ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM GSCNC: e-Edition

ONGOING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Religious Recognitions

            The motivating force in Girl Scouting is a spiritual one. Every time we make the Girl Scout Promise, we promise "To serve God." Girl Scouts have many faiths and are welcomed to replace the word "God" with the term that best fits their spiritual beliefs. Though we may not all believe in the same god or practice our faiths in the same ways, exploring one's faith can help girls grow as Girl Scouts and as young women.

The religious recognitions programs are programs that have been created by the national religious organizations, not by the Girl Scouts of the USA. They encourage girls and women to become more active members in their own religious groups and they encourage spiritual development by providing specific religious instruction. These programs offer recognitions (medals or pins) that are approved for wear on the front of the Girl Scout uniform.

FOUR STEPS

1. The girl must get the specific booklet for her religion. These books may be purchased directly from the religious organization. The Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) lists contacts for each faith on their "To Serve God" brochure available at the Marilynn Carr Information Center or on their website: www.praypub.org. Click on "Partnerships" and then "Girl Scouts" and you'll see the link to "To Serve God Color Brochure."

2. Girls and parents must review the specific guidelines for their particular program. Each faith group sets its own guidelines. Some programs require clergy to serve as counselors; other programs allow parents or other family members to serve as counselors. It is the responsibility of the parents to check the specific guidelines for their particular program.

3. Families should talk to their religious leaders and, if possible, show them the booklet before beginning a program.

4. The girl needs to complete the requirements, get the proper signatures and follow the instructions to order the recognition. The Girl Scout Shop does not sell these pins and medals.

Become a Volunteer

Whether you've got just a few hours, a month or several hours each week to devote to volunteering, a perfect match can be made for you and Girl Scouts. Whether you are single, married, male or female, professional or stay-at-home, a grandmother or a recent graduate, there is a place for you in our organization. All that is required is a desire to make a difference in the lives of girls.

For some adults, this may mean direct involvement with girls throughout the year as a leader. For others, it may mean lending expertise on a short-term project or event as a resource volunteer. No matter what, you can become a part of the nation's preeminent organization for girls.

For more information go www.gscnc.org/avd/become.html

Girl Voices Survey

Please take a few moments to share your Girl Scout story. We welcome feedback from current Girl Scouts, recently graduated Girl Scouts and adults.  Adults are encouraged to share stories about their experiences as girls or about the experiences of daughters or girls in their troops.   Go to www.gscnc.org/girlvoicessurvey/

GSUSA Constitutional Review Survey

As you know, Girl Scouts of the USA is considering several constitutional changes to streamline the governance process in Girl Scouting, just as we are considering changes to our local governance process. Below you will find a link to a survey that is being distributed broadly to gather general information from Girl Scout membership about these issues. We are encouraging all members to complete and share their thoughts with GSUSA. Go to http://www.gscnc.org/info/news/constitutionalreviewsurvey.php for the link.

Financial Assistance for Girl Scouts

Financial Assistance is designed to help registered Girl Scouts (girls and adults) participate in Girl Scout activities where financial considerations might otherwise hinder such participation.
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