
Welcome to the great adventure that is Girl Scouting! Thanks to volunteers and mentors like you, generations of girls have learned to be leaders in their own lives and in the world. Have no doubt: you, and nearly a million other volunteers like you, are helping girls make a lasting impact on the world. And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Thank you for volunteering in your Service Unit! We have everything organized and available to support you. Log into your MyGS account and select gsLearn on the left side to enter our online learning platform.
Required trainings for each Service Unit position are listed in the position descriptions below. These trainings are available to all, on demand. We also host live trainings throughout the year that are announced via email and the Service Unit Manager Monthly Meetings.
This calendar is a guide to how service units should be taking action during the Girl Scout year. While not all items in the calendar are required, they are highly recommended to provide a full, enriching experience for girls in the area.
Each service unit is different and evolves over time as leadership changes. Periodically, it's worth taking the time to regroup as a service unit leadership team to ensure you're moving forward and on the same page.
To become a happy and healthy service unit, here are some tips that will help you focus your efforts to make the most impact for volunteers and troops in your area.
Define Your Main Purpose
Why does a service unit exist? What are the main benefits of meeting monthly with volunteers in your area? These are excellent questions to ask at your next meeting. Then listen to the answers and tailor your year plan to match.
Curious about what the most common answers are? In a recent study by Girl Scouts of the USA, these are the top three services that a service unit provides:
Characteristics of a Healthy Service Unit
Once you have your purpose, it's time to get to work! A healthy service unit:
Now that you know some ways to build (or maintain) a healthy service unit, consider the group of dedicated volunteers who attend your service unit meetings. What areas above does your service unit do well? What areas could use some extra focus or support? Make a plan, make some changes, and help the Girl Scout volunteers in your area thrive!
Managing relationships is important in resolving and avoiding conflicts. Use these tools to help you navigate difficult conversations.
Much of the success of a service unit meeting depends on the facilitator. Please review our Successful Service Unit Meetings document for further information and guidance.
Volunteer Retention Strategies
Once you recruit girls and volunteers, it’s important to retain both groups! Retention happens when leaders and girls are:
How can you help? Work closely with your Service Unit Team, GSEP staff, troops, and leaders to:
Listed below are some Retention Strategies:
Council-Wide Spring Registration Retention
The Spring Membership Campaign period gives current Girl Scouts the opportunity to renew their membership for the upcoming Girl Scout year (October 1 through September 30). GSEP offers incentives for girls who renew their membership during this time.
Retention of Girls Bridging to the Next Age Level
Invite parents to have an opportunity to see their daughters as they bridge from one grade level to the next. This is an opportunity to share what Girl Scouts will offer the girls over the next few years. This strategy is especially important if the Service Unit notices a decreased retention of girls at a specific grade level.
Lapsed Member Event
This strategy is held to re-engage prior members by reminding them of the Girl Scout’s mission, vision, and purpose in hopes of them renewing their membership. This event would be advertised to anyone who has not renewed membership from the last two years. This event should focus on ways to re-engage.
Lifetime Mailing
Send an email to members of your Service Unit who are lifetime members to encourage them to remain actively involved in the Girl Scout program. Give them specific examples of areas your Service Unit could use their help, experience, and leadership. Many times, Girl Scout Alumnae would love to get involved again, but without an active daughter, they just don’t know how.
Recruitment is what drives our membership and ensures that girls have access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Find information about recruitment below.
Volunteer Essentials is designed to support busy volunteers on the go. You can easily find what you need to get started on your Girl Scout journey and search for answers throughout the troop year
In Girl Scouting, the emotional and physical safety and well-being of girls is our top priority. Safety Activity Checkpoints outlines the safety standards and guidelines used in Girl Scouting, which apply to all Girl Scout activities.
All volunteers should review the Safety Activity Checkpoints manual when planning activities with girls in order to manage safety and risk in Girl Scout–sanctioned activities.
In Safety Activity Checkpoints, you’ll find:
Following the safety standards and guidelines is an activity chart that details two critical points to keep in mind:
To help you plan and approve trips, GSEP has created a Trip Guide. Troop Trip Training is available at any time through gsLearn. Log into your MyGS account and click gsLearn on the left side. From there, you can search “Troop Trip” in the Content section.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP)
Service Unit Cookie Manager
Position Description
Summary: The GSEP Service Unit Cookie Manager (SUCM) is responsible to organize and facilitate the Cookie Program throughout the Service Unit, train and support the Troop Cookie Managers (TCMs), and serve as liaison between the Product Program Team and TCMs.
Term of appointment: Renewable each membership year (October 1-September 30)
Required Training: Attend all GSEP Cookie Training, relaying that information back to troops, and developing and delivering Product Training to all troops within their Service Unit. Work with Product Program Team as needed.
Supervision: This position reports to the Service Unit Manager.
Girl Scout Values:
I understand my responsibilities are to:
Qualifications:
Code of Conduct:
GSEP expects and requires honesty and integrity in all volunteer interactions. Girl Scouts is an organization founded on trust and confidence and holds all volunteers to high standards in personal and professional conduct.
The Council’s Code of Conduct includes:
Volunteer Agreement:
I meet the qualifications and fulfill the duties, expectations, and requirements as outlined above.
I am opted-in to emails and text messages from GSEP and GSUSA.
I will adhere to GSUSA guidelines involving the Girl Scouts brand, copyright, and trademark laws.
I am an approved volunteer with a current Girl Scouts of the USA membership and GSEP background clearances on file.
I can handle the responsibilities, I am qualified and competent, and I will uphold the code of conduct and volunteer agreements for this position.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP)
Service Unit Event Coordinator
Position Description
Summary: The Service Unit Event Coordinator is responsible for the planning and implementation of Service Unit events for the girls and volunteers within the Service Unit.
Term of appointment: Renewable each membership year (October 1-September 30)
Time Commitment: Expected to attend Service Unit meetings and additional Service Unit Team meetings, if necessary.
Required Training: GSEP's Service Unit Event Coordinator Training located in gsLearn
Supervision: This position reports to the Service Unit Manager.
Girl Scout Values:
I understand my responsibilities are to:
Manage all aspects of Service Unit events:
Qualifications:
Code of Conduct:
GSEP expects and requires honesty and integrity in all volunteer interactions. Girl Scouts is an organization founded on trust and confidence and holds all volunteers to high standards in personal and professional conduct.
The Council’s Code of Conduct includes:
Volunteer Agreement:
I meet the qualifications and fulfill the duties, expectations, and requirements as outlined above.
I am opted-in to emails and text messages from GSEP and GSUSA.
I will adhere to GSUSA guidelines involving the Girl Scouts brand, copyright, and trademark laws.
I am an approved volunteer with a current Girl Scouts of the USA membership and GSEP background clearances on file.
I can handle the responsibilities, I am qualified and competent, and I will uphold the code of conduct and volunteer agreements for this position.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP)
Service Unit Manager
Position Description
Summary: The GSEP Service Unit Manager serves as a leader for the volunteers and Troop Leaders in a particular geographic area. The Service Unit Manager will serve as a liaison between volunteers and council staff, coordinate events for girls and adults, and create an inclusive, diverse, and friendly environment for all GSEP participants.
Term of appointment: Three years/one term, renewable once for a total of two terms (6 years)
Time Commitment: Service Unit Managers are expected to run one Service Unit Meeting per month with representation from every troop. They may also hold Service Unit Team meetings, as needed, to support the Service Unit.
Required Training: GSEP's Service Unit Manager Learning Path, located in gsLearn; training is to be completed before meeting with the Unit. GSEP’s New Leader Learning Path in gsLearn is also recommended.
Supervision: This position reports to GSEP Staff.
Girl Scout Values
I understand my responsibilities are to:
Qualifications:
Code of Conduct:
GSEP expects and requires honesty and integrity in all volunteer interactions. Girl Scouts is an organization founded on trust and confidence and holds all volunteers to high standards in personal and professional conduct.
The Council’s Code of Conduct includes:
Volunteer Agreement:
I meet the qualifications and fulfill the duties, expectations, and requirements as outlined above.
I am opted-in to emails and text messages from GSEP and GSUSA.
I will adhere to GSUSA guidelines involving the Girl Scouts brand, copyright, and trademark laws.
I am an approved volunteer with a current Girl Scouts of the USA membership and GSEP background clearances on file.
I can handle the responsibilities, I am qualified and competent, and I will uphold the code of conduct and volunteer agreements for this position.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP)
Service Unit New Leader Mentor
Position Description
Summary: The Service Unit New Leader Mentor is knowledgeable in all or one specific grade level. The Service Unit New Leader Mentor will welcome and guide new Troop Leaders during troop start up and continue to be a source of support on an as needed basis.
Term of appointment: Renewable each membership year (October 1-September 30)
Required Training: New Leader Learning Path and Volunteer Toolkit training, located in gsLearn
Supervision: This position reports to the Service Unit Manager.
Girl Scout Values:
I understand my responsibilities are to:
Qualifications:
Code of Conduct:
GSEP expects and requires honesty and integrity in all volunteer interactions. Girl Scouts is an organization founded on trust and confidence and holds all volunteers to high standards in personal and professional conduct.
The Council’s Code of Conduct includes:
Volunteer Agreement:
I meet the qualifications and fulfill the duties, expectations, and requirements as outlined above.
I am opted-in to emails and text messages from GSEP and GSUSA.
I will adhere to GSUSA guidelines involving the Girl Scouts brand, copyright and trademark laws.
I am an approved volunteer with a current Girl Scouts of the USA membership and GSEP background clearances on file.
I can handle the responsibilities, I am qualified and competent, and I will uphold the code of conduct and volunteer agreements for this position.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP)
Service Unit Registrar
Position Description
Summary: The GSEP Service Unit Registrar manages troop rosters, reviews current Looker membership reports, and promotes registration of members and the formation of new troops within a designated Service Unit.
Term of appointment: Renewable each membership year (October 1-September 30)
Required Training: Looker Administrative Volunteer Training and Confidentiality Agreement (New Leader courses in gsLearn are also recommended)
Supervision: This position reports to the Service Unit Manager.
Girl Scout Values:
I understand my responsibilities are to:
Qualifications:
Code of Conduct:
GSEP expects and requires honesty and integrity in all volunteer interactions. Girl Scouts is an organization founded on trust and confidence and holds all volunteers to high standards in personal and professional conduct.
The Council’s Code of Conduct includes:
Volunteer Agreement:
I meet the qualifications and fulfill the duties, expectations, and requirements as outlined above.
I am opted-in to emails and text messages from GSEP and GSUSA.
I will adhere to GSUSA guidelines involving the Girl Scouts brand, copyright, and trademark laws.
I am an approved volunteer with a current Girl Scouts of the USA membership and GSEP background clearances on file.
I agree that I can handle the responsibilities, I am qualified and competent, and I will uphold the code of conduct and volunteer agreements for this position.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP)
Service Unit School Site Coordinator
Position Description
Summary: The GSEP Service Unit School Site Coordinator works in partnership with Service Unit Team members and GSEP staff to create and implement plans and tactics that support the recruitment of girls and adults, and connects them to Girl Scouts, within an assigned area.
Term of appointment: Renewable each membership year (October 1-September 30)
Time Commitment: Service Unit School Site Coordinators are expected to attend the Service Unit meeting each month to research and plan recruitment events at schools and other community sites throughout their Service Unit. Additionally, this position will require the time to ensure staffing of Service Unit (SU) recruitment events.
Required Training: Recruitment training in gsLearn
Supervision: This position reports to the Service Unit Manager.
Girl Scout Values:
I understand my responsibilities are to:
Qualifications:
Code of Conduct:
GSEP expects and requires honesty and integrity in all volunteer interactions. Girl Scouts is an organization founded on trust and confidence and holds all volunteers to high standards in personal and professional conduct.
The Council’s Code of Conduct includes:
Volunteer Agreement:
I meet the qualifications and fulfill the duties, expectations, and requirements as outlined above.
I am opted-in to emails and text messages from GSEP and GSUSA.
I will adhere to GSUSA guidelines involving the Girl Scouts brand, copyright and trademark laws.
I am an approved volunteer with a current Girl Scouts of the USA membership and have GSEP background clearances on file.
I can handle the responsibilities, I am qualified and competent, and I will uphold the code of conduct and volunteer agreements for this position.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP)
Service Unit Treasurer
Position Description
Summary: The GSEP Service Unit Treasurer (SUT) manages and maintains all aspects of Service Unit finances.
Term of appointment: Renewable each membership year (October 1-September 30)
Required Training: Service Unit Finance Training and Troop Finance Training (located in gsLearn)
Supervision: This position reports to the Service Unit Manager.
Girl Scout Values:
· Understand, respect, and embrace diversity.
I understand my responsibilities are to:
Qualifications:
Code of Conduct:
GSEP expects and requires honesty and integrity in all volunteer interactions. Girl Scouts is an organization founded on trust and confidence and holds all volunteers to high standards in personal and professional conduct.
The Council’s Code of Conduct includes:
Volunteer Agreement:
I meet the qualifications and fulfill the duties, expectations, and requirements as outlined above.
I am opted-in to emails and text messages from GSEP and GSUSA.
I will adhere to GSUSA guidelines involving the Girl Scouts brand, copyright, and trademark laws.
I am an approved volunteer with a current Girl Scouts of the USA membership and GSEP background clearances on file.
I can handle the responsibilities, I am qualified and competent, and I will uphold the code of conduct and volunteer agreements for this position.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP)
Service Unit Troop Trip Approver
Position Description
Summary: The Service Unit Troop Trip Approver reviews the proposed activities of troops in the Service Unit. This volunteer is a safety advisor who may consult GSEP staff to address unique safety questions.
Term of appointment: Renewable each membership year (October 1-September 30)
Required Training: Troop Travel Basics and Troop Finance Basics, both located in gsLearn
Supervision: This position reports to the Service Unit Manager.
Girl Scout Values:
I understand my responsibilities are to:
Qualifications:
Code of Conduct:
GSEP expects and requires honesty and integrity in all volunteer interactions. Girl Scouts is an organization founded on trust and confidence and holds all volunteers to high standards in personal and professional conduct.
The Council’s Code of Conduct includes:
Volunteer Agreement:
I meet the qualifications and fulfill the duties, expectations, and requirements as outlined above.
I am opted-in to emails and text messages from GSEP and GSUSA.
I will adhere to GSUSA guidelines involving the Girl Scouts brand, copyright, and trademark laws.
I am an approved volunteer with a current Girl Scouts of the USA membership and GSEP background clearances on file.
I am qualified and competent, and I will uphold the code of conduct and volunteer agreements for this position.