Girl Scouts ’ Organizational Structure
Girl Scouts is the world ’ s largest organization of and for girls , currently encompassing 2.3 million girl members and nearly 1 million volunteers ! Three core structures support all these members : the national headquarters , your council and your support team .
National Organization and Worldwide Sisterhood
The national office of Girl Scouts of the USA ( GSUSA ), located in New York City , employs roughly 300 employees . GSUSA is a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts ( WAGGGS ). Visit GSUSA online at girlscouts . org /, where you ’ ll find a wealth of resources for both girls and volunteers .
Global Girl Scouting ensures girls have increased awareness about the world , cross-cultural learning opportunities and education on relevant global issues that may inspire them to take action and make the world a better place . Visit Global Girl Scouting online girlscouts . org / who _ we _ are / global for additional information .
Since 1925 , USA Girl Scouts Overseas ( USAGSO ), a division of Global Girl Scouting , has helped ease the transition for American families relocating overseas by offering the familiar traditions and exciting opportunities of Girl Scouting to girls abroad . USAGSO serves thousands of American girls living overseas , as well as girls attending American or international schools . Through Global Girl Scouting , members participate in World Thinking Day on February 22 , visit the four WAGGGS world centers ( see the “ For Travel Volunteers ” appendix ), participate in international travel , promote global friendship and understanding by supporting the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund and take action on global issues .
Your Council – Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania
Girl Scout councils are chartered by the national office to attract and retain members in a geographic area , provide ways for girls to participate in Girl Scouting , create an environment that reflects Girl Scout values and ideals , manage volunteers ’ experience with Girl Scouting and keep girls and volunteers as safe as possible . The national office provides support materials to all councils to ensure that the Girl Scout experience is nationally consistent .
At Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania , we provide more than 22,000 girls from 27 counties and many different backgrounds and beliefs with the resources to become tomorrow ’ s leaders . And all of this is made possible thanks to the dedication of more than 6,000 volunteers , 100 full-time staff , 25 board members and countless supporters , all believing in the power of girls .
Your Support Team
A team of volunteers and staff provides you with local support , learning opportunities and advice . As a volunteer , you have the most contact with your Girl Scout support team , which is called a service unit . Never hesitate to contact them , because your support team will guide and assist you in all things Girl Scouting . If you have questions about the Girl Scout program , working with girls , resources in the National Program Portfolio ( National Leadership Journeys and The Girl ’ s Guide to Girl Scouting ), or the Girl Scout Cookie and MagNut programs , go to your team for answers and ongoing support .