Volunteer Essentials

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Electronic Communications Guidelines are as follows: • Be respectful in all communications related to or referencing the organization, its members and/or other staff and volunteers • Always be fair and courteous when speaking about Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, its employees, volunteers and members, whether by name or implication. Avoid posting statements, photographs, videos or audio that reasonably could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating; that disparages parents, members, volunteers or employees; or might constitute harassment or bullying. Examples of inappropriate postings include, but are not limited to: offensive posts meant to intentionally harm someone’s reputation; posts that could contribute to a hostile environment on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion or any other characteristic protected by law or Council policy; and threats of violence or similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct • Do not post pictures or names of any Girl Scout girls, volunteers or parents, as well as any comments or descriptions about any specific Girl Scouts without consent • Making representations on behalf of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri without prior permission is prohibited. If volunteers identify themselves as a volunteer of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, they should make clear that the views are their own and do not reflect Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s views • Do not link to any site or blog that does not meet these requirements • Misappropriating the Girl Scout trademark and committing any other acts in violation of any local, state or federal law is prohibited Although volunteers develop trusting relationships with Girl Scouts and adults as part of their volunteer role, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri does not allow the exchange of electronic communication between volunteers and girls, except related to official Girl Scout activities or business. Setting Up a Troop/Group Website Troops whose girls meet age criteria (13 years or older), have parental permission and sign the Internet Safety Pledge may set up a group Facebook page or website. This site must be approved by the Council, and is a fantastic way for girls to share information, market Girl Scout products and talk about their Take Action projects. Don’t violate copyright law by using designs, text from magazines or books, poetry, music, lyrics, videos, graphics or trademarked symbols without specific permission from the copyright or trademark holder. Girl Scout trademarks (such as the trefoil shape, Girl Scout pins, badges and patches) can be used only in accordance with guidelines for their use. (The Girl Scout trefoil, for example, may not be animated or used as wallpaper for a website.) Check with Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Marketing and Communications Department for complete graphics guidelines and approvals.

Volunteer Essentials 30