Girl Scout Realignment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the Girl Scouts realigning councils?

GSUSA is reorganizing councils to create the infrastructure necessary to prepare for the future of the Girl Scout Movement. This realignment will result in the optimal impact on leadership development for the largest number of girls and significantly increase the number of volunteers participating in Girl Scouting.

2. Why has the Girl Scouts decided to make changes now?

GSUSA recently adopted a business strategy to build more strength throughout the Girl Scout Movement. As a part of this initiative, council’s throughout the country are realigning their boundaries to make the most effective use of our resources and to offer even more program opportunities to even more girls. Here in southern Illinois, The Girl Scouts of River Bluffs Council and the Girl Scouts of Shagbark Council will combine our strengths to form a new high-performance Girl Scout council. In this realignment we will offer some of the same programs girls have always enjoyed, and add even more exciting and rewarding opportunities. We are delighted to share this news with you, and we welcome your continued support.

3. How will my daughter’s Girl Scout troop be affected?

Your daughter will remain in the same troop she is in, or as always, may choose to join a new troop at the end of the membership year. The current troop number may change, as there may be duplication of troop numbers. In this case, an additional number will be added to some troops (e.g., troop 501 becomes 1501)

The most exciting immediate news is that our council will be pooling volunteer and staff resources. This change will enable us to increase the number of program events offered and the locations we can offer them in, and it will afford all girls the chance to meet more Girl Scouts.

4. How will this affect which camps and properties my daughter attends?

The best news is that we will be able to offer more events, in more locations, and will be able to provide new offerings that give girls the opportunity to meet more friends.

The realigning councils manage properties that are available for troop camping and many other activities throughout the year. Each camp has a number of unique features, and we anticipate that troops will now have the opportunity to enjoy a greater variety of camping experiences. Because our first priority will be the smooth transition of members and operations, all properties will be reviewed at a later time to determine the most appropriate use of resources. Factors such as the conditions of the facilities, finances, location, and program options are used to make property decisions.

5. Where will the meetings and trainings be held?

The practice of conducting trainings at various locations throughout the council jurisdiction will continue. New opportunities in different locations, online workshops and services, and more, will be enhanced. In preparation for the realignment, our Girl Scout councils have been meeting to determine the best practices we currently have and to think even more broadly to create the optimal services and programs for our new council. Every aspect of service to girl and adult members is being examined and discussed. All input from girls, volunteers, and staff is being considered. Decisions will be made in the best interest of all considered. The new council will depend on the valued contributions of adult volunteers and girl members.

6. Where do we now go to purchase Girl Scouts items?

Until the councils are combined and realignment is complete in October 2009, the current Girl Scout Shop locations will remain the same. Many decisions are in the planning stages, and the good news is we anticipated that there will be multiple Girl Scout Shops throughout the jurisdiction. Of course, for added convenience, there is always the option of shopping on-line.

7. How will the Girl Scout cookie sale change?

The Girl Scout Cookie Program will remain the premier Business and Literacy Program for girls. All Girl Scouts who want to will be able to take part. In fact, for the first time, Girl Scout Daisies will be able to take part in cookie activities. We will have one baker and that choice is not yet determined. We will seek input from our girls and volunteers. The good news is all girls who want to can continue to participate in the premier Business and Economic Literacy program for girls.

Possible questions from reporters, donors, and the public

8. Why is the Girl Scouts restructuring?

The council realignment will strengthen our organization's infrastructure and resources at all levels of the organization including fundraising, public relations, property, staffing, and volunteer support. There is already a high level of cooperation between our councils because we draw upon many of the same resources. This realignment will help us develop our resources more effectively and decrease duplicating efforts.

On a national level, change is perhaps the oldest tradition in Girl Scouts. Ever since Juliette Gordon Low returned from England in 1912 and changed "Guide" to "Scout" in response to the preference of American girls, those in the Girl Scout Movement have prided themselves in their ability to make periodic adjustments to meet the needs of girls.

A renewed focus on leadership nationwide will ensure that Girl Scouting maintains the values that have been at our core for more than 95 years, while being a relevant experience for girls today.

9. What can girls and their parents expect as a result of the changes?

Girls have asked for unique experiences that reflect their current needs and interests. Parents can expect Girl Scouting to use a new approach that is girl-led and girl-driven. This approach will offer girls a unique leadership development opportunity that will provide skills they need for a lifetime of personal and civic achievement. Girls can expect new and exciting activities at each new grade level..

10. Is the restructuring due to a lack of funding?

While the Girl Scouts need to increase funding as do all nonprofits, our realignment is about joining all our local resources to create a revitalized council from which to serve Girl Scouts in our area. Our realignment and restructuring and our updated Program model, will make it easier for potential donors to see just how relevant and critical Girl Scouting is to today’s girls.

11. Are the Girl Scouts restructuring due to a lack of girls joining and/or a lack of volunteers?

Girl Scouting is restructuring to create high-capacity councils in every region, including ours. Similar to other youth serving organizations, we too want to serve as many girls who want to belong and who benefit from the program and have them served by the best volunteers possible. The Girl Scouts are confident that this transformation will allow us to welcome more girls, and enable our current and new volunteers to create a more impactful and flexible experience. Would you like to become a volunteer? Look for information on our current sites.

12. What would an incentive be for a person to consider volunteering with the Girl Scouts?

People who are looking for new places to volunteer should look to the new volunteer systems and the enhanced Girl Scout program.  As new support materials are created, the Girl Scout organization will improve the volunteer experience by making it easier to join, offering more flexible volunteer timetables and roles suited to their abilities and interests.  Girl Scouts will also provide user-friendly resources so that adults and girls have a fun and impact-driven Girl Scout experience.

13. Have the Girl Scouts considered joining forces with other youth groups like the Boy Scouts or Girls Clubs, or United Way?

No. Girl Scouts has nearly 100 years of success and history and our efforts are focused on revitalizing the Girl Scout Movement to serve even more girls, in the classic, relevant and unique experience that is the Girl Scouts Leadership Development Program.

14. Which of the councils coming together is in the best shape now, and which is in the worst shape? Which council benefits the most from the new structure?

Both of the councils that are joining together have key strengths that our new council will rely on which will result in new opportunities and improvements for our members.

15. How will this affect staffing in councils?

When our Girl Scout councils combine and are able to maximize our efficiencies, we are likely to need as many, if not more staff, to serve our girls. Future growth will necessitate a strong group of staff and volunteers to continue providing the quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls.

16. Where will the new Girl Scout offices/service centers be located?

Nothing has been decided at this time. Determining Girl Scout office and service center locations is one of the functions of the CRC. The CRC will look at all factors involved and select locations where everyone will have convenient access.

17. How is the new council name going to be decided?

Our national office had given us three common sense guidelines that our planning team will consider. They are that we:
1. Start with the name Girl Scouts, for easy identification
2. Include a regional reference, for easy identification
3. Utilize a name that is new to the realigning offices, for a fresh start
4. Conduct a name the new council contest where anyone can suggest a name for the new council.  These names will be narrowed down to the top three or four and anyone then can go to our website and tell us which one is the best