Girl Scouts has volunteer opportunities for any schedule

Posted in charity, Things to do
by Lorain County Moms

Staying or becoming active in Girl Scouts is easy with many short-term volunteer opportunities. Girl Scouts of North East Ohio is making it easier for adults who want to be a positive role model for girls on the pathway to becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

“Volunteering is one of the most personal ways you can help girls relate to others, contribute to society and develop their own values and potential,” said GSNEO Director of Program and Adult Development Amy Bennett. “When we talk to adults about volunteering, we hear ‘I want to help, but I just don’t have time or know how,’ so we have designed opportunities just for them.”

In addition to troop leader opportunities, we encourage all adults to consider volunteering their time whether it is one day, one week or one month. Men and women who are college students, professionals, grandparents — or anyone who is interested in becoming a mentor to girls ages 5-17 can join. High school girls are also encouraged to work with younger girls for community service hours and leadership experience.

“It is a great confidence booster for a teen to realize she has taught a skill, such as being a good friend to a younger girl,” said GSNEO Membership Manager Kim Klima. “Many teens need leadership hours to complete their Girl Scout Gold Award projects or high school requirements. This is a fun way to do that.”

We encourage adults who are extraordinarily busy to take a look at the Girl Scout program and participate in new ways. How wonderful would it be for a group of co-workers to get together and teach young girls about teamwork and cooperation, and perhaps learn some new things about themselves and each other along the way?

“Girl Scouts has given me an outlet to pursue things I want to do,” said Pamme O’Bryan, Troop 857. “When I became a leader, so many things fell into place and opportunities blossomed.”

A troop leader can be any adult, male or female, 18 and older, who is outgoing, energetic, caring, organized and willing to try new things. No previous experience with Girl Scouting is required. Volunteers will receive plenty of help and training in the community and by the GSNEO Council.

Work with girls

• Be a mentor by guiding girls to explore their interests and learn about possible careers.
• Work as a troop/group leader directly with girls, leading meetings and conducting activities.
• Teach a workshop and help girls learn a skill that you’re passionate about.

Reach out to the community

• Speak about the Girl Scout organization to community groups or college community service centers.
• Suggest a service project that girls can do to help their community.
• Act as a public relations consultant for troops and communicate with local media to get publicity for service units.
• Be a translator and assist with outreach to non-English speaking communities.

Help local service areas/council HQ

• Teach girls how to create their own troop/group Web site and be safe on the Internet.
• Provide administrative assistance and supervision in registering participants for events.
• Offer secretarial services and assist with ongoing record keeping and other paperwork.

Develop your leadership skills

• Become a board member and use your skills to define goals, plan, and manage change.
• Plan activities and structures to guide the work of your local council, coordinate training and fund raising, and serve as a liaison with community organizations.
• Organize and direct events to educate and recruit potential members.
• Lead workshops and seminars for Girl Scout volunteers.

Fore more information, contact programs@gsneo.org.

The Girl Scouts of North East Ohio is the premier organization for leadership development for girls. GSNEO serves 40,000 girls and 15,000 adult volunteer members throughout an 18-county region in Northeast Ohio, including Medina, Portage and Summit counties; Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties; Carroll, Stark and Tuscarawas counties; Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties; and Erie, Huron, Lorain, Sandusky and Seneca counties.

Since its founding in 1912, Girl Scouts has provided more than 50 million girls with time-honored programs that engage them with their communities; enhance self-esteem; increase financial literacy and interest in math, science and technology; encourage good health and nutrition and build leadership skills necessary for them to move confidently into their futures. Today, Girl Scouts is the No. 1 girl organization in the world, with 3.7 million members throughout the United States, including U.S. territories, and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas.