Volunteer Essentials

Welcome!

As a volunteer, you’re not just helping—you’re inspiring. You’re a builder of community, a mentor, and a joyful guide who leads with kindness. Thanks to you, Girl Scouts of all ages will dream big, explore boldly, and make a real difference in the world. We’re so glad you’re here!

These pages are designed to support you as a Girl Scout volunteer. From Girl Scout basics to managing your troop, we’ve got you covered! We recommend that you begin by browsing the sections below and return throughout the year to find answers to your questions as they arise.

Download Volunteer Essentials

About Girl Scouts

Everything you need to know about Girl Scouts.

Troop Management

How to get started with your troop.

Troop Finances

Learn money-earning basics.

Troop Engagement

Connect with Girl Scouts and get their families involved with your troop.

Creating a Safe Space

Keep Girl Scouts safe in every activity with these guidelines.

Product Program

Guide Girl Scouts as they learn to think like entrepreneurs and develop business smarts.

Volunteer Appreciation

You make a powerful difference. We wouldn’t exist without volunteers like you.

Resources & Support

Additional tools to help you along the way.

New troop leader?

Are you a new troop leader? We have a resource designed especially for you. Plus, council staff and volunteer coaches are ready to help throughout your first year and beyond!

New Troop Leader Guide

New troop leader? Are you a new troop leader? We have a resource designed especially for you!

DISCOVER

Volunteer Status Policies

These policies span the volunteer lifecycle from assessment to resignation. You will also find the answer to frequently asked questions about our Criminal Background Check process, including volunteer restrictions or disqualification, here.

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The purpose of a performance review is to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of GSEOK volunteers, to provide coaching, evaluate changes that need to be made, help assess whether a position is a good fit, or make any other recommendations to help the volunteer be successful in their role. Generally, performance reviews are conducted at the end of a volunteer's position term, although a performance review and coaching may occur throughout the year. Volunteers will have the opportunity to review their performance and receive feedback from their service unit manager or staff representative.

In the case of unsatisfactory performance, the volunteer will be asked to make changes or to fulfill specified requirements to correct the unfavorable behavior within a specified timeframe. Failure to improve performance will subject a volunteer to redirection or release.

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The council reserves the right to change or rescind appointments at will based on the needs and business of the council or for knowingly violating a council policy or procedure. Appointment/rescission of a volunteer position rests solely with the council. A volunteer may be released at any time for any reason.

A volunteer may be released from a volunteer position or redirected to a new position because of these reasons, among others:

Restructuring of volunteer positions;
Abuse, neglect, mishandling, or mistreatment of Girl Scouts or adults;
Conviction of a felony;
Misappropriation of funds or outstanding debt;
Unauthorized solicitation of funds;
Theft of council property;
Acts of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, color, nation origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, parental status, family structure, pregnancy status, disability, family medical history or genetic information, socioeconomic background, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other category protected by law;
Failure to maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive or privileged information;
Membership in an organization whose goals are not compatible with those of GSUSA or GSEOK (i.e., known hate groups as identified by the U.S. Department of Justice and/or ACLU);
Ineffectiveness or inability to perform the assignment;
Unsatisfactory completion of objectives or failure to take corrective action;
Excessive absence or tardiness from volunteer assignment;
Violation of GSUSA policies or GSEOK policies;
Misalignment with council business processes, procedures, or program;
Actions not consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and/or Girl Scout Law.
Profane/abusive language in the presence of girls.
Taking Girl Scouts on trips outside of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma jurisdiction without adequate planning, preparation, and permission from the council representative and without observing safety guidelines (see Safety Activity Checkpoints).
Clash of personalities that cause continuous problems that cannot be solved in another manner; i.e., separation of personalities, reassignment of position, etc.
Using alcoholic beverages and/or illicit drugs, or misuse of prescription drugs, while participating in troop/group or council activities and/or while in the presence of girls.

Volunteers who are released or redirected from their volunteer position are still considered members of GSUSA and GSEOK unless it is determined that they are not able to meet the membership requirements related to accepting the principles and beliefs of the Girl Scout Movement or by supporting the mission and values of the organization.

Volunteers who are released or redirected from a volunteer position may or may not be restricted from attending and/or participating in Girl Scout activities/events depending on the nature of the situation.

All volunteers who are redirected or released will be notified in writing. GSEOK will maintain confidentiality, however, it may be necessary to notify other members impacted by the change in volunteer status.

A redirected or released volunteer who wishes to dispute GSEOK’s decision must submit the Volunteer Release Appeals Form within 30 days of notification.

If a volunteer applicant previously worked for GSEOK and was terminated, GSEOK reserves the right to restrict that individual's ability to participate as a volunteer at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer or their designee.

Resignation/Temporary Leave of Absence toggle arrow

GSEOK understands that sometimes our volunteers may need to take a step back for medical or personal reasons to support themselves and/or their family members. We support this. Please reach out to GSEOK staff to let us know how we can help manage a smooth transition.

A volunteer may resign or take leave from their position at any time. Here are the steps:

Prior to giving notice, we encourage the volunteer to discuss the reason(s) with their service unit manager. If the volunteer is uncomfortable doing so then we encourage them to discuss with their assigned staff by contacting customercare@gseok.org.
The volunteer should submit written notice outlining the specific position(s) from which they are resigning or taking leave, and the reason(s).
When applicable, we ask that the volunteer assist in identifying a replacement or interim coverage and communicate their decision with members of the service unit team.

The volunteer will be required (if applicable) to balance Girl Scout funds/accounts and return property and records. The volunteer and their service unit manager will be responsible for completing all necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition.

Volunteer Disqualification, Restrictions, Suspensions, & Appeals Process toggle arrow

The safety of our members, both youths and adults, is a crucial consideration in the appointment of a volunteer. To become an approved volunteer (with or without restrictions), you must:

Be a registered member of GSUSA.
Agree to the terms outlined in their volunteer position description.
Complete a required Criminal Background Check (CBC) conducted by GSEOK and its approved vendor before volunteer appointment and at least EVERY YEARS if you:
- Work with, drive, or supervise Girl Scouts
- Work with Girl Scout money or products (e.g., cookie, magazine, nuts and candy programs);
- Work with Girl Scouts or adult members’ personal information; or
- Attend an overnight activity.
Girls Scouts are not to be left in the care of adults who are not registered and approved by GSEOK.
Only registered and approved adult volunteers are authorized to handle Girl Scout funds.

GSEOK reserves the right to disqualify or restrict the duties of any person who has:

been arrested and/or charged with certain crimes as described below;
has pending adjudication against them;
been convicted of certain crimes as described below;
has committed acts that are considered contrary to the community standards of justice, honesty, or good morals;
pled guilty or no contest to certain crimes as described below.

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Individuals with a Federal or State felony conviction within the past seven (7) years are not eligible to volunteer. Certain crimes (e.g. endangering children) lead to automatic disqualification during the person's lifetime. Additionally, if they knowingly provide false information during the CBC screening process, or if they have an outstanding warrant, they are ineligible to volunteer.

Registered sex offenders are not eligible for membership in GSUSA and may not participate in any capacity, including as a volunteer, with Girl Scout programs. Volunteers may not knowingly hold activities where a registered sex offender is present, and registered sex offenders may not knowingly be present where Girl Scout activities are being held. No registered sex offender is permitted to attend Girl Scout meetings, events, or activities whether in-person or in a virtual space. Holding Girl Scout activities at the home/dwelling of a registered sex offender, whether indoors or outdoors, is strictly prohibited. Registered sex offenders are not permitted on Girl Scout properties.

GSEOK volunteers residing with registered sex offenders are eligible to volunteer with the following restriction:

Girl Scout meetings and activities, including product program pick-up, may not be held at their home.

The Primary Troop Volunteers and Service Unit Manager will be notified if GSEOK becomes aware that the parent/caregiver of a Girl Scout belonging to the troop is a registered sex offender. Volunteers should make every effort to ensure the Girl Scout is not treated differently and should not call unnecessary attention to the matter.

For all other conduct and offenses, the council will review the applicant’s situation on a case-by-case basis. The decision whether to allow volunteer participation will be within the discretion of the council.

The factors used to determine disqualification of a person from volunteer participation is as follows: the age of the person at the time of the offense, nature and seriousness of the offense, time elapsed since discharge from imprisonment/probation/parole, whether the person is a repeat offender, and the position for which the person seeks to volunteer.

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Volunteer approval may be restricted to specific roles for any reason including criminal offenses or misconduct.

Volunteer approval may include a funds handling restriction if there are 1-2 finance related misdemeanor offenses (e.g. petty theft) within the past seven (7) years. Volunteers with a funds handling restriction may take on limited roles at the troop level, such as helping with badgwork or activities not related to handling money.

Volunteers with a funds handling restriction are not permitted to hold roles of Troop Treasurer, Troop Cookie Program or FPS Manager, Troop Leader, Troop Support Volunteer, or any Service Unit Team role. They may not serve as GSEOK bank account signers, collect or spend troop funds, or oversee cookie booths and money-earning activities.

Volunteer approval may include a driving restriction if there are two (2) driving related misdemeanor offenses (e.g. reckless operation) or one (1) occurring in the past seven (7) years, or any operating vehicle while impaired (OVI) offenses within the past seven (7) years. Volunteers with a driving restriction are not permitted to hold roles of Field Trip Driver, Troop Leader, Troop Support Volunteer or any Service Unit Team role. They may not drive in an official Girl Scout capacity, including transporting Girl Scout members, Girl Scout gear, cookies, or other products. They may transport members of their own household, personal gear, personal cookies, or products.

Volunteer approval may include an administrative role restriction if there are two (2) misdemeanor offenses within the past seven (7) years or if there is misconduct as a GSEOK volunteer which does not warrant complete dismissal. Volunteers with an administrative role restriction are not permitted to hold Service Unit Team roles, council level volunteer roles including trainers, or Primary Troop Volunteer roles (Troop Leader or Troop Support Volunteer).

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GSEOK reserves the right to re-screen any volunteer on a periodic or episodic basis as needed. If a volunteer is charged with any misconduct or offense, involvement with the council as a volunteer may be suspended during disposition or investigation of the occurrence. If a volunteer is arrested or charged with anything that leads to automatic disqualification, their role will be immediately suspended during the legal investigation. It is the responsibility of all volunteers to report their own policy violations and convictions, and those of fellow volunteers of which they become aware. Additionally, it is the responsibility of all volunteers to report illegal activity which occurs in a Girl Scout setting to both law enforcement and GSEOK by submitting the Council Accident/Incident Report Form (#760F) within 24 hours.

Appeals Process toggle arrow

Any applicant who wishes to dispute the accuracy of the information provided by the reporting agency must file a written notice with the council within 10 days of being notified that their CBC for volunteer participation has been determined ineligible and/or restricted. The volunteer will have an opportunity to review the criminal history report provided by the reporting agency. It is the applicant’s responsibility to appeal against the report received from the reporting agency and to arrange for any corrections to be sent to GSEOK.

An applicant may also submit a written appeal to the council if they feel they should still be considered despite their convictions and wish to further explain the results of their CBC. These appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the council.

If a person becomes ineligible to volunteer or if they are given restrictions, they may be considered for reinstatement or restriction removal by submitting the Volunteer Release Appeals Form within 30 days of notification.

The person making the request may:

Be required to take additional training
Be required to pass another CBC
Be reconsidered after a waiting period determined by GSEOK
Be asked to provide character reference letters
Be denied at council discretion

If an ineligible volunteer does not request reconsideration, suspensions and restrictions are considered indefinite.

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