Volunteer Essentials 2014-15 | Page 21

As you can see, there’s a lot going on in Girl Scouts! Our goal is to make communicating this information to you as simple as possible. If you ever have ideas on how we can improve, please e-mail [email protected]. Here’s a breakdown of how we share information, and some tips for you as a volunteer to connect with the council, other volunteers and parents. S’more, our program book, is published twice a year and posted online at www.gswpa.org:   Yearlong S’more is mailed to all households in August. Camp S’more is mailed to all households in December. Each issue is filled with great programs and planning information for your Girl Scouts. All council-sponsored events (events we plan and run) are also listed in our online calendar, called Things to Do, at www.gswpa.org/things-to-do. (Each program in our online calendar links to our online registration system too.) New programs and events are added all the time! We list those on Brand New Things to Do at www.gswpa.org/quick-links/brand-new-things-to-do/. (We also include these items to our Things to Do calendar so you can plan and register accordingly.) Local programs planned by your service unit are not listed in GSWPA publications or on our website. GSWPA also does not list programs that aren’t sponsored by our council. (Ex. local patch programs at an indoor water park or a museum.) Contact your local event organizer, membership staff or the business or organization hosting the event for those details. Town Hall Meetings are held in the fall. Every registered member (14 years and older) receives announcements of days/times/locations and are invited to provide feedback into council decision-making and receive board and operational updates. Adult Awards are often presented at these meetings. This year’s town hall meetings will take place in September due to the National Council Session occurring in October. The Annual Meeting is held in the spring, typically in April. Every registered member (14 years and older) receives an announcement ,and delegates are asked to represent their service units. The board reports on the year’s business and holds discussion. Several adult awards are also presented. Delegates and visitors who attend the GSWPA Annual Meeting receive a copy of the Annual Report. (The Annual Report is also posted on our website at http://www.gswpa.org/about-us/. Multi-Service Unit Meetings are scheduled by membership staff based on the wants and needs of your area. These meetings are great ways to share ideas, get info from GSWPA and meet other volunteers in your area. Service Unit Meetings are typically held on a monthly basis and are coordinated by your service unit manager or membership staff. It’s a time to get info from GSWPA and learn more about Girl Scouting in your area. If you can’t attend meetings, be sure to connect with your service unit for meeting notes. 17