Volunteer Retention Strategies
Once you recruit girls and volunteers, it’s important to retain both groups! Retention happens when leaders and girls are:
- Engaged in activities
- Able to explore new skills and interests
- Able to develop leadership skills
- Feel valued
- Are supported
How can you help? Work closely with your Service Unit Team, GSEP staff, troops, and leaders to:
- Ensure your Service Unit hosts events for all grade levels
- Include girl planning in all Service Unit events
- Communicate timely information about upcoming Service Unit and Council events and activities
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.