Adult Volunteer Recognition Booklet

Adult Volunteer Recognition Booklet 2017-2018 For questions or assistance, please contact: Volunteer Resource Manager Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois 844-476-4463 customercare@girlscoutsni.org

The Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by The Girl Scout Law.

TABLE OF CONTENTS AWARDS AT A GLANCE NATIONAL AWARDS MEMBER RECOGNITION YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP NUMERAL GUARD NOMINATED AWARDS VOLUNTEER OF EXCELLENCE APPRECIATION PIN HONOR PIN NOMINATED AND BOARD-APPROVED AWARDS THANKS BADGE AWARD THANKS BADGE II AWARD PRESIDENT S AWARD GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS AWARD HALL OF FAME (BOARD APPROVED) THE NOMINATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS FOR NATIONAL AND BOARD-APPROVED COUNCIL AWARDS TIPS FOR SUBMITTING GREAT AWARD NOMINATIONS ADVICE ON LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT SUGGESTED OUTLINE FOR LETTER OF ENDORSEMENT ADULT AWARDS AND INSIGNIA PLACEMENT

The Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

AWARDS AT A GLANCE ADULT RECOGNITIONS These awards are presented at the Annual Meeting and Recognition Ceremony in April. Deadline for nominations is February 13, 2018. Award Brief Description Member s Service Benefits Membership Numeral Guard for each 5 year increment Volunteer of Excellence Award Appreciation Pin Honor Pin Thanks Badge Award Thanks Badge II Award President s Award Hall of Fame Member Recognition Recognizes 5 or more years membership and commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law Troop/*SU/Council *Service Unit NATIONAL NOMINATED AWARDS Recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls Recognizes an individual s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience Recognizes a member s exemplary impact in two or more geographic areas Troop/SU/Council SU/Council SU/Council Items Needed Request when registering for the Annual Meeting Nomination Form Nomination Form Nomination Form NATIONAL NOMINATED AND BOARD-APPROVED AWARDS Recognizes a member s exemplary leadership which has benefitted the entire council or Girl Scout Movement Recognizes a member s exemplary leadership which has benefitted the entire council or Girl Scout Movement Recognizes a SU Team or committee which has significantly impacted the Girl Scout Mission Council or entire GS movement Thanks Badge recipient, council, or entire GS movement. SU Team/Council GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS AWARD Recognizes a lifetime commitment to the Girl Scout Movement within Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Council Nomination Form Nomination Form Nomination Form Nomination Form and Two Endorsement Letters

National Awards Girl Scouts of the USA Mission Statement Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Color Guard at the 2017 Annual Meeting

Volunteer of Excellence Award Nomination Form The Volunteer of Excellence award recognizes 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 girl and adult members. Award Requirements: The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout. The candidate has successfully completed a term of service and all requirements for the position. The candidate has performed beyond expectations for the position to deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls using the national program portfolio. The candidate s performance has been beyond the expectations of the position and has supported 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 (such as IT, Customer Service, Merchandising, Marketing and Communications). The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior. Nomination Instructions: Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by one person or by several people as long as the nominator(s) is/are familiar with the candidate s volunteer service. Note that if the candidate is approved for an award, s/he will receive a copy of the nomination form. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by February 13, 2018. Incomplete form or generic nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination. Candidate Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: List volunteer position(s) held for the 2017 membership year: Nominator Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: Position:

Volunteer of Excellence Award Nomination Form Continued Please describe in detail how the candidate s ongoing commitment, leadership, and service impacted the mission-delivery goals and priorities for the council and the Girl Scout Movement. Provide as much detail as possible to help the committee understand the exemplary nature of the candidate s service. 1. Is the candidate a registered Girl Scout member now and throughout the time period when the service was given? Yes No 2. Please describe the activity/activities this candidate implemented to support the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in their troop, service unit, or the council. Give specific examples that meet the award requirements. 3. In what community/service unit area was this service delivered? 4. Who was affected? For adults, include how many in what roles. For girls, include how many and what grade level(s). 5. How were they affected? What outcome did the girls/adults experience, or what did they say they remembered/learned about the experience or activity?

Volunteer of Excellence Award Nomination Form Continued 6. What position did the candidate hold, and how did the candidate s service go above and beyond the expectations for the position? What were the goals or expectations? Use specific examples to support their nomination. Additional remarks: SUBMIT COMPLETED NOMINATION FORM By Email: Submit one candidate nomination form per email. Save form to your computer and attach the completed form to email. Include candidate name and award in the subject line of email. Send nomination to customercare@girlscoutsni.org. By Mail: Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Attn: Adult Recognition Awards 2820 McFarland Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 Questions? Contact us at 844-476-4463 or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Appreciation Pin Nomination Form The Appreciation Pin recognizes an individual s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This service, which has had measureable impact on one geographic area of service, helps reach and surpass the mission-delivery goals of the area. Award Requirements: The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout. The service performed by the candidate is above and beyond the expectations for the position held and made an impact on a geographic area within the council s jurisdiction. Nomination Instructions: Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by one person or by several people as long as the nominator(s) is/are familiar with the candidate s volunteer service. Note that if the candidate is approved for an award, s/he will receive a copy of the nomination form. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by February 13, 2018. Incomplete form or generic nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination. Candidate Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: List volunteer position(s) held for the 2017 membership year: Nominator Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: Position:

Appreciation Pin Nomination Form Continued Please describe in detail how the candidate s ongoing commitment, leadership, and service impacted the mission-delivery goals and priorities for the council and the Girl Scout Movement. Provide as much detail as possible to help the committee understand the exemplary nature of the candidate s service. 1. Is the candidate a registered Girl Scout member now and throughout the time period when the service was given? Yes No 2. Please describe the activity/activities this candidate implemented to support the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in their service unit or the council. Give specific examples that meet the award requirements. 3. In what community/service unit area was this service delivered? 4. Who was affected? For adults, include how many in what roles. For girls, include how many and what grade level(s). 5. How were they affected? What outcome did the girls/adults experience, or what did they say they remembered/learned about the experience or activity?

Appreciation Pin Nomination Form Continued 6. What position did the candidate hold, and how did the candidate s service go above and beyond the expectations for the position? What were the goals or expectations? Use specific examples to support their nomination. Additional remarks: SUBMIT COMPLETED NOMINATION FORM By Email: Submit one candidate nomination form per email. Save form to your computer and attach the completed form to email. Include candidate name and award in the subject line of email. Send nomination to customercare@girlscoutsni.org. By Mail: Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Attn: Adult Recognition Awards 2820 McFarland Rd Rockford, IL 61107 Questions? Contact us at 844-476-4463 or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Honor Pin Nomination Form 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 or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals. Award Requirements: The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout. The service performed by the candidate is above and beyond the expectations for the position held and made an impact on two or more geographic areas within the council jurisdiction. Nomination Instructions: Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by one person or by several people as long as the nominator(s) is/are familiar with the candidate s volunteer service. Note that if the candidate is approved for an award, s/he will receive a copy of the nomination form. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by February 13, 2018. Incomplete form or generic nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination. Candidate Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: List volunteer position(s) held for the 2017 membership year: Nominator Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: Position:

Honor Pin Nomination Form Continued Please describe in detail how the candidate s ongoing commitment, leadership, and service impacted the mission-delivery goals and priorities for the council and the Girl Scout Movement. Provide as much detail as possible to help the committee understand the exemplary nature of the candidate s service. 1. Is the candidate a registered Girl Scout member now and throughout the time period when the service was given? Yes No 2. Please describe the activity/activities this candidate implemented to support the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in two or more geographic areas of service or the council. Give specific examples that meet the award requirements. 3. In what community/service unit area was this service delivered? 4. Who was affected? For adults, include how many in what roles. For girls, include how many and what grade level(s). 5. How were they affected? What outcome did the girls/adults experience, or what did they say they remembered/learned about the experience or activity?

Honor Pin Nomination Form Continued 6. What position did the candidate hold, and how did the candidate s service go above and beyond the expectations for the position? What were the goals or expectations? Use specific examples to support their nomination. Additional remarks: SUBMIT COMPLETED NOMINATION FORM By Email: Submit one candidate nomination form per email. Save form to your computer and attach the completed form to email. Include candidate name and award in the subject line of email. Send nomination to customercare@girlscoutsni.org. By Mail: Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Attn: Adult Recognition Awards 2820 McFarland Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 Questions? Contact us at 844-476-4463 or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

National and GSNI Board-Approved Awards Vicki C. representing the Recognition Committee 2017

Thanks Badge Nomination Form 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. Award Requirements: The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout. The outstanding service performed by the candidate resulted in outcomes that benefitted the total council or the entire Girl Scout organization and is significantly above and beyond the call of duty. Nomination Instructions: Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by one person or several people as long as the nominator(s) is/are familiar with the candidate s volunteer service. Note that if the candidate is approved for an award, s/he will receive a copy of the nomination form. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by February 13, 2018. Incomplete form or generic nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination. Candidate Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: List volunteer position(s) held for the 2017 membership year: Nominator Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: Position:

Thanks Badge Nomination Form Continued Please describe in detail how the candidate s ongoing commitment, leadership, and service impacted the mission-delivery goals and priorities for the council and the Girl Scout Movement. Provide as much detail as possible to help the committee understand the exemplary nature of the candidate s service. 1. Is the candidate a registered Girl Scout member now and throughout the time period when the service was given? Yes No 2. Please describe the activity/activities this candidate implemented to support the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience within the entire council. Give specific examples that meet the award requirements. 3. In what community/service unit area was this service delivered? 4. Who was affected? For adults, include how many in what roles. For girls, include how many and what grade level(s). 5. How were they affected? What outcome did the girls/adults experience, or what did they say they remembered/learned about the experience or activity?

Thanks Badge Nomination Form Continued 6. What position did the candidate hold, and how did the candidate s service go above and beyond the expectations for the position? What were the goals or expectations? Use specific examples to support their nomination. Additional remarks: SUBMIT COMPLETED NOMINATION FORM By Email: Submit one candidate nomination form per email. Save form to your computer and attach the completed form to email. Include candidate name and award in the subject line of email. Send nomination to customercare@girlscoutsni.org. By Mail: Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Attn: Adult Recognition Awards 2820 McFarland Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 Questions? Contact us at 844-476-4463 or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Thanks Badge II Nomination Form The Thanks Badge II honors a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role, resulting in a measurable impact that benefits the total council or entire Girl Scout Movement. Award Requirements: The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout. The candidate has received the Thanks Badge. The outstanding service performed by the candidate resulted in outcome(s) that benefitted the entire Girl Scout organization, and is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate. Nomination Instructions: Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by one person or by several people as long as the nominator(s) is/are familiar with the candidate s volunteer service. Note that if the candidate is approved for an award, s/he will receive a copy of the nomination form. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by February 13, 2018. Incomplete form or generic nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination. Candidate Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: List volunteer position(s) held for the 2017 membership year: Nominator Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: Position:

Thanks Badge II Nomination Form Continued Please describe in detail how the candidate s ongoing commitment, leadership, and service impacted the mission-delivery goals and priorities for the council and the Girl Scout Movement. Provide as much detail as possible to help the committee understand the exemplary nature of the candidate s service. 1. Is the candidate a registered Girl Scout member now and throughout the time period when the service was given? Yes No 2. Please describe the activity/activities this candidate implemented to support the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience within the entire council. Give specific examples that meet the award requirements. 3. In what community/service unit area was this service delivered? 4. Who was affected? For adults, include how many in what roles. For girls, include how many and what grade level(s). 5. How were they affected? What outcome did the girls/adults experience, or what did they say they remembered/learned about the experience or activity?

Thanks Badge II Nomination Form Continued 6. What position did the candidate hold and how did the candidate s service go above and beyond the expectations for the position? What were the goals or expectations? Use specific examples to support their nomination. Additional remarks: SUBMIT COMPLETED NOMINATION FORM By Email: Submit one candidate nomination form per email. Save form to your computer and attach the completed form to email. Include candidate name and award in the subject line of email. Send nomination to customercare@girlscoutsni.org. By Mail: Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Attn: Adult Recognition Awards 2820 McFarland Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 Questions? Contact us at 844-476-4463 or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

President s Award Nomination Form 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. Award Requirements: All service-delivery team members are registered Girl Scouts. All service-delivery team members have met all requirements and expectations of the positions held. 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 area 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. Nomination Instructions: Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by one person or several people as long as the nominator(s) is/are familiar with the service-delivery team s volunteer service. Note that if the team is approved for an award, members will receive a copy of the nomination form. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by February 13, 2018. Incomplete form or generic nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination. Team Information: Name of Team: Service Unit Name: Team Leader Name and Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: List volunteers and position(s) held for the 2017 membership year: Nominator Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: Position:

President s Award Nomination Form Continued Please describe in detail how the team s ongoing commitment, leadership, and service impacted the mission-delivery goals and priorities for the council and the Girl Scout Movement. Provide as much detail as possible to help the committee understand the exemplary nature of the team s service. 1. Are members of the team registered Girl Scout members now and throughout the time period when the service was given? Yes No 2. Please describe the activity/activities this team implemented to support the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in their service unit or the council. Give specific examples that meet the award requirements. 3. In what community/service unit area was this service delivered? 4. Who was affected? For adults, include how many in what roles. For girls, include how many and what grade level(s). 5. How were they affected? What outcome did the girls/adults experience, or what did they say they remembered/learned about the experience or activity?

President s Award Nomination Form Continued 6. What positions did the team hold and how did the team s service go above and beyond the expectations for the position? What were the goals or expectations? Use specific examples to support their nomination. Additional remarks: SUBMIT COMPLETED NOMINATION FORM By Email: Submit one candidate nomination form per email. Save form to your computer and attach the completed form to email. Include candidate name and award in the subject line of email. Send nomination to customercare@girlscoutsni.org. By Mail: Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Attn: Adult Recognition Awards 2820 McFarland Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 Questions? Contact us at 844-476-4463 or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Awards GSNI Mission Statement Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois is proud to develop independent, confident girls by offering a variety of customizable experiences with opportunities to learn valuable life skills and try new things, all while cultivating the character to build a better world! Louise G. Hall of Fame recipient 2017

Hall of Fame Nomination Form The Hall of Fame Award recognizes a lifetime commitment to the Girl Scout Movement within Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois. The recipient has supported GSNI in a variety of ways including advocating for Girl Scouts in the community and volunteering in a variety of roles. No more than two individuals shall be inducted into the Hall of Fame in a given year. The Hall of Fame Award can be given posthumously. Award Requirements: The candidate for this award has been an adult member for at least 20 years. The candidate has delivered service that has benefited the total council far exceeding the expectations of any position. The candidate has had long-lasting impact on Girl Scouting. Nomination Instructions: Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form and two letters of endorsement. The nomination can be submitted by one person or by several people as long as the nominator(s) is/are familiar with the candidate s volunteer service. Letters of endorsement must be provided by two people other than the nominator. Note that if the candidate is approved for an award, s/he will receive a copy of the nomination form. Completed nomination forms and two letters of endorsement must be submitted by February 13, 2018. Incomplete form or generic nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination. Candidate Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: List volunteer position(s) held for the 2017 membership year: Nominator Information: Name: Service Unit Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: Position:

Hall of Fame Award Nomination Form Continued Please describe in detail how the candidate s ongoing commitment, leadership, and service impacted the mission-delivery goals and priorities for the council and the Girl Scout Movement. Provide as much detail as possible to help the committee understand the exemplary nature of the candidate s service. 7. Is the candidate a registered Girl Scout member now and throughout the time period when the service was given? Yes No 8. Please describe the activity/activities this candidate implemented to support the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in their troop, service unit, or the council. Give specific examples that meet the award requirements. 9. In what community/service unit area was this service delivered? 10. Who was affected? For adults, include how many in what roles. For girls, include how many and what grade level(s). 11. How were they affected? What outcome did the girls/adults experience, or what did they say they remembered/learned about the experience or activity?

Hall of Fame Award Nomination Form Continued 12. What position did the candidate hold, and how did the candidate s service go above and beyond the expectations for the position? What were the goals or expectations? Use specific examples to support their nomination. Additional remarks: SUBMIT COMPLETED NOMINATION FORM By Email: Submit one candidate nomination form per email. Save form to your computer and attach the completed form to email. Include candidate name and award in the subject line of email. Send nomination to customercare@girlscoutsni.org. By Mail: Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Attn: Adult Recognition Awards 2820 McFarland Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 Questions? Contact us at 844-476-4463 or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Nomination and Approval Process For National and Board-Approved Council Awards: Any active Girl Scout volunteer or staff member can initiate award nominations. An individual or group familiar with the service performed (e.g., troop/group leadership, Service Unit Event Coordinator, etc.) completes an application to nominate a volunteer for an award. Awards are intended to recognize service provided in the previous Girl Scout membership year (October 1, 2016, through September 30, 2017). Nomination forms may be copied out of this booklet or downloaded from https://www.girlscoutsni.org/en/for-volunteers/volunteer-recognition.html A separate recognition form is needed for EACH name/award submitted. Nominees must be registered Girl Scout adult members. Award nominations are submitted to the Volunteer Resource Manager for initial review. The Volunteer Resource Manager may request additional information from the Nominator in order to assure completeness. Completed nomination forms should be submitted: By Email: Submit one candidate nomination form per email. Save form to your computer and attach the completed form to email. Include candidate name and award in the subject line of email. Send nomination to customercare@girlscoutsni.org. By Mail: Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Attn: Adult Recognition Awards 2820 McFarland Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 Once all nominations have been received by February 13, 2018, the Volunteer Recognition Committee will meet to review and vote on the nominations. Nominators will be notified of the committee s decisions. GSNI s volunteer Board of Directors has delegated authority to the committee to use its judgement as to which recognitions are most appropriate. Following the recommendations of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), one person cannot receive the same award more than once. The committee approves or denies the nomination and notifies the nominating group of its decision. If the award request is not approved, a letter will be sent explaining the reason and/or suggesting a more suitable award. Once all of the approved nominations are collected, the Volunteer Resource Manager submits the list of approved nominations along with the nomination forms to GSNI s volunteer Board of Directors for final approval at the March Board Meeting.

Tips for Submitting Great Award Nominations 1. Begin the process as soon as possible. 2. Read the Recognition Booklet, and determine which award is most appropriate for your candidate. Consider her/his service in terms of how she/he demonstrates the Girl Scout Promise and Law. 3. Find out as much information as possible about your candidate s Girl Scout volunteer activities. If you think the volunteer deserves this award but do not know everything she/he has done in the past, please contact your Service Unit Manager or Member Support Specialist. 4. Nomination forms and Hall of Fame Letters of Endorsement are found on our website at Volunteer Recognition. Click on the name of the award you wish to submit, save the form to your computer, complete, and email it. 5. Please remember the Volunteer Recognition Committee may only know your candidate from what they read on the nomination form or through letters of endorsement. 6. Ensure those writing letters of endorsement also supply specific details about your candidate. (See samples in this booklet.) The nominator may not write a letter of endorsement. 7. Once you have your completed nomination form and letters of endorsement, please submit them to the Volunteer Resource Manager at: By Email: Submit one candidate/service-delivery team nomination form per email. Save form to your computer and attach the completed form to email. Include candidate/service-delivery team name and award in the subject line. Send nomination to customercare@girlscoutsni.org. By Mail: Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Attn: Adult Recognition Awards 2820 McFarland Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 8. The deadline is February 13, 2018. Please don t wait until the last minute to submit your nomination.

Advice on Letters of Endorsement The Recognition Committee may not know your nominee. They accept or reject a nomination strictly based on what they read in the nomination form and letters of endorsement. It is important the endorsements be specific, well-written, and legible. Consider carefully who you ask to write the letters of endorsement and ensure your writer knows the nominee well enough to support the nomination with specific details. Give the writers a copy of the Letter of Endorsement Form as soon as possible, leaving enough time for the nominator to review the letter and submit with the nomination form by the deadline. EXAMPLE: Mary has been nominated for the Hall of Fame, a GSNI Board-Approved Award. The letter on the left would cause her nomination to be rejected while the endorsement on the right secures the award for her. Poor This example is too vague. Good This example lists specific actions which benefits GSNI as a whole. Mary is a wonderful person. She has helped GSNI as a council since it began. She is very encouraging and always keeps the needs of the girls in our council in mind. She has helped with many events throughout the years. I don t know what we would do without her. Mary has three children and is very active with GSNI and her church. She sets a wonderful example for Girl Scouts in the community. I have known Mary for years, and she is most deserving of this award. Mary has served as a troop leader, Service Unit Team member, and council volunteer for over 45 years! In addition to working with her granddaughter s troop, she demonstrates courage and confidence by planning events in her local service unit and for all of GSNI. This year alone she has organized the following events: 1. Council-wide older girl Thinking Day event at NIU 2. Cooking with Science 3. Jump into Motion Because her events are so well attended, Mary was able to train other Service Unit Event Coordinators on how to create successful events in their areas. Mary has also hosted several STEM activities to help girls in her service unit learn more about STEM careers! This has helped increase the amount of girls attending STEM activities by 10% in the past 5 years!

Letter of Endorsement for Hall of Fame Nomination (Please submit this form or your own letter) Nominee: 1. Please provide specific examples of how this nominee has provided outstanding service which supports the Girl Scout Mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law within GSNI. 2. Why do you think this nominee s service was exceptional why it went above and beyond what is expected for a volunteer in this position? (This is critical awards are made to recognize exceptional service.) Submitted by: (We may contact you if further information is needed.) Name: Relationship: Email: Best Phone: Please return the endorsement letter to the person submitting the nomination.