Adult Recognition Guidelines

Adult Recognition Guidelines Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Rev 10-2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page(s) Introduction 2 Adult Recognitions Process Summary 3 GSWNY Adult Recognitions at a Glance 4-5 National Awards And Nomination Procedures President s Award 6 Appreciation Pin 7 Honor Pin 8 Thanks Badge 9 Thanks Badge II 10 Volunteer of Excellence 11 GSWNY Commitment To Excellence 12 Suggestions Of Who Might Be Nominated For Council Awards 13 Sample Statement Of Endorsement 14 Tenure and Years of Service Pins Recognitions Informal Recognitions Planning a Service Unit Recognition Event 17 Adult Recognitions Placement 18 INTRODUCTION 1

Girl Scouts of Western New York acknowledges that it could not exist without the talents and hard work of its volunteers. They are truly the driving force behind delivering the Girl Scout Experience to girls throughout the nine county area of our jurisdiction. Our volunteers help girls discover and understand themselves and to use that knowledge and skill to explore the world around them. These wonderful volunteers also help girls connect, care about, inspire, and team with others locally and globally. And finally, volunteers help those girls take action to make the world a better place. What could be more important than building the caring, committed leaders of tomorrow? Unfortunately, the tireless, behind the scenes work of many volunteers often goes without notice. The Girl Scouts of Western New York Adult Recognition Committee is dedicated to changing that situation and recognizing as many deserving volunteers as possible. We need your help! Please read these guidelines carefully and with a mind to identifying any and all volunteers that you know who qualify for these awards. In showing that you are a sister to every other girl scout, please take the time and energy to learn about and complete the recognition process for someone you know who has made a difference, it is the right thing to do. And just as it is always better to give than to receive, you as a nominator will gain great satisfaction. You can reach a member of the Adult Recognition committee via email at volunteer@gswny.org Mariah Kramer GSWNY Adult Recognition Committee Chair, 2013-14 2

ADULT RECOGNITIONS SUMMARY Nomination Process: 1. Obtain appropriate form from website: http://www.gswny.org/forms under: Adult Recognition Forms or from any GSWNY service center. 2. Complete the entire form. Obtain all required GSWNY Statements of Endorsement. Note: only endorsements utilizing the GSWNY Statement of Endorsement template will be accepted. The Statement of Endorsement template can be found at http://www.gswny.org/forms under Adult Recognition Forms. 3. To be recognized for nominations requiring board approval, submit completed forms on or before February 1 st to: Girl Scouts of Western New York Attn: GSWNY Adult Recognition Committee 3332 Walden Avenue Suite 106 Depew, New York 14043 4. Adult Recognition Committee will review nominations for the President s Award, Thanks Badge, Thanks Badge II, Honor Pin, Appreciation Pin, Commitment to Excellence, 25+ Year Tenure Pins, and 20+ Years of Service Pins. Recommendations will be presented to the Council Board of Directors for approval. 5. Service Unit Teams will review nominations for Green Angel, <25 Year Tenure and <20 Years of Service Pins, and Volunteer of Excellence Award. These awards are presented within the Service Unit. 3

GSWNY - ADULT RECOGNITIONS AT A GLANCE RECOGNITION WHO TO CONSIDER CRITERIA NOMINATION PROCESS Volunteer of Excellence Award A volunteer who works directly with girls, volunteers indirectly working with adults A volunteer has performed beyond expectations for the position held Follow criteria in GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Complete and submit appropriate form to Service Unit Adult Recognition Committee Council acknowledges Awardees in print at Council Recognition Event Appreciation Pin Volunteers actively giving outstanding service to at least one geographic area, service unit, or program delivery audience Be a registered Girl Scout adult Demonstrate achievement as per GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Follow criteria in GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Complete and Submit appropriate form to Adult Recognition Committee Council acknowledges Awardees in print and at Council Recognition Event with pin Honor Pin Volunteers actively giving outstanding service in more than two geographic areas Be a registered Girl Scout adult Demonstrate achievement as per GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Follow criteria in GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Complete and Submit appropriate form to Adult Recognition Committee Council acknowledges Awardees in print and at Council Recognition Event with pin Thanks Badge Volunteers actively giving service impacting the council or the entire Girl Scout Movement Be a registered Girl Scout adult Demonstrate achievement as per GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Follow criteria in GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Complete and Submit appropriate form to Adult Recognition Committee Council acknowledges Awardees in print and at Council Recognition Event with pin Thanks Badge II Prior Thanks Badge recipient; Volunteers actively giving service impacting the council or the entire Girl Scout Movement Be a registered Girl Scout adult Demonstrate achievement as per GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Follow criteria in GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Complete and Submit appropriate form to Adult Recognition Committee Council acknowledges Awardees in print and at Council Recognition Event with pin 4

GSWNY - ADULT RECOGNITIONS AT A GLANCE RECOGNITION WHO TO CONSIDER CRITERIA NOMINATION PROCESS Tenure All Adult Members Currently registered GS Adult Eligible for after 5 years of membership (girl and adult years may be combined and years from other councils) Follow criteria in GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Complete and submit appropriate form to GSWNY Adult Recognitions Committee or Service Unit Committee, depending on number of years Council acknowledges Awardees with more than 25 years of tenure in print and with numeral guard at Council Recognition Event Years of Service Pin All volunteers actively giving service Currently registered GS volunteer actively engaged in service to GSWNY Eligible for after 5 years of adult service as a volunteer (may be in different councils) All others should be recognized at Service Unit Level Follow criteria in GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Complete and submit appropriate form to GSWNY Adult Recognitions Committee or Service Unit Committee, depending on number of years Council acknowledges Awardees with more than 20 years of service in print and with numeral guard at Council Recognition Event All others should be recognized at Service Unit Level President s Award For a geographic area team or program delivery team All be registered Girl Scout adults Demonstrate achievement as per GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Follow criteria in GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Complete and Submit appropriate form to Adult Recognition Committee Council acknowledges Awardees in print and at Council Recognition Event with certificates GSWNY Commitment to Excellence Award A business or organization that promotes the mission and values of Girl Scouts in the community Efforts lead to advancing mission or achieving council girls, impact must be council wide Follow criteria in GSWNY Adult Recognitions Guidelines Complete and Submit appropriate form to Adult Recognition Committee Council acknowledges Awardees in print and at Council Recognition Event with a plaque 5

FOCUS OF SERVICE: GIRL PROGRAMMING (ANY SCOPE) VOLUNTEER OF EXCELLENCE AWARD Description The Volunteer of Excellence recognizes those volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through use of the National Program Portfolio or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the council's mission delivery to girls and adult members. The nominee is an active, registered adult Girl Scout. Criteria The nominee is an active, registered adult Girl Scout. The nominee has successfully completed a term of service and all requirements for the position. The nominee has performed beyond expectations for the position to deliver the GSLE to girls using the National Program Portfolio or The nominee's performance has been beyond the expectations of the position and has supported the council's mission-delivery goals in one or more of the following functional areas: Membership Development/Community Cultivation, Volunteer Relations and Support, Program, Leadership, and Governance, Fund Development, and Council Support Service. The nominee actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior. Nomination An individual familiar with the candidate's performance must complete the nomination form and forward to the Service Unit Adult Recognition Committee. Submit at least eight (8) weeks prior to proposed presentation date. presentation include service unit meeting or leader appreciation event. The form will document the service, its scope and impact in relation to the award Appropriate venues for In addition, two (2) individuals or groups familiar with the service performed submit a GSWNY Statement of Endorsement. Endorsers MUST be individuals OTHER THAN those in nominating group. Approval The Service Unit Adult Recognition Committee reviews the application and recommends approval or denial on whether or not the criteria were met Form of Recognition The Volunteer of Excellence Award is a clutch back silver tone pin with Girl Scout trefoil and award name imprint. 6

FOCUS OF SERVICE: 1 OR MORE SERVICE UNITS APPRECIATION PIN Description The Appreciation Pin recognizes an individual s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had measurable impact on a geographic area of service, and helps the council reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals for that area. Criteria The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout.The service performed by the nominee is above and beyond the expectations for the position held, and made an impact on two or more geographic areas within the council s jurisdiction. Nomination For presentation at the Council Recognition Event, nomination must be submitted by February 1 For presentation at other venues, please submit at least eight weeks prior to proposed presentation date The form will document the service, its scope and impact in relation to the award. In addition, two (2) individuals or groups familiar with the service performed submit a GSWNY Statement of Endorsement. Endorsers MUST be individuals OTHER THAN those in nominating group. Approval The GSWNY Adult Recognition Committee reviews the application and recommends approval or denial on whether or not the criteria were met If approved by the committee, the nomination is forwarded to the Girl Scouts of Western New York Board of Directors for approval. If approved the Committee notifies the nominating party and recipient. The Committee notifies only the nominating party if denied. Form of Recognition The Appreciation Pin is a square gold tone pin depicting the Girl Scout logo. The Appreciation pin is awarded at the Girl Scouts of Western New York Recognition Event. 7

FOCUS OF SERVICE: 2 OR MORE SERVICE UNITS HONOR PIN Description The Honor Pin recognizes an individual s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had measurable impact on two geographic areas of service, and helps the council reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals for that area. Criteria The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout.The service performed by the nominee is above and beyond the expectations for the position held, and made an impact on two or more geographic areas within the council s jurisdiction. Nomination For presentation at the Council Recognition Event, nomination must be submitted by February 1 For presentation at other venues, please submit at least eight weeks prior to proposed presentation date. The form will document the service, its scope and impact in relation to the award In addition, two (2) individuals or groups familiar with the service performed submit a GSWNY Statement of Endorsement. Endorsers MUST be individuals OTHER THAN those in nominating group. Approval The GSWNY Adult Recognition Committee reviews the application and recommends approval or denial on whether or not the criteria were met If approved by the committee, the nomination is forwarded to the Girl Scouts of Western New York Board of Directors for approval. If approved the Committee notifies the nominating party and recipient. The Committee notifies only the nominating party if denied. Form of Recognition The Honor pin is a green enamel pin with a gold-tone trefoil design circled by a laurel wreath. The Honor pin is awarded at the Girl Scouts of Western New York Recognition Event. 8

FOCUS OF SERVICE: COUNCIL-WIDE THANKS BADGE Purpose The Thanks Badge honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission- delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout movement. Criteria The nominee is an active, registered adult Girl Scout. The outstanding service performed by the nominee resulted in outcomes that benefited the total council or the entire Girl Scout organization, and is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty and scope of impact that no other award would be appropriate. Nomination An individual familiar with the candidate s performance must complete the nomination form and forward to the GSWNY Adult Recognition Committee. For presentation at the Council Recognition Event, nomination must be submitted by February 1 The form will document the service, its scope and impact in relation to the award In addition, three (3) individuals or groups familiar with the service performed submit a GSWNY Statement of Endorsement. Endorsers MUST be individuals OTHER THAN those in nominating group. Approval The GSWNY Adult Recognition Committee reviews the application and recommends approval or denial on whether or not the criteria were met If approved by the committee, the nomination is forwarded to the Girl Scouts of Western New York Board of Directors for approval. If approved the Committee notifies the nominating party and recipient. The Committee notifies only the nominating party if denied. Form of Recognition The Thanks Badge is a gold-filled enamel disc that can be used as a pin or worn on a ribbon or chain. The Thanks Badge is awarded at the Girl Scouts of Western New York Recognition Event. 9

FOCUS OF SERVICE: COUNCIL-WIDE THANKS BADGE II Purpose To recognize an adult member who has already received the Thanks Badge and who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role, resulting in a measurable impact that benefits the entire Girl Scout Movement. Criteria The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout and a former recipient of the Thanks Badge. The outstanding service performed by the nominee resulted in outcomes that benefited the total council, or entire Girl Scout organization, and is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate Nomination An individual familiar with the candidate s performance must complete the nomination form and forward to the GSWNY Adult Recognition Committee. For presentation at the Council Recognition Event, nomination must be submitted by February 1 The form will document the service, its scope and impact in relation to the award In addition, three (3) individuals or groups familiar with the service performed submit a GSWNY Statement of Endorsement. Endorsers MUST be individuals OTHER THAN those in nominating group. Approval The GSWNY Adult Recognition Committee reviews the application and recommends approval or denial on whether or not the criteria were met If approved by the committee, the nomination is forwarded to the Girl Scouts of Western New York Board of Directors for approval. If approved the Committee notifies the nominating party and recipient. The Committee notifies only the nominating party if denied. Form of Recognition The Thanks Badge II is similar to the Thanks Badge and has a blue band inside a gold band. It has a red stone in the center. The Thanks Badge II is awarded at the Girl Scouts of Western New York Recognition Event. 10

FOCUS OF SERVICE: COUNCIL-WIDE PRESIDENT S AWARD Description The President s Award recognizes the efforts of a service-delivery team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council s overall goals. Criteria All Service Team members are registered Girl Scouts All Service Team members have met all requirements and expectations of the positions held. Must meet at least 80% of girl and adult council membership goals. All council paperwork must be turned in on time. The Service-Delivery Team has significantly contributed to meeting one or more of the council s mission-delivery goals. The Service-Delivery Team reflects the diversity of the target audience or areas it serves, in girl and adult membership, in all pathways offered. The Service-Delivery Team actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior. Complete the nomination form and attach additional pages as necessary of the following supporting documentation to indicate how the nominee meets the criteria for this award: Membership data Program impact data Volunteer support resources Volunteer satisfaction data Service delivery team and/or Council goals Approval The GSWNY Adult Recognition Committee reviews the application and recommends approval or denial on whether or not the criteria were met If approved by the committee, the nomination is forwarded to the Girl Scouts of Western New York Board of Directors for approval. If approved the Committee notifies the nominating party and recipient. The Committee notifies only the nominating party if denied. Form of Recognition Certificates are presented to all Service Team members at the annual recognition event. A plaque listing each year s qualifying service units is on display at the GSWNY Headquarters in Buffalo. 11

FOCUS OF SERVICE: COUNCIL-WIDE GSWNY COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AWARD Purpose The GSWNY Commitment to Excellence Award recognizes an organization or business which has shown exceptional commitment to the advancement of Girl Scouting ideals and goals through dedicated and devoted service at the council level. Criteria The nominee must have made significant contributions at the council level to the advancement of Girl Scouting through support of Council programs and service delivery goals in one or more of the following functional areas: 1. Membership-by motivating girls and adults to join the movement and promote their continued involvement. 2. Program-by ensuring quality programs for girls 3. Training-by attending and promoting Council training programs 4. Camping- by supporting and promoting outdoor program and services 5. Fund Development-by effectively participating in fund development, (Family Partnership Campaign, Woman of Distinction Event, Product Sales, etc.) Nomination An individual familiar with the candidate s performance must complete the nomination form and forward to the GSWNY Adult Recognition Committee. For presentation at the Council Recognition Event, nomination must be submitted by February 1 The form will document the service, its scope and impact in relation to the award In addition, three (3) individuals or groups familiar with the service performed submit a GSWNY Statement of Endorsement. Endorsers MUST be individuals OTHER THAN those in nominating group. Approval The GSWNY Adult Recognition Committee reviews the application and recommends approval or denial on whether or not the criteria were met If approved by the committee, the nomination is forwarded to the Girl Scouts of Western New York Board of Directors for approval. If approved the Committee notifies the nominating party and recipient. The Committee notifies only the nominating party if denied. Form of Recognition A plaque is presented to each qualifying organization at the GSWNY Adult Recognition Event. 12

SUGGESTIONS OF WHO MIGHT BE NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL AWARDS: Before you decide on a particular award, first consider: - What is the scope of the volunteer s service? Namely, who is primarily impacted by her/his work? Consider the type(s) of volunteer positions the person has. Are they troop or service unit roles? Does the person volunteer in council-wide roles or committees? - Has the person been previously recognized for service? Verify which awards the person has already received, and which service was recognized. Nominations should exclude any service previously recognized. For example only Volunteer of Excellence Award: A volunteer who works with a teen committee to plan and implement a program at day camp resulting in an increase of girls attending camp. A volunteer who serves as a mentor to other leaders in using the GSLE, whose support was attributed to the retention of volunteers. Appreciation Pin: A person who develops and implements a successful annual family giving program that exceeds financial goals. A Service Unit Manager (or Team Member) whose contributions lead to an increase in membership and retention among girls and adults. The manager of a highly successful product sale. Honor Pin: A person who organizes and provides leadership to a successful annual giving campaign that surpasses council financial goals. A trainer whose events receive consistently high ratings resulting in increased participation by adults from several service units. Thanks Badge: The chair of GSWNY s fund development committee who develops and implements a plan that significantly increases the percentage of adult-generated funding for GSWNY. A person who plays a policy decision-making role at a consistently high level and attracts broad participation in policy influencing through the democratic process. A person who has provided expansion of council training teams and opportunities that resulted in a significant increase in training effectiveness and participation council-wide. Thanks Badge II: A council trainer who, after directing council-wide training events, successfully implements a statewide or regional training event. A board member whose continuous strong leadership in fund development has resulted in greater financial stability for GSWNY. A program consultant who, after developing math and science activities for girls council-wide, serves as director for a math and science event with nation -wide participation. Commitment to Excellence Award: A business that provides support to council initiatives An organization that partners with the council to provide programming to underserved areas 13

ABOUT STATEMENTS OF ENDORSEMENT Nominations must use the GSWNY Statement of Endorsement template, which can be found at http://www.gswny.org/forms under Adult Recognitions. Statements which do not follow the template format will not be reviewed as part of the nomination packet and may result in incomplete packets. Statements of Endorsement should include details to support the nomination s scope of service. For example: a nomination for Appreciation Pin should include information supporting service to one or more service units, such as being a part of the service unit team, service unit camp out committee or other committees. Statements of Endorsement focusing on troop-level service, while important, do not provide enough scope for this award. Quantitative details, such as the number of girls served, hours given, or leaders trained, makes the impact of service clear. Details make the difference: Last year Sally had 10 very active girls in her Daisy troop. Although it would have been easier to stay that size, she couldn t say no to 6 new girls who really wanted to join. She convinced two of the parents to volunteer as assistant leaders so they could expand. She never wants girls to miss the Girl Scout experience. vs. Sally never says no, she will always take any girls that want to join. 14

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ADDITIONAL RECOGNITIONS TENURE AWARD The Membership Numeral Guard recognizes the number of years accumulated as a registered member (girl and adult), in 5-year increments. Girl Scouts of Western New York will recognize adult members with 25 years or more as a registered Girl Scout (either in print or with a pin if attending Recognition Event). All others should be recognized at the Service Unit Level. Requirements The candidate has been a registered Girl Scout member for at least 5 years. Nomination Candidate submits an application to Service Unit Manager for 5-20 years; submit to Council Adult Recognition Committee for 25+ years. An individual may nominate herself or a fellow volunteer. Approval Procedure The candidate s accumulated number of years as a member (girl and adult combined) should be verified through service unit records and/or confirmation with the individual. Form of Recognition A numeral guard, in five-year increments, attached by a chain to the membership pin. YEARS OF SERVICE AWARD This award recognizes the total number of years of active, adult service to Girl Scouting in 5-year increments up to 40 years; 10-year increments thereafter. Girl Scouts of Western New York will be recognize adult members with 20 years or more of volunteer service. All others should be recognized at the Service Unit level. Requirements The candidate has been a registered Girl Scout member for at least 5 years. Nomination Candidate submits an application to Service Unit Manager for 5-20 years; submit to Council Adult Recognition Committee for 25+ years. An individual may nominate herself or a fellow volunteer. Approval Procedure The candidate s accumulated number of years as a member (girl and adult combined) should be verified through service unit records and/or confirmation with the individual. Form of Recognition The Years of Service pin is a pewter and green pin with the number of years of service, in 5 year increments (up to 40 years; 10 year increments thereafter), engraved in the middle. 16

INFORMAL RECOGNITIONS GREEN ANGEL The Green Angel award is available as a certificate, patch or pin. It is given in recognition of a single or short term contribution or to recognize a special service to Girl Scouting. You give one or more of the Green Angel recognition items at any time. Green Angel Awards may be presented by a Troop Leader or Service Unit Adult Recognition Committee. The certificate template is available at http://www.gswny.org/forms under Adult Recognitions Forms. Pins and patches may be purchased at the shop. CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION A certificate is great way to show appreciation for a local business, community partner or special troop volunteer. You may use your own certificate or download our template in the Adult Recognitions Forms. OTHER INFORMAL RECOGNITIONS Simple efforts like verbal thanks, a thank you card or a compliment on Facebook can be great way to thank a volunteer. Here are more ideas: Share a story with our communications team by completing a Share Your Story form on http://www.gswny.org/forms. We may feature them on our blog, social networks, and publications. Send a thank you note Give a gift small, homemade gifts can be very meaningful Provide mentoring opportunities Develop their leadership skills Share positive feedback Be a professional reference Recommend them on LinkedIn Ask them to recruit others Promote them to new roles 17

PLANNING A SERVICE UNIT RECOGNITION EVENT Recognition can and should be given whenever there is someone to honor. It can take place at an event planned solely for that purpose, or it can be part of a meeting such as a monthly service unit meeting. If recognition presentations will take place as part of a business meeting, ask for sufficient time on the agenda. Suggested Guidelines for Service Unit Recognition Committees: 1. Brainstorm tasks and delegate responsibilities 2. Set date and secure a place(if not done by Service Unit) 3. Identify individuals and groups to be honored at the event Recipients of official GSUSA and/or GSWNY awards* Recipients of Service Unit awards** Tenure Pin Years of Service Pin Girl Awards Individual or groups to be recognized informally 4. Purchase awards and mementos 5. Choose a theme to set a festive tone 6. Make provisions for refreshments 7. Plan an opening, and a closing. One or both could be an appropriate reading, song, etc., that reinforces the theme. 8. Decide if an additional ceremony would add to the celebration 9. Make the occasion special with flowers, balloons banners, favors etc. 10. Invite family, friends, and troop members of honorees. 11. Assign someone to be responsible for being sure the honorees attend. 12. Prepare a printed program 13. Select a person to write (and practice!) the script for presentation of awards A description of the award is helpful Have the honoree come forward as the script is being presented Read script and keep name secret until the end(element of surprise) A ceremony can be part of the presentation 14. Designate someone to take photographs 15. Encourage a FUN atmosphere of CELEBRATION! *Nomination packets for official awards must be submitted and approved by the Council Adult Recognition Committee. Green Angel certificates can be printed by the SU, Green Angel Pins and Patches can be purchased in the shop. **Service Unit teams, SUCO and special events committees, facilitators, graduating seniors, destinations participants, community helpers, SU and Troop Product Sales Managers, Girls who earned higher awards(medal of Honor, Bronze Cross, National Leadership Awards, Bronze, Silver, Gold Awards etc.) 18

RECOGNITIONS PLACEMENT ON GS UNIFORM Note: If an adult has received more than one special recognition (e.g. Appreciation pin, Honor pin, etc.) the last one received is generally the one worn on the uniform. 19