GENERAL RECOGNITION INFORMATION
General Award Criteria:
- Registered member of GSUSA.
- Active within the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio.
- Owes no financial debt to Girl Scouts of North East Ohio.
- Demonstrates a spirit of loyalty and dedication to the Girl Scout movement.
- Trained or has the equivalent experience for the position that he/she has assumed.
- Meets expectations of position description and gives service above and beyond what is required.
*Exceptions: Community Awards may be presented to individuals or organizations outside the Girl Scout organization and do not require Board Approval. Community Awards are presented at the Annual Adult Recognition Event.
When is recognition appropriate?
The desire to recognize all dedicated volunteers must be balanced with an obligation to preserve the value of the awards. The descriptions in this packet should be carefully reviewed in order to select the most appropriate recognition for a nominee. Service Unit Awards are most appropriate for community or regional volunteer efforts, while Board approved Awards are for significant contributions that affect the entire Girl Scouts of North East Ohio membership.
Who initiates and approves the nominations?
Any individual or Girl Scout group familiar with the nominee’s service to Girl Scouts may initiate the process for Service Unit or Board approved recognition. All Service Unit awards will go through the Service Team for recommendation and approval. Formal recognitions will go through the Girl Scouts North East Ohio Recognition Committee for recommendations, and then submitted to the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio Board of Directors for approval.
Where are recognitions presented?
Both formal and informal awards are best presented to the recipient on memorable occasions appropriate to the service and recognition. Throughout the year, recognitions can be given at Service Unit meetings or events (for example the Leadership Development Pin). Some awards may be presented only at Council events, such as Girl Scouts of North East Ohio annual meeting or recognition event (for example the Thanks Badge).
In either case, the recognition should be memorable. Consider making Service Unit presentations fun and a public ceremony that honors the individual or organization in front of their peers. Perhaps invite the troop, family or community members to add to the joy of the occasion. Girl Scout ceremonies books are useful resources for planning recognition ceremonies. Be creative with your Service Unit recognitions. Use the list of 100 creative ways to say “Thank You” and say it often in a variety of ways!
