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Text Box: 11 Things that Make a Successful Leader Text Box: 11. Smile. Remember that you are making a difference in the lives of so many girls. Girl Scouting promotes many values and creates experiences, but there may be one girl who comes back to each meeting just to be in the good company of her friends and caring adults like you. Good Luck in your first Girl Scout year! Text Box: Question & Answer Review Text Box: 2. Attend Service Unit Meetings. Attending service unit meetings is so important. That is why it appears on the volunteer agreement as a leader responsibility. Service Unit Leader Meetings are the very best way to find out what is going on in your area. You will get great ideas from other leaders and learn about great craft ideas, great trip ideas, get tips on dealing with troop/girl/ parental issues. You will be able to include your troop in events that happen in your area as well as important council news, events and updates. Text Box: 3. Hold a Parent’s Meeting, every year. It is extremely important to have the support and help of the girls’ parents. So many leaders make the mistake of taking on too much without asking for help. The fact is, it is the responsibility of every parent to participate in their daughter’s Girl Scout experience. Make a list of things that you will need parents to do and have them sign up in the beginning of the year, for example: drive to and from trips, provide snack, coordinate troop nut/QSP and cookie sales, troop treasurer. If you do not require parental participation in the beginning, you will have a difficult time getting help when you need it later on. Text Box: 6. Participate in Nut/QSP and Cookie Sale. Participating in product sales will help your troop to earn funds and keep dues costs down. The beginning of the year can be hectic but don’t let the Nut/QSP sale pass you by. Girls can earn patches for participating. Funds earned from the cookie sale will carry over into the summer and will provide funds needed for starting a new year.. Text Box: 1. Share responsibility with the girls. The Girl Scout program is about building the skill levels and leadership in the girls. By giving responsibility to the girls, you will help them grow and will reduce the number of tasks that you do. Text Box: 4. Evaluate activities. If you don’t find out what the girls liked and what they would want to change, then you will have trouble planning activities. It is so important for the girls to plan activities with you and learn what works and what doesn’t. There is so much to be learned through all of the years in Girl Scouting. But they will learn the most from staying in Girl Scouts overtime. Failing to evaluate will cause girls to lose interest and eventually stop participating in Girl Scouts. Text Box: 7. Read your Leader Letter. It is a publication designed for you, the leader. This is one way the council communicates with leaders. Articles and announcements will provide information that will help you in your role., and answer some questions that you may have. You will find out about important council events and news, and will be connected with more opportunities. Text Box: 8. Attend Council Programs. Girls will earn recognitions (Try-Its, patches, badges, etc.) and you don’t have to do any of the work involved with supplies. Council programs are inexpensive and girls can come together as a troop, or you can ask the parents to drive their daughters individually. Many troops add council programs to their schedules (especially for those really messy Try-its and badges). Text Box: 9.Increase your knowledge. The council offers different types of training so that leaders can guide girls through new experiences. If you do not wish to take girls camping or on an outdoor adventure, find another adult to participate with the girls and receive training. Don’t let the girls experience be hindered by adult limitations. Text Box: 10. Meet your Membership Director. Each service unit has a staff person assigned to support the service unit and its members. This staff person is called a Membership Director. The Membership Director attends service unit meetings and is available for any questions or concerns you may have. She/he can provide answers and insight whenever you need. Text Box: 5. Visit the Council Website. You can receive daily updates on news, events, and changes whenever you log on. The address is www.girlscoutsjs.org. You will also be able to share your thoughts as online surveys are posted.