Volunteer Essentials

Exceptions to the monetary and volunteer hour match policies Girl Scout Robotics Troops can receive monetary donations to fund their participation on a FIRST Robotics team at the FRC or FTC level if the following guidelines are followed: • The team is compliant with all applicable Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and FIRST standards • The Community Troop Coordinator for Robotics signs off on the Robotics Troop donation record • All donations must be submitted to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri for proper recording and gift acknowledgement. If donations exceed annual participation costs, these funds will be directed to the Council general fund to support program delivery for all Girl Scouts Earning Money for Other Organizations Girl Scouts are not allowed to solicit money on behalf of another organization when identifying themselves as Girl Scouts by wearing a uniform, sash or vest, official pins, etc. This includes participating in a walk-a-thon or telethon while in uniform. • Adult Girl Scouts may participate in fundraising for organizations which designate the Council as a beneficiary, such as the Christmas Carol Association • Girls in uniform are not allowed to make a direct solicitation for cash • Participation of Girl Scouts in fundraising events for appropriate 501(c)(3) charitable welfare organizations should be limited to Take Action projects or service projects • Girls as individuals can participate in whatever events they choose, as long as they are not wearing anything that officially identifies them as Girl Scouts Collaborating with Sponsors and Other Organizations Sponsors help Girl Scout councils ensure that all girls in the community have an opportunity to participate in Girl Scouting. Community organizations, businesses, religious organizations and individuals may be sponsors and may provide troop meeting places, volunteer their time, offer in-kind donations, provide activity materials or loan equipment. The troop can recognize the sponsor’s contribution by girls sending thank you cards, inviting the sponsor to a meeting or ceremony, or working together on a Take Action project. Eastern Missouri staff can give you information on working with a sponsor, including guidance on the availability of sponsors, recruiting responsibility and any Council policies or practices that must be followed. Eastern Missouri may already have relationships with certain organizations, or may know of reasons not to collaborate with certain organizations. When collaborating with any other organization, keep these guidelines in mind: • Girls who are in any way identifying themselves as Girl Scouts or who are working in an official Girl Scout capacity may not participate, either directly or indirectly, in any political campaign or work on behalf or in opposition to a candidate for public office. They may not conduct letter-writing campaigns, participate in political rallies, circulate petitions, carry political banners or participate in a flag ceremony • Be respectful when collaborating with religious organizations. Girl Scout troops must respect the opinions and practices of religious partners, but no girl should be required to take part in any religious observance or practice of the sponsoring group

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