Adult Recognition Descriptions

Community Service
Certificate of Appreciation
Nomination Form
Local recognition groups include thanking outstanding community sponsors and supporters of Girl Scouting. An official certificate signed by the Council President is available for local presentation. Council Award.

Criteria for Selection: Individual or organization has demonstrated long-term support of Girl Scouting in the local community.

Procedure and Processing Steps: The individual or group familiar with the candidate's support completes the nomination form. The form is then forwarded to the Membership Specialist for that county for endorsement and processing. The nomination form should be processed at least six weeks prior to planned presentation.

Newcomer Award
Nomination Form & Two Support Letters
This award is Board Approved.

Criteria for Selection: The Newcomer Award is a Girl Scouts of Northeast Georgia award given to one volunteer in each Service Unit who is new to Girl Scouting (6-24 months) and who has demonstrated outstanding initiative and commitment to his/her volunteer role. Council Award.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) The individual/group familiar with the candidate's performance completes nomination form.
2.) Attach two letters of endorsement to the application, from individuals other than the person submitting the application. Consider carefully the persons chosen to write the letters in support of the nominee. They should be able to convey information and their feelings clearly and concisely through the written word. Persons writing recommendations should be willing to complete and return them to the nominating individual or group according to a specified timeline.
3.) The endorsement of the Service Unit Director and Membership Specialist is obtained and the application and letters of endorsement are forwarded to the Council Recognitions Task Group according to the specified timeline.
4.) The Newcomer Award is presented at the Council Annual Meeting in the spring.

Green Angel Award
Nomination Form & Two Support Letters
This award is Board Approved.

Criteria for Selection: The Green Angel Award is a special Girl Scouts of Northeast Georgia award given to adult volunteers for direct service to girls in at least two service units or geographic areas for a period of at least two years. Examples of Recipients include Council Resident Camp workers, Council-wide Event Directors and Instructors of programs/trainings that girls attend (i.e. first aid, LIT, canoeing). Council Award.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) The nominating individual or group completes the nomination application.
2.) Attach two letters of endorsement to the application, from individuals other than the person submitting the application. Consider carefully the persons chosen to write the letters in support of the nominee. They should be able to convey information and their feelings clearly and concisely through the written word. Persons writing recommendations should be willing to complete and return them to the nominating individual or group according to a specified timeline.
3.) The application and letters of endorsement are submitted first to the Service Unit Director and Membership Specialist and then to the council's Adult Recognitions Task Group according to the specified timeline.
4.) The Green Angel Award is presented at the Annual Meeting.

Council Service Award
Nomination Form & Two Support Letters
This award is presented for recognition of outstanding service by adult members to the council. It is Board Approved, Council Award.

Criteria for Selection: Recipients should be currently registered adult members with a minimum of two years of service that has impacted the entire council. Examples of possible candidates include: Board Members, Council-wide Committee Chairs, Public Relations Representatives, Council Policy Making and Management Team Members, Fund Raising Chairs, etc.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) The nominating individual or group completes the nomination application.
2.) Attach two letters of endorsement to the application, from individuals other than the person submitting the application. Consider carefully the persons chosen to write the letters in support of the nominee. They should be able to convey information and their feelings clearly and concisely through the written word. Persons writing recommendations should be willing to complete and return them to the nominating individual or group in a timely manner.
3.) The application and reference letters are submitted first to the Service Unit Director and the Membership Specialist and then to the council's Adult Recognitions Task Group according to the specified timeline.
4.) The Council Service Award is presented at the Annual Meeting.

Community Service Award
Nomination Form
This award is presented to nonmember individuals or organizations for outstanding service to the Girl Scouts of Northeast Georgia which significantly impacts the entire council and moves the council towards meeting its goals and objectives. This is Board Approved. Council Award.

Examples of possible candidates include: Friends video creator, UGA Area Community Development for conducting six month assessment to establish criteria for a Council Service Center, Grant Funding for Council Outreach, etc.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) The nominating individual or group completes the nomination application. (Applications should be completed by the individual most familiar with the contribution.)
2.) The application is submitted first to the Service Unit Director and Membership Specialist and then to the council's Adult Recognitions Task Group according to the specified timeline.
3.) The Community Service Award is presented at the Annual Meeting.

Outstanding Volunteer Award
Nomination Form
The Outstanding volunteer award recognizes an adult in a position other than leader or in addition to leader whose service benefits a geographic or program delivery unit in a way that is beyond the expectations for the position. Girl Scouts of the USA Award.

Criteria for Selection:
1.) The candidate is a registered Girl Scout adult.
2.) The candidate has completed appropriate training, or demonstrated competence for the job, or both.
3.) The candidate has performed at a level that exceeds the expectations of the position as outlined in the job description agreement.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) An individual or group familiar with the candidate's performance submits an application or narrative account of the candidate's accomplishments to the geographic or program delivery team or to the council recognitions task group.
2.) The geographic or program delivery team or recognitions task group reviews the information, approves or denies the nomination and notifies the nominating individual or group.
3.) The Outstanding Volunteer Award is presented at the Annual Meeting.

Outstanding Leader Award
Nomination Form & Two Support Letters
This award recognizes troop/group leaders, assistant troop/group leaders, or group coordinators whose performance in working with girls is so outstanding that it merits recognition by the geographic or program delivery unit. Girl Scouts of the USA Award.

Criteria for Selection: The candidate must be a registered Girl Scout adult and have completed the appropriate training or demonstrated competence in girl-adult partnerships, communication, membership development, pluralism and program delivery. The candidate's work with girls should exceed expectations for the position as outlined in the job description or agreement.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) An individual or group familiar with the candidate's performance submits an application or narrative account of the candidate's accomplishments to the geographic or program delivery team or to the council recognitions task group. The application outlines how the service performed has benefited girls.
2.) Troop/group members or their families or both, submit two letters of endorsement (written or taped) describing the outstanding leadership qualities of the candidates and how the girls have benefited.
3.) The geographic or program delivery team or the recognitions task group reviews the information, approves or denies the nomination, and notifies the nominating individual or group.
4.) The Outstanding Leader Award is presented at the Annual Meeting.

President's Award
Nomination Form
This award recognizes the efforts of a geographic area team or program delivery team in moving its assigned area or audience toward achievement of the council's goals during a fiscal or membership year. Girl Scouts of the USA Award.

Criteria for Selection:
1.) Team members are registered adult Girl Scouts.
2.) All team members have completed appropriate training, or demonstrated competence, or both, for the positions they hold.
3.) Delivery of Girl Scout program to the area or audience is effective, resulting in the continuity of 75 percent of troops/groups or retention of troop/group leadership.
4.) Overall girl membership for the area or audience has reached or surpassed the membership goal agreed upon by the team and the council.
5.) The composition of the team reflects the diversity of the area or audience.
6.) Team members cultivate contacts in the community, such as through scheduled talks to civic groups, sponsorship agreements, or community profile updates.
7.) Council-required reports are submitted on time.
8.) The team maintains ongoing communications with each troop/group and with leaders utilizing a variety of methods (meetings, mall, telephone) that serve the needs of area adults.
9.) The team maintains ongoing communication with girls registered individually in the area.
10.) The team encourages adult participation in fund development and has increased annual giving support to the council.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) Members of the geographic area team or program delivery team submit an application for the award to the council's recognitions task group documenting completion of the criteria and their results.
2.) The council's recognitions task group reviews the application and recommends approval or denial to the council board of directors. The council board of directors approves or denies the award and notifies the recognitions task group and geographic area team or program delivery team.
3.) The President's Award is a plaque with the eagle logo on it and a space for the geographic area or program delivery unit name to appear. The President's Award is presented at the Annual Meeting.

Appreciation Pin
Nomination Form & Two Support Letters
This award recognizes an adult who has delivered outstanding service to at least one geographic area, service unit, or program delivery audience. Girl Scouts of the USA Award.

Criteria for Selection:
1.) The candidate is a registered Girl Scout adult volunteer or staff member.
2.) The candidate has provided outstanding service to a geographic area or program delivery audience in a way that furthers the council's goals.
3.) The service goes beyond the expectations for the position.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) An individual or group familiar with the service performed submits an application or narrative that documents the service and its scope and impact to the council's recognitions task group.
2.) Two individuals or groups familiar with the service performed submit letters of endorsement to the council's recognitions task group.
3.) The recognitions task group reviews the application or narrative account and the letters of endorsement and recommends approval or denial to the council board of directors. The council board of directors approves or denies the award and notifies the recognitions task group and nominating group or individual.
4.) The Appreciation pin is presented at the Annual Meeting.

Honor Pin
Nomination Form & Three Support Letters
This award recognizes an adult member who has delivered outstanding service to two or more geographic areas or program delivery audiences. Girl Scouts of the USA Award.

Criteria for Selection:
1.) The candidate is a registered Girl Scout adult volunteer or staff member.
2.) The candidate has provided outstanding service to two or more geographic areas or program delivery audiences in a way that furthers the council's goals.
3.) The service goes beyond the expectations of the position.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) An individual or group familiar with the service performed submits an application or narrative account that documents the service and its scope and impact to the council's recognitions task group.
2.) Three individuals or groups familiar with the service performed submit letters of endorsement to the council's recognitions task group.
3.) The recognitions task group reviews the application or narrative account and letters of endorsement and recommends approval or denial to the council board of directors. The council board of directors approves or denies the award and notifies the recognitions task group and nominating group or individuals.
4.) The Honor Pin is presented at the Annual Meeting.

Thanks Badge
Nomination Form & Four Support Letters
This award recognizes an adult member whose performance is truly outstanding and benefits the total council or the entire Girl Scout movement. Girl Scouts of the USA Award.

Criteria for Selection:
1.) The candidate is a registered Girl Scout adult volunteer or staff member.
2.) The candidate has provided outstanding service that benefits the total council or entire Girl Scout movement.
3.) The service is so significantly beyond expectations that no other award is appropriate.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) An individual or group familiar with the service performed submits an application or narrative account that documents the service and its results to the council's adult recognitions task group.
2.) Four individuals or groups familiar with the service performed submit letters of endorsement to the council's recognitions task group.
3.) The recognitions task group reviews the application or narrative account and letters of endorsement and recommends approval or denial to the council board of directors. The council board of directors approves or denies the award and notifies the adult recognitions task group and nominating group or individual.
4.) The Thanks Badge is presented at the Annual Meeting.

Thanks Badge II
Nomination Form & Four Support Letters
This award is for continuing service and recognizes an adult member who has already received the Thanks Badge and who has continued to contribute in extraordinary ways that benefit the total council or the entire Girl Scout movement. Girl Scouts of the USA Award.

Criteria for Selection:
1.) The candidate is a registered Girl Scout adult volunteer or staff member.
2.) The candidate has received the Thanks Badge.
3.) Since the receipt of the Thanks Badge the candidate has provided distinguished service by continuing to perform at the same high level for an extended period of time, or increasing her/his sphere of influence, or increasing her/his skills and talents to move into another field of endeavor.
4.) The service benefits the total council or entire Girl Scout movement.
5.) The service is so outstanding and is so significantly beyond expectations that no other award is appropriate.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) An individual or group familiar with the service performed submits an application or narrative account that documents the service and its scope and impact to the council's adult recognitions task group.
2.) Four individuals or groups familiar with the service performed submit letters of endorsement to the council's recognitions task group.
3.) The recognitions task group reviews the application or narrative account and letters of endorsement and recommends approval or denial to the council board of directors. The council board of directors approves or denies the award and notifies the adult recognitions task group and the nominating group or individual.
4.) The Thanks Badge II is presented at the Annual Meeting.

Leadership Development Pin and Leaves
Nomination Form & Support Letter
This pin recognizes adult troop/group leaders, assistant troop/group leaders, or group coordinators who demonstrate competence, continuous improvement, and participate in training in subject areas that will increase their skills in working with girls. Earned Recognition.

Basic Criteria:
1.) The candidate is a registered Girl Scout adult.
2.) The candidate has completed one successful year in the position of troop/group leader, assistant leader, or group coordinator.
3.) The candidate has completed the appropriate basic job training, or has demonstrated job competence, or both.
4.) The candidate has participated in at least two meetings or events beyond the troop or group (geographic area, community, council).
5.) The candidate has completed training in first aid and camping or has secured an adult resource person who has successfully completed such training or its equivalent. (This requirement may be eliminated if the troop/group is not involved in outdoor activities.)

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) The candidate submits an application and training record (if applicable) which is reviewed by a designated volunteer or employed staff member. If all requirements have been met, the recognition is authorized.
2.) The Leadership Development Pin is presented at the Annual Meeting

Additional Recognition: Candidates applying for leaves need to document their hours with a training record and describe how the workshop/course has improved their work with girls.
1.) Green Leaf - Represents 10 contact hours or one CEU of training. One CEU is equal to ten contact hours. The contact hours may be completed at one workshop, course, or training event or represent hours of training accumulated at several events over a period of time. Five green leaves are replaced by one silver leaf.
2.) Silver Leaf - Represents 50 contact hours or five CEUs of training. The contact hours may be one workshop, course, or training event or cumulative hours of training. Five silver leaves are replaced by one gold leaf.
3.) Gold Leaf - Represents 250 contact hours or 25 CEUs of training.

Trainer's Pin
Nomination Form & Support Letter
This pin recognizes adults who are currently appointed trainers who actively participate in the delivery of council training programs. It has three levels: apprentice, experienced and master trainer. Senior Girl Scouts may be candidates for the apprentice level. Earned Recognition.

Basic Criteria:
1.) The candidate is an active, registered member of Girl Scouts of the USA.
2.) The individual completes a basic leadership course or its equivalent, or a LIT course if a Senior Girl Scouts.
3.) The candidate completes the council's basic train-the-trainer course or demonstrates competence in planning, designing, delivering and evaluating training.
4.) The candidate submits an application for a volunteer trainer position at any level.
5.) She or he meets criteria for apprentice, experienced or master trainer.

Criteria for Apprentice Trainer:
1.) The candidate meets all the basic criteria to be appointed as an apprentice trainer.
2.) After appointment, the individual conducts a number of courses specified by the council; at least half of which are conducted in partnership with an experienced or master trainer.

Criteria for Experienced Trainer:
1.) The candidate meets all the basic requirements.
2.) The person has successfully completed a term of appointment as an apprentice trainer.
3.) She/he has taken at least one additional training course in a specialized skill area or trainer competency area.
4.) After appointment as an experienced trainer, the individual conducts an agreed-upon number of courses alone or as part of a team. Or, the individual may serve on a training committee, task group, or training operational unit.

Criteria for Master Trainer:
1.) The candidate meets all the basic criteria.
2.) The candidate has successfully completed a term of appointment as an experienced trainer.
3.) The person has taken additional training in a specialized skill area or trainer competency area.
4.) She or he has served on a training committee or a task group designing training curricula.
5.) After appointment as a master trainer, the individual conducts an agreed-upon number of courses.
6.) The candidate takes a leadership role in the council training functions. Such roles could include, but are not limited to, assisting in train-the-trainer courses under the direction of a GSUSA certified instructor-or-trainers; coordinating training events with the training director or manager of the training function; or acting as a mentor to apprentice trainers.

Procedures and Processing Steps:
1.) The training director or appropriate designee oversees implementation of the program for earning the Trainer's pin.
2.) The Trainer's Pin pin is presented at the Annual Meeting.