GSOFCT Volunteer Recognitions Nomination Form

Outstanding Service Team Member Pin 

Description: 
The Outstanding Service Team Member Pin recognizes a volunteer on the Service Unit team who has performed at a level that raises the bar with their exceptional contributions and innovative approach to their role, outperforming the expectations outlined in the position description. Cannot receive in consecutive years for the same role.  

• Criteria: 
• Consistently assists the Service Unit beyond the anticipated standard of their role, demonstrating exceptional skill and commitment.  
• Position Descriptions:
  
  • SU Manager: The Service Unit Manager is appointed by and works in partnership with the Membership Experience Specialist to oversee and coordinate Girl Scouting in the Service Unit. She/he is responsible for the development, extension, and support of girl and adult membership. Plans and directs the delivery of services to girls and adults. Holds Service Unit meetings on a regular basis.
  • SU Treasurer: Service Unit Treasurer manages finances for the Service Unit. She/he maintains accurate records of all Service Unit transactions and tracks all Troop/Group accounts within the Service Unit. She/he works with new Troops/Groups to establish bank accounts, assists volunteers in managing their finances, handles any payments and bills incurred by Service Unit activities, and processes bank deposits. 
  • SU Product Sales Managers: The Service Unit Product Sales Manager manages the Fall Product Sales and/or Cookie Program within the Service Unit. She/he provides training and ongoing support to Troop/Group Product Sales Managers, submits Service Unit order to council, distributes product to Troops/Groups, and reconciles accounts.
  • SU Recruiter: Service Unit Recruiter plans and conducts a membership recruitment campaign in coordination with GSOFCT staff. Identifies sources for recruiting adult volunteers. Schedules and plans recruitment events and distributes information in the community. Helps to place girls & adults in existing Troops/Groups as vacancies occur or in new Troops/Groups as they are created.
  • SU New Leader Mentor: This volunteer supports the onboarding and orientation of new Troop Co-Leaders within the Service Unit. In coordination with the Member Experience and Volunteer Engagement staff, they will schedule an in-person orientation for new leaders, support troop start-up tasks, and provide ongoing support during the initial months of new volunteer participation.  
  • SU Recognitions Coordinators: The Service Unit Recognitions Chairperson works with the Service Unit to review and maintain up-to-date volunteer recognition records. She/he is responsible for reviewing Council and National recognition guidelines and resources, sharing available information with the Service Unit membership. She/he accepts nominations and completes and submits the appropriate award applications meeting deadlines.
  • SU Camporee Coordinator: This volunteer is responsible for the overall management of the Service Unit Camporee. They will provide support and guidance to the Camporee Committee as they plan for and host the Service Unit event. Key focus areas will be on making sure all paperwork is submitted in a timely manner, all participants have appropriate training to attend, and compliance with GSUSA and GSOFCT policies and procedures is maintained.
• Additional SU Volunteer Roles
  • SU Communications Champion:  This volunteer promotes Girl Scouting within the community through Troop/Group and Service Unit programs, events, announcements, and girl and volunteer achievements.
  • SU Juliette Coordinator: This volunteer supports the recruitment and placement of individual girls and unaffiliated adults within the Service Unit, ensuring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience is consistent with all recruitment and placement opportunities. She/he manages and supports the participation of individually registered girls, adults, and Lifetime Members in Council Pathways and Service Unit events/programs and serves as the local liaison and advocate for these members.
  • SU Service Chair: This volunteer promotes community service within the community, identifying opportunities for troop service projects, and organizing SU-wide service activities several times throughout the membership year.
• The nominee has completed appropriate training for the position held.
• Worked collaboratively with the whole Service Unit team.
• Has completed 2 years in their role on the Service Unit team.  

Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements: 

• 1 Nomination 
• 2 Letters of Endorsement w/1 from MES 

I'm Not Sure

Utilize this option if you believe the volunteer should be eligible to receive a recognition but you are unsure which recognition fits best.

If the nominee has not yet received any recognitions, we encourage you to consider nominating them for a Service Unit level recognition first.

Please be specific with what the nominee did or continues to do that warranted their recognition nomination.

By selecting this option you acknowledge that the final decision on what, if any, recognition will be awarded to the nominee will be made by the Volunteer Recognitions Committee.

Spirit of the Dragonfly

Description: 
Recognizes a volunteer who exemplifies the Girl Scout Mission, lives by the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and demonstrates a commitment to providing Cadettes, Seniors, and/or Ambassadors Girl Scouts with the opportunity to develop through guidance, mentoring, and coaching in support of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Criteria:

• Has served as a Co-Leader working alongside older Girl Scouts for at least 7 years.
• The nominee has provided a variety of opportunities that foster a growth mindset and align with the benefits described in the 5 Leadership Outcomes (Strong Sense of Self, Positive Values, Challenge Seeking, Healthy Relationships, Community Problem Solving) 
• Encourages youth members to advocate for themselves, others, and the community at large on issues that are of concern to them through Take Action and Community Service projects.  
• Has made a significant impact on the number of girls earning their Highest Awards. 
• The nominee delivers diverse program opportunities that results in an increase of older Girl Scout participation and realize consistent youth membership retention throughout the life of the troop/group.  
• Demonstrate mastery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through their activities within the four pillars: Outdoor, STEAM, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship, as well as earning badges and completing Journeys.  

Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements: 

• 1 Nomination 
• 2 Letters of Endorsement including 1 from a youth member 

Guiding Light 

Description: 
The Guiding Light pin recognizes an adult who is committed to providing support, guidance, mentorship and/or professional development or training opportunities to other Girl Scouts of Connecticut volunteers.  

Criteria: 

• Has displayed a positive attitude and positive influence in dealing with volunteers 
• Is an expert in subject matter and/or council policy as it applies to volunteer learning opportunities 
• Has performed service as a mentor or facilitator over an extended period of time or has been instrumental in the development and use of new educational programs 
• Serves as an exceptional role model, mentor, coach, or trainer whose guidance enables others to realize their full potential in Girl Scouting 
• Shares their passion and vision for the Girl Scout Movement in a way that lights the flame in others to better serve our youth members 
• A minimum of 2 years of service with GSOFCT is required 

Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements: 

• 1 Nomination 
• 2 Letters of Endorsement 
  • 1 Endorsement from GSOFCT staff member 

Council Staff Appreciation 

Description: 
The Council Staff Appreciation Pin recognizes the outstanding service by a staff member that goes far beyond the expectations of the employee’s job description. The employee will have provided strong support and guidance to volunteers, has enhanced our members’ ability to serve girls through their actions, or has created a process or service that greatly benefited a volunteer's ability to accomplish our mission.  The recognition is in honor of exceeding the expectation of their staff role and does not take into consideration any volunteer role they may have. The employee may only receive this recognition once every 3 years. This recognition can be presented to a maximum of 5 staff per year.  

Criteria: 

• Must be a registered member of GSOFCT and an employee in good standing  
• Has demonstrated their commitment to our mission through their interactions with volunteers and other staff  
• Has gone above and beyond what is normally expected in their position, regardless of whether they work directly with volunteers or provide behind-the-scenes support
• Participates in council-sponsored events and service unit activities, if applicable
• Supports the GSOFCT Product Sales programs 

Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements: 

• 1 Nomination 
• 1 Letter of Endorsement from a Volunteer 

Pride of the Trefoil  
 
Description: 
The Pride of the Trefoil is presented to a current or past troop volunteer who shared the gift of their time and talents to help a troop effectively participate in all 13 years of our Girl Scout Leadership Program, continuously from Kindergarten Daisies through 12th grade Ambassadors. The recipient(s) can include Co-Leaders and any other approved troop volunteers who helped the troop to prosper throughout the entire troop experience. 

Criteria: 

• The Volunteer started with Kindergarten Daisies and has maintained an active, registered membership until the graduation of the troop in 12th grade 
• The graduating troop members demonstrate mastery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through their activities within the four pillars: Outdoor, STEAM, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship, as well as earning badges and completing Journeys
• Participation in the Fall Product Sales Program and Cookie Program  
• Attended Service Unit and GSOFCT council-sponsored programs  
• Participated in outdoor and camping activities  
• Completed all appropriate volunteer trainings

Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements: 

• 1 Nomination 
• 2 Letters of Endorsement  
  • Including 1 Endorsement from a Girl Scout within the troop 
  • Including 1 Endorsement Letter from their MES or a council staff member 
     

GSOFCT Legacy Pin 
Description: 
This recognition is the highest adult honor presented by the Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) in recognition of outstanding service and leadership. The Girl Scouts of Connecticut Legacy Pin celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond in their contributions, setting a standard of excellence for adult leadership in GSOFCT. (No more than 5 recipients per year) 

Criteria: 

• Council-Wide Impact: 
  Awarded to an individual whose service has had a significant impact on the success and development of the Girl Scout program at the council-wide level. 
• Leadership: 
  The nominee must have held a leadership role within GSOFCT, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication. 
• Minimum Years of Service: 
  The recipient must have a minimum of 4 years of service to GSOFCT, contributing significantly to the organization's mission and goals. 
• Outstanding Dedication: 
  The nominee’s service should demonstrate an ongoing commitment to empowering girls and promoting the values of the Girl Scouts program. 

Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements: 

• 1 Nomination  
• 3 Letters of Endorsement  
• Including 1 Letter from a member of the GSOFCT Leadership Team, Executive Team, or a member of the GSOFCT Board of Directors 

GSOFCT Philanthropy & Leadership Pin  
 
Description:  
This recognition honors individuals who have made a profound and enduring impact on Girl Scouts of Connecticut through their long-term dedication in multiple areas, including philanthropy, volunteerism, inspiring others, and upholding Girl Scout traditions and history. Only one pin is presented annually. 
 
Criteria: 

• Philanthropy: Demonstrates exceptional commitment to charitable giving and community service, including notable lifetime giving contributions. 
• Volunteer Engagement: Engages actively in various volunteer roles, such as participation in task forces, regional advisory committees, or the Board of Directors. Contributes to the planning and execution of events and programs. 
• Inspire Giving: Inspires others to give back through their own example and efforts, encouraging a culture of generosity and support for the organization. 

Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements: 

• 1 Nomination must come from a member of the Fund Development department, the GSOFCT Executive Team, or a member of the GSOFCT Board of Directors

Heritage Pin 
 
Description:  
The GSOFCT Heritage Pin honors an individual who has shown exceptional dedication and service, over many years, to the Girl Scouts of Connecticut or any Legacy Council (any of the five councils that merged to create Girl Scouts of Connecticut in 2007). This award recognizes someone whose efforts have left a lasting impact on the organization and its members. This award may be awarded posthumously. 
 
Criteria: 

• Outstanding Volunteerism: The recipient must have consistently demonstrated extraordinary volunteer efforts within GSOFCT, showing a deep commitment to the organization's mission. 
• 20 Years of Service: The nominee must have been actively involved with the Girl Scouts of Connecticut for at least 20 years, contributing to the organization in various meaningful roles. 
• Significant Contribution of Time and Skills: The recipient should have provided significant service by dedicating time and expertise to enhance the programs and initiatives of GSOFCT. 
• Long-Lasting Impact: The nominee's contributions should have created a lasting positive impact on the organization and its members, continuing to benefit GSOFCT over time. 
• Inspiration and Leadership: The recipient should be a role model within the Girl Scout community, inspiring others through their leadership and commitment to the organization's values. 
• Area of service:   The entire council footprint of GSOFCT and/or Girl Scouts of the USA.  

Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements: 

• Recommended: Previously received the GSUSA Thanks Badge 
• Nominations: Any member of the Girl Scout community may submit a nomination. Complete and submit a nomination form and two letters of endorsement. 

Product Sales Champion 

Description:  
The Product Sales Champion recognizes a volunteer who has continued to provide exemplary service in the troop or Fall Product Sales Manager and/or Cookie Manager role, resulting in measurable effects that benefit the troop.   

Criteria: 

• Has held the Fall Product Sales Manager or Cookie Manager role for a minimum of 2 years 
• Has completed the Fall Product Sales Manager or Cookie Manager training 
• Submitted Initial & Final Orders by the deadline 
• Developed a communication plan with the troop 
• Has maintained accurate financial, inventory, and M2 or Ebudde records throughout the sale 
• Has met and/or exceeded their troop sales goal 

Pre-Requisites/Nomination/Endorsements: 

• 1 Nomination 
• 2 Letters of Endorsement W/1 from MES or PSM staff member