Frequently Asked Questions about
Council Realignment
For the most up-to-date information about realignment visit: www.girlscoutsnebraska.org.
On August 27, 2006, GSUSA's 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. Today,
Girl Scouts is revitalizing the ways we serve girls to enable the
largest number of girls and volunteers to participate. To
achieve this goal, we are making three key changes:
- We are updating activity options into shorter cycles
- We are offering more flexible time commitments for volunteers
- We are ensuring that Girl Scouting is a very full and
consistent experience for girls and adults nationwide
Girl Scouts is one option for today’s girls, who have many
options. The good news is that Girl Scouting offers activities
that already are the favorite hobbies, sports, and interests of girls
while also providing a unique personal growth and leadership development
experience.
When our councils realign, we will be in a better
position to modernize properties and to offer even stronger outdoor
education experiences to meet the needs of today’s girls. While
the details will emerge over the next 18 months, Girl
Scouts - Great Plains Council will continue its rich tradition of
offering girls and unmatched opportunity to learn respect for and
fully enjoy the environment.
- Why is the Girl Scouts realigning councils?
We are reorganizing councils to create the infrastructure
necessary to prepare for the future of the Movement. 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.
- Why has the Girl Scouts 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 the Omaha metro area, we will be combining
our strengths with our neighbors throughout the state of Nebraska to
form a new high-performance 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.
- 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.
- How will this affect which camps and properties my daughter
attends?
The best news is that 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. Because our first priority will be the smooth
transition of members and operations, all properties will be reviewed
at a later time to determine the most appropriate use of resources.
Factors such as the conditions of the facilities, finances, location,
and program options are used to make property decisions.
- 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.
In preparation for the realignment, our Girl Scout councils have
been meeting to determine the best practices we currently have and
to think even more broadly to create the optimal services and programs
for our new council. Every aspect of service to girl and adult members
is being examined and discussed. All input from girls, volunteers,
and staff is being considered. Decisions will be made in the best
interest of all concerned. The new council will depend on the valued
contributions of adult volunteers.
- How will the Girl Scout cookie sales change?
We are retooling so that all Girl Scout activities,
including the Girl Scout Cookie Program, can offer the highest
quality experience for girls and be managed in the most efficient
manner. Details about our Girl Scout Cookie Program will
be worked out by the Realignment Task Force in 2007. Rest assured
ur community will be able to enjoy America’s favorite cookies
while supporting the leadership potential of our girls. Throughout
the years, our friends and neighbors have exhibited their belief
in the Girl Scout Movement by consistently supporting the Girl
Scout Cookie Program as a way to contribute to the development
of tomorrow’s leaders. We are very grateful for this
support and expect it to continue.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the nation’s
premier Business and Economic Literacy Program. Through their
participation girls develop skills they will use for their entire
lives. Among the many benefits are ethical decision-making,
presentation skills, learning to work on a team, and money management.
All of the proceeds from the Girl Scout Cookie
Program stay within the local area. Girls benefit girls directly
through the portion shared with troops/groups and indirectly by
subsidizing the cost of providing the Girl Scout program in our
area.
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. We will be working out the
details of the Cookie Program with our Realignment Task Force.
- 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.
- 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.
- How is the new council name going to be decided?
Our national office has given us three common sense guidelines that
our planning team will consider. They are that we:
1. Start with the name Girl Scouts, for easy identification
2. Include a regional reference, for easy identification
3. Utilize a name that is new to the realigning offices, for a fresh
start
Over the last two years the Girl Scout organization
has conducted a comprehensive review of our business with a membership-wide
team of council CEOs, volunteers, GSUSA staff, and girls nationwide. Through
that extensive review we determined that realigning our councils
will allow us to provide a consistent Girl Scout experience that
builds courage, confidence, and character in girls, so that they
may make the world a better place. The Girl Scout organization
is very proud of the work we are doing in a diverse environment
committed to meeting the needs of girls-the hallmark of the Girl
Scout organization for nearly 95 years.
