd fundraisng sites like GoFundMe or Kickstarter.
Resignation/Reassignment/Release Volunteers who find that they cannot fulfill the responsibilities of the position may resign by notifying their Outreach Specialist. When resigning, a minimum of two-week’s notice is requested in order to ensure continuity of service to girls. Situations may arise that make it necessary for the Council to release an individual from his or her Girl Scout volunteer position including, but not limited to: • The volunteer’s inability or failure to compete the requirements of the position. • The refusal to comply with Council or Girl Scouts of the USA policies and principles. • Misappropriation of funds, including unresolved or unpaid debt. • Inappropriate conduct, discrimination and/or harassment. Volunteers will receive written notification of release from the Council. Release from the position does not cancel membership with Girl Scouts of the USA unless it is determined that volunteer is unable to meet the membership requirements. 22 ☙ Outreach Volunteer Guide
Harassment Civility and respect for each individual's privacy and dignity are required of all volunteers of the Council. Any conduct which is inconsistent with these principles is simply not acceptable and will not be tolerated. More specifically, any form of harassment while volunteering or related to the position, including sexual, racial, ethnic, disability, or other harassment – is absolutely prohibited and may result in severe corrective action, possibly including termination from the volunteer position. If a volunteer believes that he or she has been the subject of harassment, the volunteer should immediately report the circumstances to his or her Outreach Specialist and Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Human Resources Department at humanresources@girlscoutsnebraska.org.
Refer a Friend! If you’re enjoying your Girl Scout Volunteer experience and know someone who would like to volunteer let your Outreach Specialist know. We are always in need of volunteers and have many opportunities.
Spirit of Nebraska Website Our website has countless resources and trainings. We encourage every volunteer to explore our website and see what’s available for our girl and adult members. For information on the following training opportunities please visit GirlScoutsNebraska.org > Volunteer Resources > Volunteer Training > Co-Leader Training. You will find: • Welcome to Spirit of Nebraska
• Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)
• Explore Out (outdoor training)
• First Aid and CPR Class Registration
For more information on our programs, camps, and Programs on Demand, including STEM programming, please visit GirlScoutsNebraska.org > Programs.
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Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.