Connect with GSUSA and GSWPA Online
Get great ideas for your next meeting or take a training in your pajamas! By connecting with GSUSA and
GSWPA online, there are tons of resources at your fingertips!
Connect with GSUSA online at girlscouts.org, facebook.com/GirlScoutsUSA, twitter.com/girlscouts,
and pinterest.com/GSUSA.
Connect with GSWPA online at gswpa.org, facebook.com/GSWPA, pinterest.com/gswpa, and
twitter.com/GirlScoutsWPA.
Social media is a popular way to connect with others. Our Facebook page for Girl Scout members,
alumnae, volunteers, parents and supporters of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. We welcome
interaction, discussion, commentary, questions and even criticism, but we ask that you keep your
comments and posts relevant and respectful. GSWPA may remove any post or ban anyone who violates
these guidelines. In particular, personal attacks, inappropriate language, spamming and excessive
posting will not be tolerated. GSWPA reserves the right to remove posts advertising commercial
products, as well as those that violate Facebook's terms of service, or are inaccurate or otherwise
objectionable.
Social Media sites like Facebook and Twitter are public sites. GSWPA is responsible only for the content
on official pages. Please consider internet safety practices and use good judgment when reviewing and
contributing to these sites.
Currently, GSWPA distributes the following e-newsletter:
Patched-In – sent monthly to all volunteers and parents
Press Guidelines for Volunteers
Share the great things your Girl Scouts are doing by submitting your story to your local newspapers,
blogs and newsletters. GSWPA staff can assist by reviewing any articles or press releases and help to
determine if this is good pre-press (if open to the public) or after-press.
When troops or service units have a story that could be promoted through a larger media outlet (with
circulation beyond local service unit outlets) such as radio or television stations, major newspapers,
etc. or through council and GSUSA publications, please contact the PR Manager from the council at 1-
800-248-3355. If a station calls requesting that members in your service unit appear in a broadcast,
please notify a council communications staff member who will prepare you for the broadcast, be
present at the taping and assist you in signing media release forms.
If contacted by any media in regard to a Gi rl Scout story or issue that is not related to an event, program, or
campaign that is being run through your service unit, please refer them to the PR Manager at 1-800-248-
3355.
Setting Up a Group Website
Groups whose girls meet age criteria (13 years or older) and have parental permission may set up a
group Facebook page or website. This site must be approved by the council, yes, but it can be a fantastic
way for girls to share information, market Girl Scout products, and talk about their Take Action projects.
Before you and the girls design a website, remember that the web is an open forum for anyone,
including potential predators. Documented instances of cyber-stalkers make it imperative that any