Supporting Volunteers
Service Team members can be great mentors for new leaders, as well as provide local opportunities for training, networking, and appreciation events for volunteers!
Examples of volunteer support activities provided by Service Teams:
- Host local enrichment trainings for volunteers, such as outdoor education, CPR, lifeguarding, and networking/idea sharing sessions
- Provide Girl Scout books or start up supplies to new leaders
- Create a mentoring program to match new troop leaders with experienced volunteers
- Host a robust Service Area social media Facebook page, where ideas are shared, questions are answered, and local opportunities are posted
- Plan and implement fun, interactive Service Area leader meetings
- Identify exceptional volunteers within the Service Area and nominate them for council recogition. Awards include Volunteer of Excellence, Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge I and II. Criteria can be found here.
- Offer volunteer appreciation and social activities such as a year-end leader dinner or celebration.
Leader Meetings
Leader meetings are an important way for our volunteers to stay informed, network, and get new ideas! In most service areas, Council staff will work with the service teams to co-host local Service Area meetings in August, October, January, and April. In other months, we will provide resources for service teams who would like to hold optional meetings focusing on leader idea sharing, training, and local business. (Please note that every Service Area is unique, so please talk to your staff and service team members to collaborate on your area’s specific schedule.)
These local meetings are a great way for volunteers to connect, share ideas, offer trainigns and plan local initiatives and activities. Please note that the August leader meetings will be kick-off events and will include fall product training, while the January meeting will include cookie program training.
