Council Statements

Including All Girl Scouts toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes is proud to be part of an organization that has a 100 year + history of being welcoming and inclusive. Our policies of inclusion align with those of our national organization, Girl Scouts of the USA. We value diversity and inclusivity and do not discriminate or recruit on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, national origin, or physical or developmental disability. Through our programming, called the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls develop skills to advance diversity and promote tolerance in the twenty-first centGirl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes is proud to welcome youth and adult members of all races, ethnicities, abilities, family structures, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, body sizes, national origins, and spoken languages. Girl Scouts is for youth across the gender spectrum: cisgender girls, trans girls and boys, nonbinary and intersex youth, and youth who are still on their gender discovery journey. Girl Scouts allows youth to explore their potential without the influence of harmful gender roles and expectations found in male-dominated environments. We welcome all genders as staff, volunteers, caregivers, and advocates for our mission. Girl Scouts does not allow discrimination on the basis of any identities, including but not limited to those listed above.

Any youth who identifies with the girl experience may join any specific troop, event, service area event, camp session, or any other participation pathway at their grade level, as long as the capacity has not been reached.

Girl Scouts must make a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Should any Girl Scout requesting special accommodations wish to camp or participate in an overnight activity, GSNWGL will attempt to accommodate requests regarding changing attire, sleeping arrangements, and other related activities. All Girl Scouts are entitled to privacy, and we encourage everyone to practice privacy strategies that may include access to private changing spaces and times for all individuals when requested. Members can use the facility aligned with their gender identity.

Concerning volunteers, Girl Scouts welcomes all genders as adult volunteers and has developed appropriate safeguards regarding roles and responsibilities to ensure that Girl Scouts receive the proper supervision and support.

For more information, refer to our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Racial Justice resources:

Inclusion

Supporting LGBTQ+ Girl Scouts

Ability-based Inclusion

Statement on Reproductive Health Issues toggle arrow

Our role is to help Girl Scouts develop self-confidence and good decision-making skills that will help them make wise choices in all areas of their lives.

Caregivers make all decisions regarding participation in programs that might be considered of a sensitive nature, such as reproductive health issues. Consistent with that belief, we ask for written parental permission for any locally planned program that could be considered sensitive.

Statement on Girl Scouts and Politics toggle arrow

Our mission is to build Girl Scouts of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We advocate for policies that are aligned with the values of the Girl Scout Law and support our mission, from fueling a passion for STEM to expanding access to outdoor opportunities. We also encourage our Girl Scouts to advocate for the changes they want to see in the world by changing a rule, regulation, or law. Through these Take Action Projects, Girl Scouts identify a problem, research the root causes, develop a sustainable solution, create a plan, put the plan into action, and reflect on their experiences.

Girl Scout troops are prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elected public office.

Statement on Girl Scouts and Faith toggle arrow

Girl Scouts supports members from all backgrounds and beliefs. While we are a secular organization that refrains from teaching religious or spiritual beliefs or practices, we greatly value our longstanding partnerships with religious organizations across many faiths that share the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

We encourage Girl Scouts to develop connections to their own spiritual and religious beliefs by earning recognitions offered by their faith-based communities and by earning the My Promise, My Faith pin, which helps a girl deepen the connection between the Girl Scout Law and their faith. We support the right of faith leaders to verify that the program delivered to Girl Scouts in their places of worship is consistent with their faith’s teachings. Activities must include all Girl Scouts and maintain a safe and inclusive environment.

Statement on Girl Scouts and Alcohol toggle arrow

Refer to the following Council Policy Below: Council-Owned/Leased Property

Statement on Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment toggle arrow

Refer to Council Policy Below: Child Abuse

Council Policies

Definitions toggle arrow

Policy:

A definite course or method of action to guide and determine present and future decisions.
An established binding course of action to be followed.

Standard: An established model or example which acts as a criterion for a given purpose.

Guideline: An established way of work, an indication or outline of conduct.

Mission Statement: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

GSNWGL Girl Scout: The Girl Scout Movement is open to all girls and adults who accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law and meet membership requirements. Our council is responsible for seeing that membership is reflective of the pluralistic nature of our populations and that membership is extended to all girls in all population segments and geographic areas in their jurisdictions. A girl who meets or can meet membership requirements shall not be denied admission or access to the Girl Scout program because of race, color, ethnicity, creed, national origin, socioeconomic status, or disability. Reasonable accommodations shall be made for girls with disabilities to ensure that girls have access to activities. Girl Scouts is for youth across the gender spectrum: cisgender girls, trans girls and boys, nonbinary and intersex youth, and youth who are still on their gender discovery journey.

All content within this section is policy.

General

Troops, Service Areas, Members, and Volunteers cannot legally enter into contracts. Only those designated by the board of directors can sign contracts. Only those designated by the board of directors can sign contracts, including contracts with and without fees.

Records: Only authorized individuals may access materials specifically designated by our council as confidential.

Safety, Equity and Participate toggle arrow

GSUSA Safety Activity Checkpoints standards and all applicable state and federal laws/codes shall be followed at all times by all members of Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc. (GSNWGL) in all phases of operations.

Any Girl Scout, Any Opportunity - Any registered Girl Scout may join any specific troop, council offering, service area event, or any other participation pathway at their grade level as long as the event capacity has not been reached. If a Girl Scout requires accommodations, GSNWGL and volunteers will make every reasonable effort to ensure equitable participation.

Including All Girl Scouts - Girl Scouts welcomes youth and adult members of all races, ethnicities, abilities, family structures, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, body sizes, national origins, and spoken languages. Girl Scouts allows youth to explore their potential without the influences of gender roles and expectations found in male-dominated environments. We welcome all genders as staff, volunteers, caregivers, and advocates who accept and meet membership requirements. Girl Scouts does not allow discrimination on the basis of any identities, including but not limited to those listed under definitions.

GSNWGL shall be responsible for seeing that membership is reflective of the pluralistic nature of our populations and that membership is extended to all population segments and geographic areas in our jurisdiction.

Safe and Inclusive Environment - Girl Scouts must create and maintain a safe and inclusive environment where every member feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

GSNWGL recognizes that members with communicable illnesses and other medical conditions may wish to continue to engage in as many of their normal pursuits as their condition allows, including Girl Scout activities. As long as medical evidence indicates that their condition will not be a threat to themselves or others, they will be treated consistently with their peers. Our Council will adhere to State statutes dealing with medical records confidentiality and the current publication of Girl Scout Safety Guidelines. GSNWGL is committed to providing a safe environment for Girl Scout activities. Every precaution will be taken to ensure that the health and/or safety of members of GSNWGL is not threatened.

Volunteers toggle arrow

A volunteer is a registered adult Girl Scout, age 18 or older, who has completed an application process, passed a background check, and been assigned a volunteer position.

Affirmative Action toggle arrow

To ensure full equality of opportunity in all operations of the organization and activities, affirmative action policies and procedures shall be utilized in the recruitment, selection, training, placement, and recognition of volunteers. Special emphasis shall be placed upon securing the involvement of under-represented groups.

Selection and Appointment toggle arrow

Volunteers are selected on the basis of their willingness to accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law, to perform the volunteer position and to participate in training for it.
Each candidate will complete a background check prior to volunteering, which includes motor vehicle and criminal records. The results of background checks will be kept confidential.
Appointment to a volunteer position with Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes may be denied/revoked based on results of a background check. The decision whether to exclude, limit, or discontinue a prospective or current volunteer's participation remains at all times within the discretion of our council.
All candidates will be given a timely response regarding placement status. Volunteers not placed in the position for which they applied or for which they were nominated may be referred to other positions appropriate to their interests, skills, and/or the needs of the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes.

Re-Appointment toggle arrow

Each year, volunteers will need to renew their role, and/or be approved for additional volunteer roles.

GSNWGL will conduct background checks every three years for continuing volunteers.

Membership Dues toggle arrow

All volunteers participating in the Movement shall be registered as members of GSUSA and shall pay the applicable GSUSA annual or lifetime membership dues. Exceptions may be made for volunteers who are working in a temporary advisory capacity. Financial aid may be available.

Orientation/Training toggle arrow

Our council shall provide orientation and training to enable volunteers to fulfill their commitment to the best of their ability. New leaders must complete leader training within two (2) months of appointment.

Supervision/Guidance/Evaluation toggle arrow

Ongoing supervision, guidance, and recognition are provided to volunteers as they carry out their responsibilities. Supervision and guidance should include verbal and/or written feedback based on performance. All volunteers will have the opportunity to complete a year-end survey, giving input about their accomplishments, their Service Area, and our council.

Uniforms

All Girl Scout members should wear the membership pin when participating in Girl Scout activities. Girl Scouts of the USA is a uniformed organization; wearing uniform pieces is encouraged but not required. The purchase of Girl Scout uniform pieces is at the volunteer's expense.

Finances

Troop Bank Accounts: All troops must have a checking account in the name of GSNWGL, Troop # XXXX. Each account must have two signers, both of whom are nonrelated registered adult members of the troop/group. Each account must have our Council’s current Corporate Resolution on file with the financial institution.
Troop Financial Reporting: When starting a new troop, the troop leader must file a Troop/Service Area Bank Account Information and ACH Authorization form. When changes occur to the bank account or the signers, the Troop/Service Area Bank Account Information and ACH Authorization form must be updated. In addition, at the end of the year, each troop must file an Annual Troop Finance Report with our Council. It is the responsibility of the troop leader to ensure that the Annual Troop Finance Report is filed with our Council by May 31 of each year.
Troop Funds: Funds earned from troop activities, projects, product sales, and troop dues must be deposited in the troop bank account. Troop funds are not the property of individual youth or adult members. Troop money belongs to the entire troop, and decisions on its use and spending are made through the troop’s system of troop government. Individual “accounts” within troop funds are not permitted.
The loss of troop monies through mismanagement or theft is the troop’s/group’s responsibility, but Council assistance will be provided as appropriate. In the case of theft, a police report must be filed immediately by a troop/group representative.
Funds and equipment of disbanded troops will be held for 18 months. If reorganization does not take place within that time, the troop will be considered officially disbanded, and the resources will be used by our Council in the interest of Girl Scouting, as designated by the board of directors. If youth members from the troop rejoin within 18 months and our Council is notified, the funds will be reissued (the total amount divided by the total number of youth multiplied by the number of youth rejoining) to the appropriate troop/s.
Outstanding Debt: A person owing a debt to GSNWGL for more than 45 days will be removed immediately from any adult volunteer position currently held. The individual may be eligible to be reinstated in a volunteer position only if the debt is repaid within six months from the date it was incurred.
Financial Assistance: caregivers may apply for financial assistance on behalf of a Girl Scout. Troop Leaders can request financial assistance on behalf of a registered Girl Scout in their troop with caregiver permission. Financial aid is available for events, camp, membership, uniforms, council/troop dues.
Refund of Registration Fees: The annual national & council membership dues are not refundable or transferable.
Service Area Funds: A Service Area may open and operate checking accounts utilizing the GSNWGL taxpayer identification number, following all finance policies and ensuring year-end reports are filed on time.

Insurance

All registered members have limited protection under Girl Scout Activity Accident Insurance up to $15,000. This provides coverage for accident medical expenses to members traveling to and from and participating in approved supervised Girl Scout activities.
Drivers of motor vehicles that transport Girl Scouts must be adults with valid driver's licenses. Vehicles used to transport girls must be licensed, registered vehicles that have insurance that meets the minimum requirements of state financial responsibility law. A background check will be required on applicants.
Our council does not assume responsibility for insuring a volunteer's personal effects. Our council lists leaders and all other volunteers as insured in its General Liability and Business Auto policies.

Troop Travel/Trips toggle arrow

Troops planning or taking field trips must follow all policies and procedures as outlined in Safety Activity Checkpoints AND the following additional steps:
- Category 1: Trips to Council-owned properties or to Council-sponsored events - Leaders must follow directions for property reservations using the current form.
- Category 2: Trips within our Council jurisdiction AND not involving an overnight stay - Leaders must carry with them a Parent Permission Form and a Medical History Form for each girl. Council approval is not required.
- Category 3: Trips of one or two nights in length - Leaders must send in a Troop Travel form to notify our Council at least two weeks in advance. Council approval is required. Additional insurance is only required if non-registered individuals are traveling with the troop.
- Category 4: Trips of three or more nights in length - Leaders must send in the Troop Travel form at least three months prior to the departure date. Council approval and additional insurance are required.
- Category 5: International trips - Leaders must send in the Intent to Travel Form at least one year in advance of the departure date. Council approval and additional insurance are required.
Rationale: Our Council office needs to know of all troops who are traveling in the name of Girl Scouts. The forms a leader fills out will provide the critical contact information needed in case of an emergency. If an emergency should occur, our Council spokesperson will have the information necessary to deal with questions from caregivers and the media. Sending the forms to our Council office in the required time frame ensures adequate preparation time for the troop and allows time for the proper insurance coverage to be obtained. Council approval may be withheld if the trip is too difficult or advanced for the age level of the youth involved, proper safety certifications aren’t met, or if it feels there has not been adequate preparation.
Transporting Youth: All adults transporting Girl Scouts (for the purpose of a troop, Service Area and/or Council event) must ensure that all passengers are legally restrained. If booster seats are required by state law, caregivers of Girl Scouts carpooling or attending an event that includes transportation will be required to supply a booster seat for their child, unless the driver provides sufficient seats. The driver of each vehicle is responsible for ensuring that all of their passengers are properly and legally restrained. The driver of each vehicle must be an approved volunteer with GSNWGL.
Cell Phones: The use of a cell phone and navigation systems by the driver of a vehicle transporting Girl Scouts must be hands-free. Drivers must follow state laws regarding cell phone use for where they are driving.

Troop Operation toggle arrow

Supervision: The adult supervision rule at Girl Scouts is a strict standard required whenever Girl Scouts meet, either in person or virtually. There must be at least two registered, approved adult volunteers who are unrelated (for example: not a sibling, spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, or anyone who would be considered a family member) and who does not live in the same residence, with a minimum of one who is a female. Troop leaders must always be adults. Youth or youth members are not permitted to substitute for adult supervision this includes youth members who are 18 and still in high school. This rule applies to every Girl Scout gathering including troop meetings (in person and virtual), day trips, camp, sleep away travel, events, activities, and projects. There are no exceptions to this rule. There are specific adult-to-youth ratio requirements listed in GSUSA Safety Activity Checkpoints for Girl Scout troop meetings as compared to events outside of the regular Girl Scout troop meeting, such as outings, activities, camping, and travel. Activities and travel outside of the regular troop meeting require more adult supervision.
Behavior Managment
- A Girl Scout may be removed from any specific troop, event, service area event, camp session, or other participation pathway, only if their behavior significantly disrupts the participation of fellow participants or if their or their fellow participants' safety is at risk. Before removal from participation, the Behavior Management Process must take place. If safety is at risk, a Girl Scout may be temporarily removed while the Behavior Management Process takes place.
> Volunteers let their council support person know what is happening as early as possible so that a council staff member can provide consulting and support.
> Volunteer creates troop expectations (group norms) with the entire group.
> Volunteers talk with the Girl Scout’s caregiver(s) on a regular basis about their behavior and have tried simple behavior modification tips recommended by them, a teacher, council staff, or other experienced person.
> Volunteer documents the Girl Scout’s actions and their own (talked with caregivers, tried different techniques to change behavior.)
> Volunteers talk directly with the Girl Scout, being sure they understand the consequences of their actions. If appropriate, they use a Behavior Contract with the Girl Scout and their caregivers.
> Volunteers and their council support person meet with the caregivers (and Girl Scout, if appropriate) to summarize the experience and explain why the Girl Scout may no longer attend troop/group meetings.
- Be sure everyone understands that the youth is still a Girl Scout and may continue to work on badges or journeys or other awards and participate in Service Area and council events with an adult partner. If realistic (this will depend on the Girl Scout’s situation), offer caregivers the opportunity to let them try again in a troop/group setting when there is a significant improvement in their behavior.
Caregiver Permission
- Troop Leaders must obtain the written consent of a parent/guardian from every youth wishing to participate in an activity or outing that is held at a different place or time from the regularly scheduled troop meeting. Similar permission must be obtained prior to participating in any activity focusing on subjects that may be considered sensitive or controversial in nature.

Fundraising & Donations toggle arrow

Troop Money Earning: Girl Scout troops who participate in the annual Cookie Program are eligible to take part in additional money earning activities provided that:
- All fundraising guidelines are followed.
- Activities requiring approval are submitted within defined timelines (see pre-approved list).
- Money earning activities are not scheduled during the order-taking or direct sales phases of our Council’s Cookie Sale Program, during our Council’s Fall Product Program, or during local United Way drives.
Monetary Donations to Troops or Service Areas: Any monetary donations greater than $100 annually from a foundation, corporation, organization, government entity, or individual received on behalf of a GSNWGL Troop, Service Area, or individual must be accepted and recognized by GSNWGL. The Council will return 50 percent of the donation, not to exceed $250, to the designated Troop or Service Area. Troops and Service Areas are asked to complete a Troop Donation Report Form for all incoming donations. On this form, they can designate the balance of the donation to support Family Partnership; our financial assistance program, which covers the cost of camp sessions, events, and all the expenses of joining a troop.
Unsolicited monetary donations of $100 or less may be accepted directly by a Troop or Service Area. Girl Scout Troops, Service Areas, or individual adults may not solicit monetary donations from businesses, corporations, foundations, or individuals for the benefit of Troops or Service Areas. Sometimes businesses, matching gifts companies, or individuals will have funds they will donate to a Troop or Service Area; this donation is considered an “unsolicited donation,” meaning the leaders or youth did not ask directly for money. Exceptions are made for Gold Award fundraising (see Gold Award fundraising guidelines).
Volunteer hour reimbursement donations: If an adult’s employer allows employees to request a gift to GSNWGL in recognition of volunteering, funds must be accepted and recognized by GSNWGL and will follow the councils service reimbursement guidelines. It is permissible for a volunteer to complete an application if required for a company matching gift.

Council-Owned/Leased Property toggle arrow

Firearms/Hunting: Hunting and the use of any firearms is prohibited on Council-owned properties, unless required by property management and approved by the CEO.
Alcoholic Beverages: Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes has an obligation to its youth members and their families/guardians, volunteers, and staff to maintain a drug free and alcohol-free environment. We prohibit the use of alcohol or being under the influence of alcohol when carrying out a Girl Scout program or an event where youth are the primary attendees. Alcohol may be served at primarily adult fundraising/donor events or gatherings, because it is more geared towards raising the visibility of Girl Scouts from a financial perspective and getting sponsors/donors to support the organization financially. Participation by youth at a fundraising event with the possibility of alcohol consumption by adults, must be a parent/guardian decision. As a council, we will make sure all events with alcohol have a proper disclosure and prior approval of the CEO.
Drugs: Volunteers and adults may not purchase, consume, possess or be under the influence of alcohol, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), illegal drugs/substances, prescription drugs, or over-the- counter medications which impair performance or judgment while at Council-owned or leased properties, participating in Girl Scout sanctioned activities, in the presence of Girl Scout members, while conducting Girl Scout business, or in Girl Scout branded clothing. Alcohol or any substance which may impair one’s judgment must never be used by volunteers, adult members, or any other adult in the presence of a youth member, or immediately prior to a Girl Scout activity with your troop.
Smoking: Smoking, vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes or tobacco products are not permitted in any Council-owned or leased building, property or vehicle. Smoking, vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes or tobacco products is prohibited at any youth event. GSNWGL will consider allowability of tobacco use for Indigenous ceremonies on Council-owned or leased properties or Girl Scout events with prior approval.
Outside Group Usage: The facilities of GSNWGL may be used by outside groups if the group and the planned activity are not in conflict with Council activities. Sponsoring groups agree to follow all guidelines and policies and pay all fees and deposits as currently established and can provide proof of sufficient liability insurance coverage. The Chief Executive Officer has the right to approve or refuse a request by any outside group or establish additional restrictions for use at any time if in the best interest of our Council.
Pets: Bringing cats, dogs, and other animals to Council-owned or leased property is prohibited, with the exception of service pets. In certain pre-approved occasions by the Chief Executive Officer, permission may be granted for those living on site for extended periods provided they meet Council-defined conditions.

Conflict Resolution toggle arrow

Volunteers who believe that council policies and procedures are not being properly administered as related to their position should discuss their conflict with their immediate supervisor.
If open discussion does not resolve the problem, a signed and dated statement citing the policy or practice that is in question should be sent to the volunteer's immediate supervisor.
Within five (5) working days after receiving the written statement, the volunteer's immediate supervisor will call a meeting of all involved parties to discuss the conflict. A written summary of the meeting and the resolution shall be distributed within three (3) working days to the involved parties with a copy sent to our council CEO.
If the conflict is not resolved, the volunteer shall make a written request for review to the next level of supervision, within five (5) working days of receiving the written summary. That supervisor will then review the findings and determine if additional action is warranted and have a written response to the parties involved within ten (10) working days of receiving the request.
If these procedures do not resolve the conflict, the volunteer may request a review by the CEO, whose findings shall be final and binding.

Volunteer Suspension toggle arrow

A volunteer may be suspended for the following reasons:
> Results of initial or routine (every 3 years) background check.
> Information received that would put in question the volunteer's appropriateness for the position.
> Conduct inconsistent with the policies and practices of our council or GSUSA.
The suspension would continue until authorized by council leadership.

Volunteer Separation toggle arrow

A volunteer, who is voluntarily no longer able or willing to fulfill their position responsibilities, must submit a written resignation to their council staff representative as soon as possible.
Involuntary separation of a volunteer is the responsibility of the volunteer's supervising employed staff member with supporting documentation. Reasons for release may include, but are not limited to:
> Conduct inconsistent with the policies and practices of our council or GSUSA.
> Unwillingness or inability to perform the job.
> Excessive absence or tardiness.
> Inappropriate use of funds.
> Outstanding debt to Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes.
> Unacceptable background check.

Harassment toggle arrow

The Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes is committed to an environment and climate in which relationships are characterized by dignity, respect, courtesy, and equitable treatment. It is the policy of the organization to provide all members with an environment free from all forms of unlawful or unwelcome harassment, including (but not limited to) implied or expressed forms of physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional harassment whether verbal or written. Emotional abuse is defined as an attempt to control another person through criticism, shame, blame or other manipulative factors. It can manifest in different forms, including bullying, harassment, verbal insults, intimidation, gas-lighting, and scapegoating).
Our council expressly prohibits any form of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, national origin, or disability, or any other protected class.
Any member who feels that they have been subjected to harassment of any type, whether by another member, volunteer, council staff member, or any agent of the organization, should promptly report the incident to a council staff person and/ or the CEO and an incident report should be filed. The CEO will take appropriate measures to resolve or correct the situation.
Retaliation against anyone who has reported an allegation of harassment or sexual harassment is expressly prohibited.

Child Abuse toggle arrow

Our council supports and maintains environments that are free of child abuse and neglect as defined by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Child abuse and neglect are unlawful acts, and it is against our council's policy for any volunteer to physically, sexually, verbally, or mentally abuse or to neglect any member. Our council reserves the right to refuse membership endorsement or reappointment and to dismiss or to exclude from affiliation with our council any volunteer who threatens the health and welfare of youth.
Volunteers, staff, members, or caregivers witnessing abuse or obtaining information about abuse should promptly inform their local Child Protective Services office.