CHART OF AWARDS 2018
GSEP VOLUNTEER AWARDS Thank you for your interest in GSEP s Volunteer Awards! We love our volunteers and want to show them just how much their hard work means to our council. We couldn t serve our girls without our volunteers! This Chart of Awards will walk you through the simple nomination process, and what each award entails. So put your thinking caps on who are the hardest working Girl Scout volunteers you know? Let s work together to commend them for their service. Nominate someone today! Please take a few minutes to read through the awards we have to offer. And don t hesitate to email training@gsep.org if you have any questions. We want to hear from you! Table of Contents Page 3 Page 4 Nomination Process Awards for Volunteers Appreciation Pin Honor Pin Pioneer Award Diversity Award Free Spirit Award Super Service Unit Award Gertrude K. McGonigle Award Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Award Lights of Loyalty Thanks Badge Thanks Badge II The Go-Getter Award The Innovator Award The Risk-Taker Award The Leader Award Page 13 Page 14 Awards for Organizations/Community Partners Girl Scouts Athena Award Friend of Girl Scouts of Eastern PA Award Awards for Service Units GSEP President s Award Leadership Knot 2
Nomination Process Do you know a volunteer who goes above and beyond? It s easy to nominate him or her for an award! Consider the distinctive attributes of the awards and how they relate to an outstanding volunteer. Don t forget to ask a few other people to write an endorsement in support of the nominee s service. The number of endorsements needed is listed in the award s description. Award nomination forms are submitted using Smarter Select. Just click here to create an account. Returning users can simply log in with their username and password. Then, fill in the simple nomination form. This step is where you ll be asked to include your endorser s information. Can t complete your nomination all at once? No problem! Save your progress and log back in to finish later. We ve put together a handy Nomination How-To Guide complete with screenshots! Once you complete your nomination, the system will send your endorsers an email with a unique link to complete their portion of the nomination. It will even remind them if they don t fill it out right away! The nomination will not be Submitted to GSEP until it is complete with all endorsements required. Nominators can log in and monitor the status of their nomination. Simply click My Applications, and you ll see all of the nominations you created. Once we receive a nomination, the GSEP Volunteer Awards Committee will review it. They will then make their official recommendations to the GSEP Board of Directors for approval. Have questions? The Volunteer Training and Events team is happy to help! Email training@gsep.org with questions. You can schedule a time to talk with one of our team members or join one of the online Volunteer Awards Nominations Q&A sessions from the comfort and convenience of your own computer. Full schedule and details can be found on the Volunteer Events page of our website. Keep in mind, these awesome awards are intended for GSEP volunteers who served during the 2016-2017 Membership Year. Having trouble finding enough endorsers? Ask a staff person! If necessary, GSEP staff may endorse a nominee. Please note: An individual volunteer can only earn one award per year. The window for submitting all forms closes February 15, 2018. 3
AWARDS FOR INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS Appreciation Pin a GSUSA Award Do you know a volunteer who provided outstanding service to at least one service unit last year? They can be a troop leader, an adult volunteer, or a service unit team member! This award is a great way to show your appreciation. The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout who has furthered GSEP s council goals and gone beyond the expectations of his or her position, creating a measurable impact. The candidate demonstrates exemplary support in delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. A troop leader who has gone above and beyond in a definable manner for not only her troop, but also her service unit A SUM whose management of a service unit has seen an increase in membership and a stable retention pattern A service unit cookie manager, troop cookie manager, or troop Nuts About Reading manager that has promoted and managed a successful Product Sales program exceeding service unit or troop goals A volunteer that partners with her service unit to create and implement recruitment strategies that address reaching under-served populations and increases girl and adult membership as a result Submit nomination form plus two endorsement forms 4
Honor Pin a GSUSA Award Do you know a volunteer who has spread their awesome impact across several service units? They deserve to be recognized! The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout who has provided outstanding service in any role to at least two service units in a way that furthers the council s goals. Their service goes beyond the expectations of their position and has a measurable impact. A Council Trainer that offers individual mentoring to volunteers on how to facilitate the Journeys and deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) to girls resulting in an increase in Journey engagement An event director who implements a series of events and activities that brings girls together from different parts of the council A volunteer that recruits co-workers to lead or sponsor troops or provides career mentors for girls from under-served populations in the council An individual who introduces Girl Scouting to the wider community through significant community action that results in increased organizational visibility and community support Submit nomination form plus three endorsement forms. Pioneer Award Do you know a volunteer that has made the Journeys come alive for her girls? This award is designed to recognize her pioneering spirit! The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout ages 24 and up who has created a program for girls in her area that successfully demonstrates the concepts and philosophy of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, using the framework of the Journeys. A volunteer who worked with her Brownie troop to complete 2 of the 3 Grade Level Journeys and shared her experiences and ideas with other leaders A volunteer that offered a workshop at an adult training event on how to tie Journeys into the GSLE and provided tools and techniques for making the experience girl-led 5
Diversity Award The Diversity Award is for a volunteer who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to promoting diversity in her community, service unit, or council. The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout who goes above and beyond in her role, not only establishing the presence of, but engaging social, ethnic, and other groups in Girl Scouts. An event director who actively seeks to include girls and troops from a variety of backgrounds and/or provides appropriate dietary accommodations at a camporee for participants of different religious backgrounds A volunteer that creates a troop to work with girls of differing abilities to deliver the GSLE in an appropriate and positive manner A SUM who addresses the need to recruit girls from underserved populations within their service unit and recruits volunteers that can effectively deliver the GSLE to them Free Spirit Award Young, inspired, and fresh the Free Spirit Award recognizes a college-aged volunteer, or group of volunteers, who has made a special contribution to GSEP by enriching the lives of girls. The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout who serves as an exemplary role model for girls. She introduces the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls through a variety of outcome-based activities using the Discover, Connect, and Take Action keys. The candidate works with her troop or group to take the activities in a Journey beyond the pages of the book. A volunteer who works with a troop of Juniors to complete their Bronze Award with a community service project A day camp volunteer that helps his or her groups complete an age level Journey A college student who returned to her service unit to help educate girls about the importance of Girl Scouting and how it has positively impacted her life A group of college-aged volunteers that help with Girl Scout programs in a unit A group of college-aged volunteers that organizes and hosts a program for Girl Scouts based on one of the Journeys 6
Super Service Unit Award The Super Service Unit Award is for a service unit volunteer who has gone above and beyond providing time, skills, and leadership. The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout who has been a SU team member for five years or more. Her service goes beyond the expectations of the position, offering programs, events, and support services to its members. A volunteer serves several positions on the team and organizes the service unit camporee and recognitions events A SUM who has worked to cultivate a team that works well together and supports the needs of the SU volunteers, while ensuring that all volunteers are delivering the GSLE A former SUM, now volunteering as a Council Trainer, who has helped to retain volunteers by addressing their needs throughout their time of service as a mentor Gertrude K. McGonigle Award This is a very special award in honor of a fabulous Girl Scout! What volunteer do you know who truly exemplifies the values and traditions of Girl Scouting? Nominate her! The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout for at least 10 years who has proven to be a positive role model while working directly with girls. This award is given in honor of Gertrude K. McGonigle by her daughter, in recognition of her mother s long-standing interest and support of Girl Scouting in the Reading/Berks County area. Please note: only one award council-wide will be presented each year. A volunteer whose troop has contacted the service unit to highlight how important her/his commitment is to them A volunteer that works with older girls not belonging to troops to help them obtain their Gold Award and stay involved in the Girl Scout Movement A long-standing volunteer who works really hard for girls and is a living example of the Girl Scout Promise and Law Submit nomination form plus three endorsement forms. 7
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Award Who do you think of when we say the ultimate GSEP volunteer? This volunteer! The GSEP Award is the highest council level award and is presented to up to three recipients each year. The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout who has served 10 years or more with remarkable dedication and service to the entire council. This award honors three legacy council leaders: Janet A. Clark (GSFV), Ellen Mary Cassatt (GSSP), and Ronnie Backenstoe (GSGVC). A volunteer that leads two troops, is a GSEP Delegate, is an active Council Trainer, and has proactively worked to increase girl and adult recruitment throughout the council s jurisdiction A volunteer that serves on several committees within the council and reaches out on a regular basis to speak with state and local officials about supporting Girl Scouts with key legislation Submit nomination form plus four endorsement forms. Lights of Loyalty Award Do you know a volunteer who s been a Girl Scout for a really long time? Thank her for her service by nominating her for this award! The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout who demonstrates longterm commitment to Girl Scouting for thirty or more years of adult service (please do not count years as a girl). Her service to the organization and the mission are extraordinary. A volunteer that has held several positions throughout the council and embraces the GSLE and communicates its value to all members A volunteer that has continued to take on troop leader positions that directly affect girl recruitment and retention 8
Thanks Badge a GSUSA Award The Thanks Badge is the ultimate way to say THANK YOU to an awesome Girl Scout volunteer! The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout who has provided exceptional, outstanding service that benefits the total council or entire Girl Scout Movement. The candidate demonstrates an ongoing commitment to leadership and service that has a measurable impact. The service is so significantly beyond expectations, that no other award is appropriate. A volunteer who devised an ongoing project that increased girl and volunteer recruitment substantially throughout the council and educated the community about the Girl Scout Movement A volunteer who establishes a successful collaboration with a local agency that results in increased program opportunities for girls from all parts of the council A volunteer that supports older girls working towards their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, resulting in increased retention of older girls and positive publicity for the council Submit nomination form plus four endorsement forms. Thanks Badge II a GSUSA Award Do you know a dedicated volunteer who has already been honored with the Thanks Badge, and kept right on working tirelessly for the Girl Scout Movement? Then this award is for her! The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout and a Thanks Badge recipient. She has since provided continuing distinguished service benefiting the total council that significantly surpasses the original achievement. A volunteer that has received the Thanks Badge for her ongoing project that has increased girl and volunteer recruitment and travels to other councils to share her process and assist in growing membership throughout the organization An administrative volunteer who initiates a volunteer support system that successfully retains members in the council and which has been replicated in other councils Submit nomination form plus four endorsement forms. 9
THE ADULT G.I.R.L AWARDS The Adult GIRL Awards recognize volunteers who exemplify one of the G.I.R.L. leadership qualities: gogetter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader. These volunteers abide by the Girl Scout Promise and Law, encourage the G.I.R.L. in each of our members, and show progression as a leader. They can be involved at any level of volunteering, from parent helpers to service unit team members. They must have been registered and cleared for the 2016-17 membership year. When nominating an individual, select one of the leadership qualities and submit a nomination form plus two endorsements. *More than one volunteer can earn each award. Volunteers can only be awarded one letter per year, but over time can strive to collect all four! The Go-Getter Award - A GSEP Award A recipient of the Go-Getter Award has grit. She or he puts her goals into action, pursues leadership positions and perseveres through challenges. A troop volunteer who encourages and empowers their Junior girls to take on and achieve a stand out Bronze Award project A new Troop Cookie Manager who stepped up and helped all of the girls reach their cookie sale goals A volunteer who raised her hand to plan a service unit event. 10
The Innovator Award a GSEP Award A recipient of the Innovator Award has bright ideas. She or he uses creativity to imagine and implement solutions. An innovator brings new ideas that benefit a troop or service unit or provides a spark to enhance current activities or events. A troop leader who goes beyond the Journey curricula and creates new ways for her girls to help them develop their skills and achieve their goals A volunteer who makes big things happen with limited resources A troop volunteer who develops a new way for the troop to leverage technology ie. Secure photo sharing or troop communication. The Risk-Taker Award a GSEP Award A recipient of the Risk-Taker Award seeks new adventures and experiences. She or he steps outside of her or his comfort zone to provide the best experience for girls or takes positive action on issues in the community. A troop leader who has led her troop in a large scale national trip or international trip A volunteer who embraces the unfamiliar to maximize inclusivity in her troop and welcome a girl with special needs. A new leader who takes on the challenge of an Older Girl troop as her first troop leader experience. 11
The Leader Award a GSEP Award A recipient of the Leader Award listens to opinions and feelings different from her own. He or she handles conflict with compassion and clear communication. A Leader works hard to bring positive change to the world and builds team spirit while bringing people together. A volunteer who provides ongoing conflict resolution support within the troop or service unit A volunteer who shares the skills she learned by attending workshops at Fall Adult Learn and Lead Weekend (FALL) A troop volunteer who steps up to be the approved outdoor trained volunteer for her troop and offers suggestions on how to take her troop outdoors on a regular basis. 12
AWARDS FOR ORGANIZATIONS/ COMMUNITY PARTNERS Girl Scout Athena Award The Athena Award is named for the Greek goddess of skill and justice. This award will be given to the college or university committed to supporting GSEP by providing meeting space, hosting programs, and offering financial support and internships. A troop is given space to meet in the college s student union building A service unit is allowed to hold a field day on the university s athletic fields Several campus groups raise funds to provide camp scholarships for girls. Submit nomination form plus two endorsement forms Friends of Girl Scouts of Eastern PA Award Do you know a company or organization that has played a rock star role in your troop or service unit s experience? Nominate them! The Friend of GSEP Award honors one or more companies or organizations (one per county) within council jurisdiction. The candidate supports GSEP by providing meeting space, hosting programs, providing financial support, or other means of visible support to the council. A small business that provides a parking space for the GSEP cookie trailer, and offers to have their employees volunteer after hours to assist A church that provides meeting space for troops and supports Take Action projects free of charge An organization or business that makes an annual monetary donation for a funded troop or camp scholarship A local chain that provides cookie booth space at all their area locations during cookie season. 13
AWARDS FOR SERVICE UNITS GSEP President s Award a GSUSA Award Is your service unit extremely dedicated to the Girl Scout Movement- and has the numbers to prove it? Then this award is for your team! The candidate for this award is a service unit who has shown exemplary commitment to Girl Scouting by adherence and support to specific criteria relative to council goals, surpassing team goals resulting in a significant impact on the council, and achieving at least one additional, extraordinary and mission-focused objective during a membership year. A maximum of five service units may be selected each year for this honor. A service unit that meets its membership and training goals, and in addition improves the communication processes by organizing a committee of older girls and volunteers who work to create new communication strategies resulting in higher girl retention, program participation, and filling of open volunteer positions OR holds a weekend event open to older troops within the council with programming based on the GSLE and results in significant older girl retention throughout the council Application: The service unit manager submits the President s Award Application, and a Volunteer Support Specialist acts as an endorser. Submission Dates, Approval, and Presentation: Follow the same process as the nominated awards. 14
Leadership Knot The Leadership Knot is for a service unit who fully committed themselves and effectively assisted girls in their service unit in earning their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Their efforts helped them impact the community, create change, and distinctly enhance the Girl Scout Mission. Service unit awardees will be determined based on a ratio of the number of eligible girls to awards earned according to the previous membership year. The three service units with the highest percentage of award recipients will be honored. The recipients of this award will be determined by Girl Award records for the 2016-2017 membership year. 15
GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER AWARDS Questions on the 2018 Chart of Awards? Email the Volunteer Training and Events Team at training@gsep.org. You can schedule a time to speak with one of our team members, or join one of the online Volunteer Awards Nominations Q&A sessions from the comfort and convenience of your own computer. Full schedule and details can be found on the Volunteer Events page of our website. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Serving Girls in Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia Counties 215.564.2030 gsep.org