Volunteer Essentials Volunteer Essentials 2015-16 - Updated 5/31/17 | Page 67

6 . Role-model the right behavior . Never use illegal drugs . Don ’ t consume alcohol , smoke , or use foul language in the presence of girls . Do not carry ammunition or firearms in the presence of girls unless given special permission by your council for group marksmanship activities .
7 . Create an emotionally safe space . Adults are responsible for making Girl Scouting a place where girls are as safe emotionally as they are physically . Protect the emotional safety of girls by creating a team agreement and coaching girls to honor it . Agreements typically encourage behaviors like respecting a diversity of feelings and opinions ; resolving conflicts constructively ; and avoiding physical and verbal bullying , clique behavior , and discrimination .
8 . Ensure that no girl is treated differently . Girl Scouts welcomes all members , regardless of race , ethnicity , background , disability , family structure , religious beliefs , and socioeconomic status . When scheduling , helping plan , and carrying out activities , carefully consider the needs of all girls involved , including school schedules , family needs , financial constraints , religious holidays , and the accessibility of appropriate transportation and meeting places .
9 . Promote online safety . Instruct girls never to put their full names or contact information online , engage in virtual conversation with strangers , or arrange in-person meetings with online contacts , other than to deliver cookies and only with the approval and accompaniment of a parent or designated adult . On group websites , publish girls ’ first names only and never divulge their contact information . Teach girls the Girl Scout Online Safety Pledge and have them commit to it .
10 . Keep girls safe during money-earning activities . Girl Scout cookies and other councilsponsored product sales are an integral part of the program . During Girl Scout product sales , you are responsible for the safety of girls , money , and products . In addition , a wide variety of organizations , causes , and fundraisers may appeal to Girl Scouts to be their labor force . When representing Girl Scouts , girls cannot participate in money-earning activities that represent partisan politics or that are not Girl Scout – approved product sales and efforts .
Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians
You want to engage each parent or guardian to help you work toward ensuring the health , safety , and well-being of girls . Clearly communicate to parents and guardians that they are expected to :
● Provide permission for their daughters to participate in Girl Scouting as well as provide additional consent for activities that take place outside the scheduled meeting place , involve overnight travel , involve the use of special equipment , participation in the annual MagNut and Cookie programs , and / or cover sensitive issues .
● Make provisions for their daughters to get to and from meeting places or other designated sites in a safe and timely manner and inform you if someone other than the parent or guardian will drop off or pick up the child .
● Provide their daughters with appropriate clothing and equipment for activities , or contact you before the activity to find sources for the necessary clothing and equipment .
● Follow Girl Scout safety guidelines and encourage their children to do the same .
● Assist you in planning and carrying out program activities as safely as possible .
● Participate in parent / guardian meetings .
● Be aware of appropriate behavior expected of their daughters , as determined by the council and you .
● Assist volunteers if their daughters have special needs or abilities and their help is solicited .
Custody issues relating to girls in your troop may arise . It is up to the parents / guardians of the girl to make necessary arrangements relating to their custody . These arrangements may include ; transportation , help at troop meetings , attendance at events and programs . If you have further questions , please contact your GSWPA staff .