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Overview of the decisions of GSUSA’s
National Board of Directors:
New Nationwide Map of Council Jurisdictions
The
National Board approved a new Girl Scout council map that features 109
Girl Scout councils, which will create the infrastructure with which
the organization will have the greatest impact on girls’ lives
nationwide.
In our region, Girl Scouts - Great Plains Council will
join with four other Girl Scout councils to form one, new high-capacity
council for the state of Nebraska called Girl Scouts - spirit of Nebraska. The
other councils that will join with us include: Homestead
Council headquartered in Lincoln, Guiding Star Council headquartered
in Ogallala, Prairie Hills Council headquartered in Columbus and Goldenrod
Council headquartered in Kearney.
The process of consolidating will begin in April 2007 and
is expected to take a minimum of six months to
complete. This new configuration will result in a strengthened
Girl Scout presence in this region.
For more information on
council realignment, click here.
For more information on the Nebraska councils participating
in the realignment process, please visit the following Web sites:
Program Model Endorsement
The National
Board endorsed a Girl Scout Leadership Development Program, which will
develop girls’ leadership skills by engaging them in
activity cycles based on the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law
and the vision expressed in the Girl Scout Mission Statement: Girl Scouting
builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world
a better place. This leadership philosophy enables us as one national
Movement to speak consistently about the impact of Girl Scouting on girls’ lives.
Click here for information on this new program model.
Amendment of Membership Standards
To
meet the social and developmental needs of girls, it became necessary
to differentiate groups by grade level, thereby requiring a realignment
of membership age groups and the addition of a new identifying name. As
a result, three actions regarding the membership standards were approved:
- The membership grade levels have been realigned to better meet the
social and developmental needs of girls.
- A new age-identifying name has been added, resulting in six age-differentiated
levels. The name “Ambassador” to identify Girl Scouts
in the 11th and 12th grades consistently rose to the top in all research
with girls, and reflects young women’s leadership roles in our
global world.
- The words “Girl Scout” will be emphasized at the beginning
of each identifying name, highlighting the one consistent
Girl Scout leadership experience and strengthening the Girl Scout brand.
Grades Names
K-1 Girl
Scout Daisy
2-3 Girl
Scout Brownie
4-5 Girl
Scout Junior
6-8 Girl
Scout Cadette
9-10 Girl
Scout Senior
11-12 Girl
Scout Ambassador
Click here for additional information.
Girl Scout Uniform
Most uniform
conversations centered on how we as a Movement balance our traditions
of unity with economic practicality for families. In practice, most girls
today are choosing to use a tunic/vest/sash with their own clothing and
this is reflected in uniform sales trends. At the
same time, it is important to maintain Girl Scout tradition, and create
a dress code that will identify Girl Scouts as a leadership organization. As
a result, the National Board approved the following:
- Girl Scouts at each level will have one official uniform item (e.g.
tunic, vest, sash) for the display of official pins and awards.
- Following an official dress code, girls will use their own solid
white shirts and khaki pants or skirts with an official uniform item
that will unite girls as Girl Scouts.
- The adult uniforms will be a scarf worn with the membership pins
for women and a tie for men. The scarf/ tie and membership pins will
be worn with navy blue business attire of choice.
- Girl Scouts at the Daisy and Brownie levels will continue to have
a full uniform ensemble available.
- Girl Scouts in high school will also have an optional scarf, uniting
them in the international WAGGGS tradition.
- GSUSA will continue to offer a range of appealing casual wear for
girls and adults.
You can find additional information here.
Transitioning
Changes will be phased in beginning in October 2008. The organization
is committed to supporting volunteers so that you fully understand the
leadership experience – and the exciting opportunities that exist
for you and girls. As part of our journey ahead, the national organization
is committed to:
- Providing tools and support to councils, to educate volunteers on
the strengths of the new plans for age differentiation.
- Providing clear transition guidance to councils and tips for volunteers
during the two year prep period.
- Providing girls with a two year transition period, which enables
them to carry out plans and projects they have begun in the current
system.
- Ensuring time to fully educate adults about the program curricula.
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