|
Welcome to GSSI's Weekly Volunteer Update
|
|
|
|
Important Information for Girl Scout Volunteers Regarding Membership Dues Changes
|
We understand that the recent decision by the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) national council delegation to increase the annual membership dues may be concerning. We appreciate your work as a volunteer and want to reassure you that you have our full support. Additionally, we want to ensure you feel confident and prepared to discuss this change with your troop families.
Here are key points to consider when discussing the cost change with troop families and others:
|
-
Maintaining Earned Memberships: This change does not impact the ability of girls to earn their 2026 membership by reaching the 500-package level in the 2025 Cookie Program. Next year’s membership cost will be fully covered for members who achieve this goal.
-
Continued Financial Support: We understand that any increase can be challenging for some families, and we will continue to provide financial assistance through Scouterships for eligible girls and adult members to ensure that Girl Scouts is accessible to all.
-
Affordable Year-Round Value: Even with the increase, Girl Scouts’ annual membership fee remains lower than many other youth activities, such as sports or music lessons, which can often cost hundreds or thousands of dollars annually. Broken down across the year, a $65 Girl Scout membership will cost approximately $5 per month, providing an enriching experience for families.
-
Unique Experiences and Long-Term Benefits: Girl Scouts offers more than just activities—it provides invaluable experiences in leadership, community service, travel, and outdoor adventures. These opportunities contribute to personal growth, future scholarship or college applications, and lasting friendships that extend far beyond the Girl Scout years.
|
Thank you for your continued dedication to Girl Scouts. We understand that changes like these can be challenging, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way. We deeply appreciate your understanding and commitment, which allows us to keep providing valuable experiences and opportunities for our members. Together, we look forward to furthering the impactful work of Girl Scouts for many years to come. Your role as a volunteer is crucial, and we are committed to working with you to ensure the best for our members.
If you have any further questions or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact us at support@girlscouts-gssi.org. We are here to help!
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Service Unit Meetings
|
Service units (SUs) consist of Girl Scout members who live in the same city or county. SUs provide opportunities for volunteers to connect, share experiences, and build camaraderie through their shared commitment to the Girl Scout mission. Regardless of volunteer role, all volunteers are invited to attend SU meetings in their area! Learn more at About Girl Scout Service Units.
|
-
Dubois: Monday, October 21, 6:00 PM EDT, Jasper Public Library (100 3rd Ave, Suite B)
-
North Warrick: tentatively Monday, November 4, 6:30 PM CST, location to be determined
|
|
Complete Your Child Protection Training
by October 31
|
|
ALL VOLUNTEERS directly interacting with youth must complete the following by Thursday, October 31:
|
|
|
NOTE: Volunteers who completed child protection training with GSSI this past spring or summer do not need to renew their training at this time. Volunteers who recently completed an accredited child abuse prevention training through another organization can upload their certificate HERE to fulfill requirements.
For more information, review GSUSA's Child Abuse Prevention Policies and Procedures.
Contact Alyssa Miller at amiller@girlscouts-gssi.org with any questions.
|
|
|
|
|
Confirm Troop Cookie Volunteers: When you have confirmed your troop's cookie volunteer(s) for the 2025 Cookie Program, please email Gretchen at cookies@girlscouts-gssi.org.
NEW Cookie Resources: Resources for the 2025 Cookie Program are available now! View this brief tutorial video to learn more about this year's cookie resources! Volunteers can access these resources on GSSI's website, www.girlscouts-gssi.org, under Cookies / Cookie Resources for Volunteers.
Cookie Training: Mark your calendars for Service Unit (SU) Cookie Training!
• Gibson: Monday, November 4
• Spencer/Perry: Thursday, November 7
• Posey: Monday, November 11
• Daviess/Martin/Pike: Wednesday, November 13
• Knox: Thursday, November 14
• Dubois: Monday, November 18
• Warrick (all): Wednesday, November 20
• Vanderburgh (all): Thursday, November 21
Cookie Booth Training (ALL AREAS): Monday, November 25
|
|
|
Get Ready for Cookie Season with Cookie Pitch Weekend!
|
|
Are your Girl Scouts ready to take their cookie sales to the next level? We invite you to come to the council office and record your cookie pitch in front of a fun Girl Scout-themed backdrop! This opportunity is open to troops and individual girls. We will have pre-written pitches available for girls who might need a little extra help with what to say. Remember to wear your uniform or favorite Girl Scout gear!
Location: GSSI Council Office, 5000 E Virginia St, Evansville, IN 47715
When: Saturday, November 23, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CST and Sunday, November 24, 12:00–2:00 PM CST. Time slots are available every 20 minutes.
For questions, contact Gretchen Fuelling at cookies@girlscouts-gssi.org.
|
|
|
|
|
Important Troop Resources
|
Annual Forms for 2024-2025: For the 2024-2025 membership year, GSSI has merged the Annual Permission and Cookie Permission Forms into one online submission. We've also added two new forms: the Annual Adult Participation Agreement, submitted to GSSI, and the Annual Troop Health Form, which troops must keep on hand for emergencies. Hard copies of other forms, like special permission forms, are only required if outlined by the new Annual Permission Form. Details and form links are available on GSSI's Volunteer Resource Hub.
NEW Planning and Funding Your Troop Year: This resource outlines recommendations for planning your adventures, determining expenses, and setting funding goals. A Troop Budget Planner is included.
2024 Fall Program Guide: Don't miss out on scheduled events and community partners included in the Fall Program Guide!
2024 Election Year Guidance: This comprehensive guide from GSUSA outlines permitted and non-permitted election-related activities and includes information about Girl Scout civic education programs. Volunteers can also reference the Election Guidance Quick Reference, a one-page summary of permitted and non-permitted activities. Girls can work on their Civics or Citizen Badge and participate in the Promote the Vote service project during GSSI's Vest Quest Fridays.
|
|
|
Register for the 2025 Volunteer Retreat!
|
The 10th Annual Volunteer Retreat, organized by Board Chair and volunteer Kelly Birkhead, will be a Disney-themed event held at Helen's Haven Lodge at Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana's Camp Pennyroyal. You're invited to join your fellow Girl Scout volunteers for fellowship, food, fun, games, and SWAPS!
WHEN: January 24-26, 2025
WHERE: Camp Pennyroyal
3095 Girl Scout Rd, Utica, KY 42376
COST: $35 for the whole weekend; $15 for Saturday-only
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: November 30, 2024 (or until full)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recognize a Volunteer in the Weekly Volunteer Update!
|
|
Do you know a Girl Scout volunteer who has recently gone above and beyond in their role, and you want to recognize them for their work? Submit this form, and we will include your story in our next weekly volunteer newsletter!
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Girl Opportunities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
|
|
|
-
Coming Soon: Between Cookie Booths Volunteer Workshop Thursday, January 9
-
2025 Volunteer Retreat Friday, January 24 - Sunday, January 26
-
Save the Date: 2025 Spring Volunteer Leadership Summits Tuesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 3
|
|
|
How to Get in Touch with Us
|
General questions & assistance: Email GSSI at support@girlscouts-gssi.org.
Volunteer events, training, and resources: Alyssa Miller, Volunteer Support & Training Manager, at amiller@girlscouts-gssi.org.
Bank accounts and finance reports: Brittany Pringle, Membership Administrator, at bpringle@girlscouts-gssi.org.
Membership questions and troop support: Contact your Membership Specialist based on the areas listed below.
|
-
Zone 1: membership1@girlscouts-gssi.org East River Vanderburgh, North Central Vanderburgh, All Warrick
-
Zone 2: membership2@girlscouts-gssi.org Gibson, Knox, Posey, North West Vanderburgh
-
Zone 3: membership3@girlscouts-gssi.org Daviess, Martin, Pike
-
Zone 4: membership4@girlscouts-gssi.org Dubois, Perry, Spencer
-
For additional membership support: Kim Consley, Director of Membership, at kconsley@girlscouts-gssi.org.
|
|
|
Show Us What You're Up To!
|
GSSI wants to know about the positive change that local Girl Scouts are creating so that we can spread their stories and their impact further. Tell us about your troop's Take Action project, volunteer activities, or participation in local events. Your girls could be featured on our website, social media, or future marketing materials!
Send your stories and photos to Hannah Minasian at hminasian@girlscouts-gssi.org. Be sure to include your troop number and details of the activities pictured.
|
|
|
%%[
SET @MIDrs = LookupRows("ENT.Footer Content FY22","MID", memberid)
IF RowCount(@MIDrs) == 1 THEN
SET @MIDrow = Row(@MIDrs, 1)
SET @CategoryImageURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'gs_logo')
SET @twitterURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'twitter_url')
SET @facebookURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'facebook_url')
SET @pinterestURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'pintrest_url')
SET @instagramURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'instagram_url')
SET @linkedinURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'linkedin_url')
SET @vimeoURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'vimeo_url')
SET @youtubeURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'youtube_url')
SET @googleplusURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'google_plus_url')
SET @flickrURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'flickr_url')
SET @tiktokURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'tiktok_url')
SET @threadsURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'threads_url')
SET @privacypolicyURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'privacy_policy_url')
SET @contactURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'contact_us_url')
SET @BU = Field(@MIDrow, 'business_unit')
SET @CouncilURL = Field(@MIDrow, 'council_website')
SET @address1 = Field(@MIDrow, 'council_address_1')
SET @address2 = Field(@MIDrow, 'council_address_2')
SET @address3 = Field(@MIDrow, 'council_city')
SET @address4 = Field(@MIDrow, 'council_state')
SET @address5 = Field(@MIDrow, 'council_zip')
ENDIF
VAR @var, @contactID
SET @contactID = AttributeValue("ContactID")
IF Not Empty(@contactID) THEN
SET @accountid = Lookup('ent.VS2_Contacts','AccountId','ContactID',@contactid)
SET @prefurl = CONCAT('https://mckhgfy4cjx4r80tsj-kz8lt91c0.pub.sfmc-content.com/jjf1iovzfy1?id=',@accountid)
ENDIF
]%%
%%[
SET @EmailAddress = emailaddr
SET @encEmail = Replace(Base64Encode(@EmailAddress), "=", "_")
]%%
|
This email was sent by: %%Member_Busname%%
%%Member_Addr%% %%Member_City%%, %%Member_State%%, %%Member_PostalCode%%, %%Member_Country%%
|
Update Profile
|
|
