Troop Communication

There are many ways to communicate with your troop to provide the best experience possible for Girl Scouts and their families. Below are a few ideas for successful communication. Determine the best communication methods with your troop’s families.

Key items to include in communications:

• Troop meeting information, updates, and/or changes

• Volunteer opportunities/support needed

• Upcoming events and activities

Communication Points

• Reminders

• Sharing troop experiences (make sure you have a photo release for photos)

We suggest choosing at least two forms of communication with families.

• Email: You can send out short or detailed messages. Some troops even put together a troop newsletter to share. Remember, the Volunteer Toolkit can be used to send out emails to all families.

• Facebook: Many parent/caregivers are on Facebook. Using groups on Facebook is a great way to share updates on your troop happenings! Make sure the group is set up as a private/closed group.

• Rallyhood: Connect with your families on Rallyhood, our all-in-one communication and collaboration platform! You can post updates, share photos, do sign-ups and polls, and more. Complete this form to request a Rally created for your troop at gswo.org/rallyrequest

• Texting or Texting Apps: Texting or texting apps can be used for short messages, reminders, text alerts, and more!

• Parent/Caregiver Meetings: Parent/caregiver meetings can be scheduled any time throughout the year. Consider planning parent/caregiver meetings at the end of the girls' meetings. These meetings can happen as frequently as you would like and are typically 10-15 minutes.

• Family Events: Family events are a great way to connect! Have the girls plan at least one event a year, such as a presentation, play, ceremony, family picnic, or other activity.

• Phone Calls: Phone calls help make personal connections while sharing troop information, fostering conversation and needed clarification. This is also a good time to make a specific ask for support, if needed.

Please keep in mind not everyone is technologically savvy and some may not regularly check technology methods. That's why face-to-face meetings and phone calls are also beneficial.

Communication is an integral part of building a strong troop committee to ensure the girls are supported by caring adults working together. Make sure to regularly share the needs of the troop and be specific when asking adults to help. Troop volunteers must complete member registration, background checks, and any necessary trainings.