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Healthy Service Units
The service unit is where volunteers and staff partner to enhance the experience of the girl, volunteer, and parent by providing support and programmatic experiences that bring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) to life. The service unit may provide access to council and service unit-sponsored activities, volunteer enrichment opportunities, program activities for girls, and opportunities for volunteers and girls to connect.
Each service unit is different and evolves as leadership changes.
When the service unit is the heart of the community, Girl Scouts thrive!
Characteristics of a Healthy Service Unit
Once you have your purpose, it's time to get to work!
A healthy service unit:
- Supports and develops troop leaders and recognizes volunteer contributions and efforts. This includes offering learning opportunities and volunteer appreciation at the service unit level.
- Involves girls in the planning, implementing, and evaluating service unit activities. Make sure you debrief with your girls after a service unit event!
- Uses various communication methods to ensure volunteers are engaged in the GSLE, and that diverse viewpoints are expressed and valued.
- Supports and promotes membership growth through recruitment and retention efforts.
- Develops networks within their community to open up additional opportunities for girls and volunteers.
- Keeps council and service unit goals at the forefront of discussion. These goals may include membership numbers for girls and adults, camp participation, Family Giving participation, Early Bird renewal, etc.
- Promotes participation in the Fall Product Program and Cookie Program.
In a recent study by Girl Scouts of the USA, these are the top three services that a service unit provides:
- Organizing events that troop leaders can take back to their troops.
- Support for troop leaders, troop managers, and the girls surrounding the product programs.
- Facilitating a safe space for sharing ideas and networking.
Are you doing these things with your service unit? What areas above does your service unit do well? And what areas could use some extra focus or support? Create a plan, make some changes, and help the volunteers in your area thrive! If you need additional support, contact your community development manager.
Here are some ways to get started:
