Hello Girl Scout Members,
A Note from Alison:
Today’s newsletter is dedicated to all of our amazing Girl Scout volunteers. You are wonderful role models, demonstrating resilience, flexibility and care, as you lead with and for our girls to make the world better in challenging times. We continue to hear so many good news stories about how Girl Scouts are stepping up around our nine counties to shine a light on our community when it most needs it.
We thank you for all of your efforts this year – you have always given of your time to build girls of courage, confidence and character, and in this time you are truly needed more than ever. We so appreciate you!
It has been so heartwarming to see how you are responding for our girls in a time of crisis. From learning new skills and holding your first “zoom” or virtual meetings, to checking on your girls and their families, to navigating running a virtual cookie program, or leading at-home programs and community service projects, and most of all, to everyone, helping to keep our girls home and safe, on behalf of GSWNY board and staff, WE THANK YOU!
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Alison Wilcox
CEO, Girl Scouts of Western New York
Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month!
Did you know April is Volunteer Appreciation Month? This is a great time of year to thank the volunteers in your life for the services they provide to you or your Girl Scouts
Watch Trefoil TV Weekdays at 3:12 p.m. on
This week, we’re focusing on Acts of Kindness! Make sure you check in every day at 3:12 to catch us live.
Can’t make the live broadcast? Don’t worry! You can watch after on Facebook or check it out on YouTube and Instagram.
TODAY: Lena Budd, Volunteer Experience Manager discussed National Volunteer Appreciation Month!
Girl Scouting at Home
Your girl’s daily routine may have changed, but there are still ways to participate in Girl Scout activities and earn awards, even at home! While everything is still evolving, here are some ways to get started today:
- Check out Virtual Badge & Journey work from GSUSA
- Keep an eye out for our new Girl Scouting at Home page with additional resources
- Watch Trefoil TV live on Facebook and posted to YouTube and Instagram
- Visit our Facebook page for additional resources and ideas being shared
Caregivers: If you would like to work on Girl Scout programming at home with your girl, you can reach out to the Girl Experience team for guidance. Email customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410 to get in touch.
Virtual Meetings for Troops and Service Units
One way to stay connected with your troop and/or service unit during this time is through virtual meetings. Use the links below for instructional resources.
Download Zoom Instructions PDF
Girl Scout Cookie Program Virtual Program Options
While our traditional cookie program has been suspended, we have options and suggestions available for virtual booths and direct-ship.
GSWNY PROGRAM: Transform your troop inventory into a sweet treat for your local hometown heroes! Think of women and men on the front lines and let them know your Girl Scout troop is thankful for them. Let your entrepreneurial skills shine…show us how creative you can be! Learn more here: Flyer and FAQS
GSUSA PROGRAM : Girl Scouts and communities across the country are counting on you. Support girls’ continued success in the wake of COVID-19 through Digital Cookie and Smart Cookie online orders online orders shipped to your door without interruption. Or donate cookies online and we’ll distribute them safely to provide comfort to first responders, frontline volunteers, and local causes in need. Learn more here.
We will behosting a Product Program Update Q & A session for Troop Leaders.
Tuesday, April 7
Product Program Update Q&A Session 6:00-7:00 pm.
Register for a webinar session:
Product Program Update Q&A Session Registration
After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join us via computer or phone. Please check your junk/spam if you do not receive it; it will come from GoToWebinar.
We will be sharing the recording and slide deck with all members.
Spring Renewal Update
Our Spring Renewal Campaign, set to begin April 1, will now be tentatively rescheduled to begin May 1. This date will be reviewed and updated as needed to ensure that girls and volunteers can participate in our amazing incentive program! Watch for more details later in April.
Raising Awesome Girls
Parents and caregivers – GSUSA continues to add resources for raising girls including talking to your girls about disappointment, leading virtual meetings, or helping girls with schoolwork at home, and this is updated regularly: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls.html
Girl Scouts Doing Good Things
Our Girl Scouts are putting their ingenuity to work and doing great things across our WNY community. Check out a few examples below.
Troop 34203 raised money to donate 200 boxes of cookies to local hospitals and nursing homes. Two of the Girl Scouts are pictured with 100 boxes that went to ECMC!
Troop 54003 has been making rainbows to put in their front windows to remind the community that there is a light at the end of this storm and hopefully brighten someone’s day. Others in the community have been joining in!
Girl Scout Troop 34213 donated 100 boxes of cookies to make care packages for their parents that are first responders to take to work and share with their hard working coworkers. Some of these places include Lackawanna Police, several Buffalo Fire Stations and Millard Fillmore nurses. Thank you to all the first responder heroes!
We are #GirlScoutStrong! Looking forward to talking to you on Thursday! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410.
Categories: Member Essentials
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