Volunteer Essentials Volunteer Essentials 2015-16 - Updated 5/31/17 | Page 131

3) Once completed, the nomination form is submitted to the service unit team or to the Volunteer Support Specialist for approval. Once approved by the Service Unit Manager or Volunteer Support Specialist, all forms are sent to the designated GSWPA staff person at the Johnstown Office or through email at [email protected]. 4) Once applications are received by the designated GSWPA staff person, they are reviewed to make sure that they are complete, the nominated volunteer is currently a registered adult Girl Scout member, and that the applicant has not previously received the award. 5) Once processed, a notification letter is sent to the nominating individual or group and the award information is provided to the Girl Scout Shop Coordinators for verification. The pin may be purchased by the nominating group or individual, typically paid from the service unit treasury with money allocated for volunteer recognitions. 6) The award may be presented at a Fall Town Hall meeting, and/or service unit events. Awardees will be recognized at the Fall Town Hall meetings, accompanied by a description of their service to the area unless specifically asked not to. Awards may also be recognized through other mediums as well, including the GSWPA website and online social media, and other Girl Scout or community publications. 7) The designated GSWPA staff person will ensure that the information is entered in the volunteer’s record. 8) The designated GSWPA staff person will send updates to recruitment and retention staff listing all awards approved. GSWPA Council Volunteer Recognition: 1. Volunteer of the Year GSWPA Council Volunteer Recognition Process: 1) Volunteers must be nominated for GSUSA Board approved awards by completing the Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form. The nomination form is available on the GSWPA website and in the Volunteer Essentials Manual. 2) Nominations for these awards can be initiated by Girl Scout adult volunteers, girl members, and/or staff members. This nomination requires four letters of endorsement. The letters of endorsement for these nominations must be from individuals other than the individual submitting the nomination. Supplemental materials may be submitted in addition to the nomination form and letters of endorsement. 3) Award nominations are accepted and processed once a year. These awards must be received by the designated GSWPA staff person by February 1. Those not meeting the February 1 deadline will not be eligible for review unless special arrangements are made, and must still be received