Volunteer Essentials

Debt Collection The act of paying for products and/or services with a check, credit card or other financial instrument that is not honored by the issuing financial institution is considered unlawful and fraudulent. Because such acts can serve to reduce our resources that provide services to girls, we pursue all such debts vigorously. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri generally engages an outside legal/collection firm in this process. All collection efforts, including timing of all notices and charging of debt collection fees, are administered in accordance with applicable Missouri laws. All fees associated with debt collection are the responsibility of the debtor. In cases where the fees, including interest and attorney fees, have been assessed by a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri outside legal/collection firm, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has no ability to waive the fees. Failure to successfully resolve debts in a timely manner can result in prosecution. Girl Scouts is classified as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. One of the benefits of this classification is that troops may be able to purchase goods and services for the use of the troop without paying Missouri state sales tax. The Missouri Department of Revenue indicates merchants may decide on an individual basis whether to accept a state tax-exemption certificate. Tax-exemption certificates are available from your Neighborhood Manager and the Emerson Resource Center. Typically, the tax-exemption certificate must be given to the merchant at the time of payment. However, it is usually best to check with the customer service department before going to the check-out lane. Using a tax-exemption certificate for purchases for personal use is strictly prohibited. Tax Exemption from Missouri Sales Tax Did you know the Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the country, with sales of more than $700 million per year for girls and their communities nationwide? The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the leading entrepreneurial program for girls: no university has produced as many female business owners as the Girl Scout Cookie Program has. Council-sponsored Product Program participation is really the best way for girls to earn money for their troops to pursue their goals: the products are beloved by the community and come with program, sales and marketing materials, and support that help girls run their own business. By planning and participating in these programs, girls build real-world skills that benefit their troops, councils, communities and themselves. Most of all, girls gain a tremendous amount of confidence. It’s not easy to ask people to buy something— you have to speak up, look them in the eye and believe in what you’re doing—all skills that help a girl succeed now and throughout the rest of her life. The Cookie and Fall Product Programs also help provide operating income for Eastern Missouri, which in turn provides services, programs and activities to benefit local girls and adult volunteers. All girl members, including Daisies, are eligible to participate in Council-sponsored Product Programs, with volunteer supervision. Volunteers and Girl Scout Council staff do not sell cookies and other products; girls sell them. Cookie Program The Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Cookie Program is conducted annually beginning in early January. Cookies are delivered in late February. All troops are required to participate in the Cookie Program. Girl Scout Cookie and Fall Product Programs

Managing Finances 83