Girl Scout Gold Award Project Proposal Your Name: Prior to starting your project, submit this proposal to: Council Name: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: NOTE: BE SURE TO SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL BY THE DATE ESTABLISHED BY YOUR COUNCIL. Your Name: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email: Phone: Age: Grade: School: Troop/Group Number: Troop/Group Volunteer: Troop/Group Volunteer s Phone: Email: Girl Scout Gold Award Project Advisor: Project Advisor s Organization: Project Advisor s Phone: County: Email: High School Graduation Year: 1 PG124/6-18
Girl Scout Gold Award Project Proposal Your Name: Prerequisites: Two Senior or Ambassador Journeys, or one Journey and the Girl Scout Silver Award. List two Journeys you have completed and obtain your troop/group volunteer s signature. Senior/Ambassador Journey Books Date Completed Troop/Group Volunteer s Signature 1. 2. Girl Scout Silver Award Completion Date Council Where You Earned the Award List the names of individuals and organizations you plan to work with on your Take Action project. This is a preliminary list that may grow over the course of your project. Individual (if applicable) Organization Team Role 2 PG124/6-18
Girl Scout Gold Award Project Proposal Your Name: Take Action Project Project Title: Proposed Start Date: Proposed Completion Date: Please select which, if any, of the following four national program pillars your project most closely addresses. If necessary, check Other and elaborate. ǓǓSTEM: Discover all about engineering, computer science, and outdoor STEM through programming that will ignite your interest and increase your confidence and competency in STEM. ǓǓOutdoor: Our progressive programs let you experience the outdoors as you build your skills and participate in adventure opportunities that, eventually, will help you become a thoughtful and caring environmental steward. ǓǓLife Skills: Civic engagement, healthy living, communication, financial literacy, cultural arts, global citizenship... You ll gain skills in these important areas and more, enhancing what you ve learned in school and preparing you to succeed in the world. ǓǓEntrepreneurship: Starting with the iconic Girl Scout Cookie program, you can change the world by learning business skills and exploring a variety of entrepreneurial opportunities, including social entrepreneurship. ǓǓOther: Describe the issue your project will address and your target audience. (Remember your 15-second pitch.) Discuss your reasons for selecting this project. Outline the strengths, talents, and skills you plan to put into action. What skills do you hope to develop over the course of your project? 3 PG124/6-18
Girl Scout Gold Award Project Proposal Your Name: Briefly describe the steps involved in putting your plan into action, including any resources, facilities, equipment, and approvals needed. (Attach a detailed project plan as well.) Besides the primary individuals/organizations noted on your chart on page 2, list any other people/ organizations you plan to engage along the way. Estimate overall project expenses and how you plan to meet these costs. What methods or tools will you use to evaluate the impact of your project? How will your project be sustained beyond your involvement? Describe how you ll let others know about your project, its impact, and what you learned (e.g., website, blog, presentations, posters, videos, articles). Your Signature: Project Advisor s Signature: Council Representative s Signature: Date: Date: Date: 4 PG124/6-18
Girl Scout Gold Award Project Proposal Your Name: Impact Planning Using the Impact Planning Chart, describe the impact you hope your project will have on your community and your target audience. Impact On... Goals Potential Impact Community What community issue do you plan to What are some ideal outcomes of your address? project on the community? Target Audience (e.g., workshop participants, other youth, community members) What skills, knowledge, or attitudes do you want your target audience to gain? How will you know your audience has gained the desired skills/knowledge? 5 PG124/6-18
Girl Scout Gold Award Rubric Category Criteria/Definition Does Not Meet Requirements Meets Requirements Exceeds Requirements (includes requirements in "Meets" section and below) Prerequisites Option #1 Option #2 *Completion of the Girl Scout Silver Award and one Journey (Senior or Ambassador). Note the Journey must align to the GS level at the time of completion *Completion of two Journeys (Senior/Ambassador) aligned to the appropriate GS level at time of completion *Only one prerequisite completed * Journey did not align to GS level at time of completion * none or only one Journey completed * Journey not aligned with the correct GS level at time of completion *Journey in progress, not complete *Completed one Journey (Senior or Ambassador) aligned to the correct GS level at time of completion *Earned Girl Scout Silver Award *Completed two Journeys aligned to the appropriate GS level (Senior/Ambassador) *Earned the Girl Scout Silver Award *Multiple Journeys completed *Multiple Journeys completed Identifying an issue * Identify an issue outside GS *Start by asking " who, what, why, when, how *Why is it a problem, who is impacted, etc. *The issue is not clearly stated *A community service initiative is described rather than a Take Action project *Issue is internal to GS Research * The identification of an issue outside of GS *Conducting research is not mentioned *No evidence of research is apparent *The issue stated includes information such as what, when, why, where and how *Mentions how research supported issue identification *Research sources are mentioned *Includes additional background information * Applies research gathered *Considers multiple perspectives The Root Cause of an Issue *The reason why an issue exists * Sample issue statement format - [State the issue] + because [stating why it exists] *Does not state why an issue exists or the impact on the community * The issue is internal to GS rather than external * Explains why the issue exists and the impact on the community *Provides citations from resources Select an Issue Conduct Research Demonstration of a Community Need Target Audience *Identifies a gap * shares how your solution will make a difference *The specific group that will benefit *A clearly defined audience * There can be multiple audiences for a single project *Does not clearly communicate a need *The focus is too broad or too narrow *Does not present a solution *Requires less than 80 hours * Does not clearly state who will benefit * Supports GS rather than an external audience *Concisely communicates a need and a solution *The issue's scope is achievable *The issue can support 80 project hours (please note 80 hours is not required for implementation, but for the completion of the entire project from research to submitting a final report) *Clearly states the target audience, may include population, age group, geographic area, etc. *Cites research *Provides research validating a need * considers national or global connections National and Global Links *National and global links are the connections between a GS's project, the local community and a global issue Example: An issue addressing hunger in one city, may likely be occurring in another city or state *Does not make a connection between the issue, the community being served and beyond *Demonstrates an understanding that the issue could impact other communities *Directly cites the broad impact
Project Proposal Project Purpose *The project purpose is specific clearly stating the goals and objectives to include a unique, innovative solution to the issue *Issue not clearly communicated * A new or unique solution is absent *The project supports a program already being implemented in North Carolina *The issue and solution are clearly communicated *The solution is new and different, or offers a unique enhancement *The scope is realistic and attainable *The project requires more than 80 hours Sustainability *Sustainability is defined as how the project will continue following a GS's involvement *Does not state how the project will continue *Sustainability refers to a physical structure (such as a bench) rather than the continuation of a project *Communicates how a project will continue and how the issue will continue to be addressed *Includes how information will be transferred to the sustaining organizations/ individuals/groups Measuring Outcomes *Measuring outcomes refers to how success will be measured and the tools that will be used to the determine results. Examples may include surveys, # of participants, # of materials distributed etc. *Does not include how results will be measured *States how you'll know the project was successful *Provides concrete evaluation concepts *Lists specific desired outcomes Leadership Development * Leadership development refers to the opportunities where new skills can be experienced and learned *Does not include areas for personal growth *Includes areas for personal growth and describes learning opportunities *Opportunities for development throughout the project's lifecycle are included Building a Team * The list of individuals inside and outside of a GS's current network who can support the implementation of the project *A Girl Scout Gold Award project is implemented by one girl who leads a team * Two or more GS's will be working on the project *The list of potential team members is not included in the proposal, or includes only family, friends and fellow GS's *The troop leader, parent, or family member is listed as the advisor *A list of team members is provided to include: - a project advisor who is an expert in the field (not a family member, or troop leader) - team members (including people outside of GS and immediate family) - inclusion of a club, organization, team or individual that will sustain the program -explains how each team member will contribute *provides the specific role/duties for team member Budget Outline * A list of estimated project expenses *Included is a description of the in-kind donations and/or the money earning activities *Reminder: GS cannot solicit financial donations, but may participate in approved money earning activities (babysitting, dog walking, leaf raking) that follow GS guidelines *Potential expenses are not included * Includes the collection of financial donations * Includes implementing a "go fund me" page, crowdsourcing concept, requesting a grant or creation of a foundation or nonprofit *Does not follow money earning guidelines *Includes requesting a financial contribution from the organization supported *Includes a list of reasonable expenses * Follows money earning guidelines *Clearly states if money earning activities or the collection of in-kind donations is NOT required Please note: GS Gold Award projects do NOT require the acquisition of in-kind donations or funds earned through money earning activities
Timeline / Project Plan *The project plan accompanies the proposal to include the timeline and the steps required to complete the project *Please note, a draft timeline should be submitted with the proposal, often the timeline will be revised based on additional information * Not included with proposal *Does not include the list of tasks/actions required to accomplish the project *An unrealistic plan is provided. For example: planting a garden in the winter *Includes a specific list of tasks associated with the implementation *Includes clear and concise specific activities in chronological order *Explains how the required minimum 80 project hours will be accomplished *The project plan is realistic and considers the issue, time of year, GS's availability *Includes proposed dates for each step Time Commitment * 80 hours is the minimum time commitment *Hours are counted beginning with research through writing the final report *Project plan requires less than 80 project hours *Project timeline does not include a time estimate for each step of the project *Project plan communicates a timeline and description of how the minimum commitment of 80 hours will be accomplished *The time commitment outlined includes how the target audience will be educated (12 hours is a suggested target, but this can vary based on project) *80 hours is exceeded Actively Engage and Educate *Actively engaging and educating refers to direct intentional interaction (in-person or virtual) educating the target audience(s) * Please read some examples below at the bottom of the rubric. *Please note web site development or posting to a website can be part of a project, but cannot be considered directly educating the target audience *Does not include actions actively engaging with the target audience *Does not include virtual or in-person education of the target audience(s) *Includes how the GS will take the primary role to engage, interact, educate and inspire the target audience *The suggested target of 12 hours of educating the target audience is included. (Please note: This can vary based on the project, but never exceeds 12 hours as the minimum). *Includes specifically how the target audience(s) will be educated Materials (hard copy and online) Materials are supplementary resources which include, but are not limited to, websites, pamphlets, binders, flyers, blogs etc. *Please note: the creation of online and hard copy materials is not required, but should be included in the project plan, if applicable * Materials should not be created prior to proposal approval *Project description mentions the distribution of materials, but does not provide specifics about the resources that will be developed *Materials are already created and/or distributed *Project mentions the distribution of online or hard copy materials, and how the materials support the project *A description of the online and/or hard copy materials is included *Includes how materials will be distributed broadly, for example sharing information with similar organizations in other locations Feedback: Girl Scout Gold Award proposals must be approved by the Girl Scout Gold Award committee prior to implementation of a Take Action project. Girl Scouts will work with a committee liaison who will guide them through the process of earning the Award. Girl Scouts will receive constructive written and verbal feedback and may be asked to make modifications to their proposal, materials and final report to meet the Award guidelines. Please note: All the time spent modifying the proposal or project during implementation can be counted toward the 80 hour minimum. For example, making modifications or adding information to a proposal submission. Active Engagement/Educating the Target Audience: examples may include small group discussions, meetings with individuals or groups to elevate an issue, presenting to clubs, discussions with individuals or groups interested in an issue, distributing communications at a community fair, meeting with potential volunteers, engaging with a school club and more. These are examples, and not intended as an comprehensive list.
Girl Scout Gold Award Frequently Asked Questions: General Section: Who can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award? Answer: A girl registered in the Girl Scouts NCCP (GSNCCP) council as a Girl Scout Senior (9 th -10 th grades) or Ambassador (11 th -12 th grades). Can a troop work on a Girl Scout Gold Award together? Answer: No, A Girl Scout Gold Award must be earned as an individual. However, members of the troop can be part of a Girl Scout s team. Can an individually registered girl member earn the Girl Scout Gold Award? Answer: It is not required for a Girl Scout to be a member of a troop. Any registered Senior (9 th -10 th grades) or Ambassador (11 th - 12 th grades) Girl Scout is eligible to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. Can a girl earn the Girl Scout Gold Award even if she has not been a Girl Scout for very long? Answer: Yes, she needs to be a registered Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador in GSNCCP and to have completed 2 Journeys (Senior or Ambassador aligned to the correct level at time of completion) or earned the Girl Scout Silver Award and one Journey (Senior or Ambassador aligned to the correct level at time of completion) before submitting a proposal for review by the Girl Scout Gold Award Committee. If a Girl Scout is an individually registered member and not part of a troop, is the troop leader field on the proposal or final report form required Answer: It is not required to enter the name of a troop leader on a proposal or final report form. Can a Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action project focus on an issue that is internal to Girl Scouts? Answer: No, the Take Action project must address an issue external to Girl Scouts. What is the minimum number of hours a Girl Scout must donate toward the completion of her Girl Scout Gold Award project? Answer: 80 hours is the minimum number of hours to be given by the Girl Scout during completion of her Take Action project. Can the hours donated by team members be included on the time log and can their hours be counted toward the 80 hour minimum? The hours donated by team members should not be included on the time log as these hours cannot be counted toward the 80 hour minimum. When is a Girl Scout able to begin recording hours toward her project? Answer: A Girl Scout can record hours as soon as she begins the phase of identifying and researching a project issue. Where are the proposal and final report forms located? Answer: The forms can be found on the GSNCCP website: http://www.nccoastalpines.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-program/highestawards/gold-award.html What is the preferred method for submitting a Girl Scout Gold Award proposal or final report? Answer: The preferred method is as an attachment via email to girlawards@nccoastalpines.org, but hard copy submissions mailed to the Raleigh Service Center (6901 Pinecrest Road, Raleigh, NC 27613) or submissions through Go Gold Online are also accepted.
Prerequisites: What prerequisites must be completed prior to submitting a Girl Scout Gold Award proposal? Answer: The prerequisites are earning the Girl Scout Silver Award as a Cadette and completing one Senior or Ambassador level Journey aligned to the Girl Scout s level at the time of completion OR completing two Senior and Ambassador level Journey s aligned to the Girl Scout s level at the time of completion. What Journey does a Girl Scout need to complete if part of a multi-level troop? Answer: A Girl Scout must complete a Journey(s) aligned to her level (Senior or Ambassador). Are the Girl Scout Gold Award prerequisites the same for all Girl Scouts (individually registered and members of a troop)? Answer: Yes, the prerequisites are the same for all Girl Scouts. Does a Senior or Ambassador need to complete the Journey s in a specific order? Answer: No. A Girl Scout can complete either two Girl Scout Senior Level Journeys, two Ambassador level Journeys or one of each. It is important that the completion of a Journey align to the Girl Scout level. For example, a Senior level Girl Scout should not complete an Ambassador level Journey. How many Journeys must be completed prior to submitting a Girl Scout Gold Award proposal? Answer: A girl must complete 2 Senior or Ambassador Journeys based on their level OR have earned her Girl Scout Silver Award and completed one Senior or Ambassador Journey. Can a Girl Scout submit a Girl Scout Gold Award proposal while in the process of completing a Journey? Answer: No. All prerequisites must be completed prior to submitting a Girl Scout Gold Award proposal. Deadlines: What is the deadline for submitting a Girl Scout Gold Award proposal? Answer: There isn t a deadline for proposal submissions. The only deadline is a Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action project must be completed and the final paperwork submitted by September 30 of the year a Girl Scout graduates from high school After a Girl Scout Gold Award proposal is submitted, is there a specific amount of time in which it must be completed? Answer: A Girl Scout has until September 30th of the year she graduates high school to complete and submit her Girl Scout Gold Award final report. Each project is different requiring various amounts of time.
Can a Girl Scout complete her project when she is in college? Answer: A registered Girl Scout has until the end of the Girl Scout Membership year (September 30 th ) following her graduation from High School. For example, a Girl Scout who graduates high school in the spring of 2018 has until September 30, 2018 to submit her Girl Scout Gold Award final report. Can a Girl Scout submit a proposal and complete her Girl Scout Gold Award between the time when she graduates high school and September 30 of that same year? Yes, it is possible for a Girl Scout to complete each of the steps of the process within this timeframe. Project Advisor: Who should be selected as a Project Advisor? Answer: Typically, a subject matter expert in the issue area that can guide a Girl Scout as she takes her project from the planning stage to implementation. What is the role of the project advisor? Answer: The Project Advisor works with the Girl Scout throughout the course of her project offering support and to ensure content accuracy. When should the project advisor be identified? Answer: The project advisor should be identified in the planning stage, prior to the submission of a Girl Scout Gold Award proposal. Can the Project Advisor be a Troop Leader? Answer: No, a project advisor is a community volunteer who has expertise in an issue area. Even if the leader is an expert in the field, a Girl Scout should broaden her connections outside her network. Safety checkpoints should be considered. Can a parent be a Project Advisor? Answer: Parents are great resources who can offer support, but should not act as the project advisor even if they are an expert in the issue area. This allows a girl to expand her network and leadership skills. Who are the advisors a girl will have through project? Answer: Troop Leader (optional) supporting a Girl Scout through the process Project Advisor supporting a Girl Scout as an expert in the issue area Girl Scout Gold Award Committee Liaison assigned by Council, supporting a Girl Scout through the requirements and administrative process Troop Leader: What is the role of the Troop leader? Answer: The Troop leader offers support to a Girl Scout in an ongoing capacity, but involvement is NOT required. The Troop Leader can often help identify a project advisor.
Girl Scout Gold Award Committee: What is the role of the Girl Scout Gold Award committee members? Answer: The role of the Girl Scout Gold Award committee members is to be an advocate to all Girl Scouts interested in earning their Girl Scout Gold Award. From an administrative view, the committee s role is to review the Girl Scout Gold Award proposals and final reports and to liaise with Girl Scouts to support them through the administrative processes and requirements. How often does the Girl Scout Gold Award Committee meet? Answer: The Girl Scout Gold Award Committee meets monthly, typically the third Thursday of the month. Following submission of a Girl Scout Gold Award Proposal: Can a Girl Scout immediately begin work on her project following submission of a proposal? Answer: A Girl Scout must correspond with her designated Girl Scout Gold Award committee liaison to satisfy any questions the committee has prior to implementation. Please note: all hours working with the liaison to answer questions or to do additional research can be counted toward the 80 hour minimum. Does a Girl Scout need to wait for approval of her proposal before beginning to implement her Girl Scout Gold Award project? Answer: Yes, approval of the proposal is required prior to implementation. How long is the proposal review process? Answer: Girl Scout Gold Award proposals are reviewed every month. The deadline to submit a proposal for review during the same month is the first business day. Proposals received after the first business day will be reviewed the following month. The Girl Scout Gold Award Committee regularly meets on the third Thursday of each month. How will a Girl Scout be notified about the status of a proposal? Answer: Girl Scouts are notified via email following the Committee s review. For example, proposals submitted by the first business day of the month are reviewed by the committee on the third Thursday, and Girl Scouts receive an email to include their committee liaison s name and contact information by the following Friday. Are most proposals approved? Answer: Most proposals require some clarification and/or revisions before the committee approves implementation of the project. Feedback is part of the process as there may be details missing from the submission. The time spent revising a proposal can be counted toward the 80 hour minimum. What it the process if a Girl Scout wants to change her project to address a different issue? Answer: A Girl Scout can change the focus of her project, but this typically requires a revised proposal to be resubmitted to the committee. Sustainability: How does the Council define sustainability in connection with a Girl Scout Gold Award project? Answer: Sustainability is defined as a Girl Scout s project continuing to endure. Example: A project focused on literacy will continue to enhance the reading skills of the target audience. Please note: a tangible object such as a book or bookshelf can be considered a component of a Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action project, but these tangible objects do not fulfill the sustainability requirement as these do not continue to address the issue. Example (Does not meet requirements): The books donated will
continue to give access to those who need to improve their literacy skills. Example (Meets): The literacy program created which utilized the donated books will continue following a Girl Scout s involvement. Can the sustainability of a project be a physical structure? Answer: A physical structure such as a gazebo is part of a Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action Project. While it will still be a viable structure following the completion of a project, it does not continue to address and impact an ongoing issue. Pre-Existing Programs Can a Girl Scout implement a preexisting program as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action porject? Answer: The implementation of preexisting programs is not allowable unless a new and unique component is added. For example: implementation of a Backpack Buddies program in a district that currently does not have one is not allowable unless a new and unique component is added. The portion that is new and unique must also be incorporated into the sustainability. Following Proposal Approval: Following approval of a proposal, does a Girl Scout have a specific amount of time to complete her Girl Scout Gold Award? Answer: There is not a set amount of time for a Girl Scout to complete her project as each project varies. The only requirement is the project must be completed and the final report submitted to the Girl Scout Service Center in Raleigh by September 30 following a Girl Scout s graduation from high school. What if a Girl Scout decides to deviate or change the project following approval? Answer: All modifications to approved proposals must be reviewed by the Girl Scout s Girl Scout Gold Award Committee liaison prior to making changes. The reason is when the final project is reviewed, the approved proposal will be compared to the final report. Money Earning and Expenses: Can a Girl Scout have expenses associated with her project? Answer: Yes, but it is not a requirement. Can a Girl Scout raise money through a money earning activity to support their project? Answer: Yes, following the Girl Scout money earning guidelines and with the approval of the Gold Award Committee liaison, a money earning activity can be implemented to help cover project costs. Can financial donations be accepted? Answer: A Girl Scout cannot ask for monetary donations (cash, checks, gift cards, etc.), but if a Girl Scout asks for in-kind donations (goods and/or services) and the person or company gives a monetary donation, it can be accepted.
Can a Girl Scout accept in-kind donations? Answer: Yes, a Girl Scout can accept donations of goods and services. Example of services: a business provides copying/printing services. Example of in-kind donations: wood, paint, paper. Should a Girl Scout keep a record of donations? Answer: Yes, the final report paperwork requires a list of all in-kind donations, unsolicited monetary donations, and money earning activities. Can a Girl Scout create a Go Fund Me page, a foundation, or apply for a grant as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project? Answer: A Girl Scout cannot ask for monetary donations, as such, it is not permissible for a Girl Scout to request funds through a Go Fund me page, to establish a foundation or to apply for a grant. Can a Girl Scout provide a financial donation directly to a nonprofit? Answer: No, a Girl Scout cannot provide a financial donation directly to a nonprofit. Where can additional information regarding money earning best practices be found? Answer: Visit the Council website - http://www.nccoastalpines.org/content/dam/nc-coastal-pines-images-/forms-anddocuments-/money%20earning%20guidelines%20%207.7.17.pdf Examples: Can a Girl Scout Gold Award be aligned to a mission trip? Answer: A Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action project can be held at the same time as a mission trip, but the Girl Scout Gold Award project must be different than the issue being addressed as part of the trip. The Girl Scout can engage the same team members on the mission trip, but a different issue must be addressed. Is a free-standing lending library an example of a Girl Scout Gold Award project? Answer: A freestanding lending library can be part of a Girl Scout Gold Award project, but cannot be the primary component as one of the primary requirements is educating the target audience about an issue. A physical structure cannot educate, but, for example, a literacy program created in addition to the structure is permissible.