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Girl Advisors to the Board Making the world a better place is a basic principle of what we do in Girl Scouts. How we accomplish that varies from girl to girl and community to community. Our efforts range from simple actions like smiling at another person to team projects like sewing COVID masks for first responders. We all can make a difference! One way that girls can make GSEP a better place is to be involved in the bigger, broader area of governance. You may be asking, “what is governance? Am I going to run a campaign? Do I have to shake a lot of hands and kiss a lot of babies?” Although some of us might like those aspects, governance isn’t about politics but about getting stuff done. In simple terms, governance is the way that a group of people agree to do things…and YOU can be part of the group making those decisions!
YOU can raise your voice, influence change, and speak up on behalf of girls! Each year, three girls are selected as Girl Advisors to GSEP’s Board of Directors. Girl Advisors hold seats at the table during meetings of the Board of Directors, where they provide girl insight and perspective on important matters. Plus, 30 girls are elected as Girl Delegates to represent the more than 35,000 Girl Scouts in GSEP’s nine-county footprint. Girl Delegates weigh-in on important issues at the two Delegate Council Meetings (September and March) and vote on new Board members and policies and procedures at GSEP’s Annual Meeting in May. There are many benefits to becoming a Girl Advisor or Girl Delegate. You’ll get a pin for your vest or sash, opportunities to network with adult volunteers and Board Members, plus hands-on experience practicing parliamentary procedure and public speaking. Additionally, Girl Governance positions look great on a college application or resume.
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Discover much more online at gsep.org!
Girl Advisors Paris G., Mikayla H., and Rachael T. shared what they’ve learned about participating in Girl Scout governance here at GSEP: Speak up and don’t be afraid to ask questions! I have learned to be a confident and creative communicator during my time as a Girl Advisor, and the experience also enhanced my leadership skills. While being a Girl Advisor is a position unlike any other regarding your influence and opportunities, there is one piece of advice that applies to all Girl Scout roles: use your voice. If you have a question, ask it. If you have an idea or an opinion, present it. Never hesitate express what you’re thinking, even when no one else is. As a Girl Advisor, you have a seat on the board and have a huge voice in the council. It is your responsibility to stand up for your council and the girls that are in it. Everyone wants you to succeed, so good luck!
