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Council Realignment Questions:
As most of you probably know, GSUSA has embarked upon a nationwide council realignment. The National Board approved a new Girl Scout Council map that features 109 Girl Scout Councils (currently 313). Every state will be affected with these changes. Locally, the Georgia Girl Scouts will become two councils (see map for more details). This is part of a national strategy to create higher capacity councils that are able to most effectively implement all aspects of GSUSA’s Core Business Strategy and to deliver on the promise of our mission: to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
As you would expect, there are many questions about the realignment: what follows are some of the frequently asked questions. Members of Girl Scouting are the primary stakeholders of the organization’s future. We strongly encourage you to pass along this information to those with whom you come in contact. If you have additional questions, please send them to Carol Brazzeal, CEO at carolb@gsswga.org. GSSWGA will do our best to answer those questions you may have in our FAQ section. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of change.
1. How does this all work?
Answer: In April of 2007, a Council Realignment Committee (CRC) was formed. The CRC is made up of the Board Chair, an additional Board Member, and the CEO from each of the six merging councils in Georgia.
Active subcommittees under the CRC, consisting of board, volunteers, and staff with specific skill-related experience will establish the council structure and governance tools, define the delivery systems, integrate program and camping opportunities, and integrate technology & databases.
2. What will this mean for the girls in our community?
Answer: Girl Scouting will continue to provide exceptional program for girls during this time of realignment. Following realignment, the community can look to Girl Scouting for expanded opportunities for girls, enhanced services for adult volunteers, continued outreach to underserved populations, and vibrant partnerships with the greater community to meet our commitment to girls.
3. What is our primary goal here: do we want to (1) serve the most number of girls or (2) spread our resources across our state to serve all girls?
Answer: The goal of realignment is to “raise all boats” by building a nation of high-capacity councils. As a delegation, we rank-ordered our capacity criteria last year. It is our vision that these high-capacity councils will, over time, develop the talents, resources and progressive quality to deliver exceptional Girl Scout program and opportunities to all girls in all states, regardless of the size of their community. Specifically, this change will help us focus on the quality of the girl and adult experience.
4. Can you clarify what will happen if the membership does not vote affirmatively to combine our council?
Answer: The National Board has full authority to both establish jurisdictions and take action if councils choose not to comply. The realignment process has been designed to give councils many opportunities for participation in the decision making and we are hopeful that, ultimately, all council will agree with the final map that is adopted by the National Board.
5. Will GSUSA select the headquarters location for the newly formed councils? If the decision will be made locally, will guidelines be provided?
Answer: The job of selecting the corporate headquarters location is the responsibility of the Council Realignment Committee. The selection of the corporate headquarters will be based on the agreed-upon vision for the new council.
6. What about the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards?
Answer: Don’t worry! The Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards remain vital awards in Girl Scouting, and they are great awards to teach girls how to Discover, Connect, and Take Action as leaders. The Girl Scout Gold Award will remain the highest award. Over the next few years, as the new program materials are developed, the awards will be updated based on the leadership model.
7. How can I be involved and influence the decisions being made?
Answer: Let us hear you! Send us your thoughts and suggestions in writing. We will then make sure our representation on the Council Realignment Committee know what our Membership needs.
8. What happens to troop numbers when we realign?
Answer: A best practice that has proved effective in past mergers is for each council to pick a different single digit number and as the number to the beginning of all existing troop- numbers. That way, everyone experiences the same slight change. For example, Troop # 212 might become #1212 for one council, #2212 for another council and #3212 for yet another council.