Girl Scout Realignment Frequently Asked Questions

On August 27, 2006, the National Board of Directors approved the jurisdictional realignment of Girl Scout councils. This action by the National Board supports the creation of high-performance councils, one of the primary goals of the Core Business Strategy. The result will be much needed improvements and enhancements in the delivery of program services to girls. The process of change will not cause a discontinuation or reduction of services to girls, but will ultimately enhance each girl’s Girl Scout experience.

1. Why are the Girl Scouts realigning councils?

We are reorganizing councils to create the infrastructure necessary to prepare for the future of the 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. We will be making two key changes over the next few years: First, we are revitalizing the Girl Scout program age levels, redefining what leadership means for girls, and updating some activity options. Second, we are offering more impactful experiences and flexible time commitment options for volunteers. We are making these changes nationwide to ensure that Girl Scouting is a full and consistent experience.

2. Why have the Girl Scouts decided to change now?

Girl Scouts of the USA has recently adopted a business strategy to build more strength throughout the Girl Scout Movement. As part of this initiative, councils 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. Six Georgia councils will combine our strengths to form a new high-performance Girl Scout council called Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. The realigned council will offer some of the same great programs girls have always enjoyed and provide new and exciting opportunities. The new council headquarters will be in Macon and service centers will remain in every location in which there is currently an office. The new council operation is scheduled to begin on May 1, 2008. Many decisions are in the planning stages and will be shared as quickly as possible. 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 new 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. 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 meetings and trainings be held?

The practice of conducting trainings at various locations throughout the council jurisdiction will continue. New opportunites 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 concerned. The new council will depend on the valued contributions of adult volunteers.

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

Your local council shop will continue to serve you by providing fun and educational Girl Scout items.

7. How will the Girl Scout cookie sales change?

The Girl Scout Cookie Program will remain the premier Business and Economic Literacy Program for girls. All Girls Scouts who want to will be able to take part. In fact, for the first time, Daisy Girl Scouts will be able to take part in some cookie activities. Decisions about the 2008 cookie sale will be made as part of the realignment process. For right now, you are encouraged to participate in the cookie sale with your current council. Successful 2007 cookie sales in realigning councils will strengthen the realignment process and enhance the programs that will be offered by the new council.

8. Why are 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 on 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 95 years, while being a relevant experience to 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 utilize 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 age 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 premium, 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. 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?

All of the councils that are joining together here have key strengths Our realigned council will build on the strengths currently in place and address our challenges through the use of combined resources and expertise. Our goal is to offer premium services to all Girl Scouts in our area.

12. 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 Development program for girls.

13. How will decisions about the new council be made?

A Council Realignment Committee is now in place, comprised of representatives from the boards of each council and six council CEOs. Talented volunteers and staff members from each aligning council are serving on sub-committees to create the framework for this dynamic new council.

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