MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

All girls and appointed volunteers participating in the Girl Scout movement must be registered as members with Girl Scouts of the United States of America and individually pay the ten dollar ($10.00) annual membership dues, except those adults who are lifetime members or who are working in a temporary advisory or consultative capacity.

Girl Scouts is a member-based organization. Accurate, on-time registration is extremely important. Only currently registered individuals have insurance coverage, receive publications, and are eligible to participate in Girl Scout activities, including product sales.

A new registrant is not considered a “registered member” until the registration form and payment are received by the Girl Scout Center or designated volunteer. The Girl Scout membership year is from October 1 of one year through September 30 of the following year.

A signed parent/guardian consent form is required for a girl to register with the Girl Scout Movement. A copy of this form is to be stapled to the girl’s individual record and kept in troop files. Registration is open to new members year-round.

BELONGING TO A SERVICE UNIT

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio is divided into geographic sections known as service units. The service unit provides the setting within which the primary services of a council, such as organizing troops and providing direct services to girls and leaders, takes place.

Although not required, members of the service unit generally live within a service unit's boundaries.

The needs of the members of the service unit determine the frequency, purpose, and content of service unit meetings and other communication methods. Typical meeting activities include learning, planning, discussion of successes and challenges with girls, and circulation of information. All troops should strive to be represented at service unit meetings. In addition to service unit meetings, the council website (www.girlscoutsofwesternohio.org)  provides information on current council resources and program and training opportunities.

SERVICE TEAM INFORMATION

The volunteer service team manager assumes the key administrative responsibility of Girl Scouting within the service unit. She/he works within policies, standards and procedures set by Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio. The service team is a group of administrative volunteer staff appointed by paid staff and the volunteer service team manager to support the delivery of services in the service unit. All appointments are for a one-year term, (those appointed may be eligible for reappointment). All service team members are required to attend service team training.

PURPOSE OF THE SERVICE UNIT

The service unit is a dynamic support system that through diverse methods and the support of the local community provides the Girl Scout program to girls and adults. It is the embodiment of the Girl Scout movement within the local community. Within this role the service unit has the responsibility to:

• Extend membership

• Provide direct support to girls and adults

• Educate the community about the benefits of Girl Scouting

• Act as a communication center for Girl Scouts

THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE SERVICE UNIT

The service unit fulfills its role by ensuring that:

• Messages and activities of the service unit reflect the Girl Scout mission and Council goals

• The service unit engages volunteers and the community in developing plans that meet their needs and interests through a variety of methods.

• An environment is created that cultivates a volunteer's personal alignment with the Girl Scout mission and goals. Volunteers will receive ongoing coaching and education that equip them to be successful in their role.

• Within each of the functions of the service unit supports will be consistent, flexible, and provide ease of access to the Girl Scout experience.

• Volunteers will receive ongoing coaching and education that equip them to be successful in their role.