Girl Scouts of Middle Georgia

Realignment News - Frequently Asked Questions

September 20, 2006 on 5:07 pm | In Events, News, Stuff | No Comments

On August 27, 2006, the National Board of Directors approved the jurisdictional realignment of Girl Scout councils. This action by the National Board supports the creation of high-performance councils, one of the primary goals of the Core Business Strategy. The result will be much needed improvements and enhancements in the delivery of program services to girls. One of the most important messages to the public is that the process of change will not cause a discontinuation or reduction of services to girls.

1. Why is Girl Scouts of the USA realigning councils? The council realignment will strengthen our organization’s infrastructure and resources at all levels of the organization including fundraising, public relations, property, staffing, and volunteer support. This realignment will result in the optimal impact on leadership development for the largest number of girls and significantly increase the number of volunteers participating in Girl Scouting. We will be making two key changes over the next few years: First, we are revitalizing the Girl Scout program age levels, redefining what leadership means for girls, and updating some activity options. Second, we are offering more impactful experiences and flexible time commitment options for volunteers. We are making these changes nationwide to ensure that Girl Scouting is a full and consistent experience.
There is already a high level of cooperation between our councils because we draw upon many of the same resources.Realignment will help us develop our resources more effectively and decrease duplicating efforts.

2. Why has GSUSA decided to change now? Girl Scouts of the USA has recently adopted a business strategy to build more strength throughout the Girl Scout Movement. As part of this initiative, councils throughout the country are realigning their boundaries to make the most effective use of our resources and to offer even more program opportunities to even more girls. Here in middle Georgia, we will be combining our strengths with councils located in Columbus, Albany, Savannah, Augusta and Athens to form a new high-capacity Girl Scout council. In this realignment we will offer some of the same programs girls have always enjoyed, and add even more exciting and rewarding opportunities. We are delighted to share this news with you, and we welcome your continued support.

3. How will my daughter’s Girl Scout troop be affected? Your daughter will remain in the same troop she is in, or as always, may choose to join a new troop at the end of the membership year.
The current troop number may change, as there may be duplication of troop numbers. In this case, an additional number will be added to some troops (e.g., Troop 501 becomes 1501).
The most exciting immediate news is that our new council will be pooling volunteer and staff resources. This change will enable us to increase the number of program events offered and the locations we can offer them in, and it will afford all girls the chance to meet more Girl Scouts.

4. How will this affect which camps and properties my daughter attends? We will be able to offer more events, in more locations, and will be able to provide new offerings that give girls the opportunity to meet more friends. The realigning councils manage properties that are available for troop camping and many other activities throughout the year. Each camp has a number of unique features, and we anticipate that troops will now have the opportunity to enjoy a greater variety of camping experiences.

5. Where will meetings and trainings be held? The practice of conducting trainings at various locations throughout the council jurisdiction will continue. New opportunites in different locations, online workshops and services, and more, will be enhanced.

6.Where do we now go to purchase Girl Scout items? Until the councils are combined and realignment is complete, the current Girl Scout Shop location at the Sarah Bailey Girl Scout Center will remain the same. For added convenience, you may order by phone and have your order shipped to you by calling 478-935-2221 or 800-868-4475.

7. How will the Girl Scout cookie sale change?The Girl Scout Cookie Program will remain the premier Business and Economic Literacy Program for girls. All Girls Scouts who want to will be able to take part.

8. What can girls and their parents expect as a result of the changes? Girls have asked for unique experiences that reflect their current needs and interests. Parents can expect Girl Scouting to utilize a new approach that is girl-led and girl-driven. This approach will offer girls a unique leadership development opportunity that will provide skills they need for a lifetime of personal and civic achievement. Girls can expect new and exciting activities at each new age level.

9. What would an incentive be for a person to consider volunteering with the Girl Scouts? People who are looking for new places to volunteer should look to the new volunteer systems and the enhanced Girl Scout program. As new support materials are created, the Girl Scout organization will improve the volunteer experience by making it easier to join, offering more flexible volunteer timetables and roles suited to their abilities and interests. Girl Scouts will also provide user-friendly resources so that adults and girls have a fun and impact-driven Girl Scout experience.
 

10. How will this affect staffing in councils? When our Girl Scout councils combine and are able to maximize our efficiencies, we are likely to need as many, if not more staff, to serve our girls. Future growth will necessitate a strong group of staff and volunteers to continue providing the quality Girl Scout Leadership Development program for girls.