Tips for School Organizers

How to Do an Information Night (aka "Round Up")
Step 1:   Determine the Date & Time
- coordinate with school, principal, and district or other venue to reserve the date, time, and location (fill out appropriate forms and be sure one of the Member Support Managers can attend)
- set the meeting prior to October 15th

Step 2:    Publicize the Event
- distribute the event fliers at your school following your district's requirements; a stock event flier can be found at right - just enter the date, time and location of your event.
- optional...additional signage, banners, posters highlighting the date (be sure to check with your school for permission first)

Step 3:    Attend Event
- arrive early to help arrange tables and chairs, help the MSM set up the laptop and projector
- greet people as they arrive and assist the MSM with the program
- when possible wear your GS name tag or any name tag
- optional additions to make the event more interesting and fun:
        - create a display with Choices, Camp Rocks, and/or Girl's Guide books; lay out vests and
           sashes; lay out scrapbooks or other projects your girls have done
        - provide a snack (there is a limited CRSU budget for these meetings)
        - provide a craft or other activity for girls to do (click here or here for downloadable coloring books)

Step 4:    Follow Up After the Event
- if someone is not sure they are "leader material", please talk with them about what it takes.  This might
  help you.
- if someone steps up to be a leader, contact the MSM for next steps; you can also refer them to the GS
  NorCal "starting a troop" link found at right.
- schedule a "welcome meeting" with the new troop leader to get the leader volunteer contract signed and
   answer any questions (if you have not comfortable doing this by yourself, contact a MSM).
- maintain a "waiting list" for all girls not placed in a troop; periodically forward this list to MSM
 
Other Responsibilities:
- please introduce yourself to the school office staff and let them know you are the "go to person" for Girl
  Scouts at your school.
- maintain the supply of GS brochures in your school office (get more from your MSM)
- attend as many SUT and Leader Meetings as possible; especially the Leader Meetings where we will be breaking out by school.

Good To Know:
- troops may start with only 3 girls but must have a minimum of 5 girls by the end of the year to continue.
- troops must have 3 signers (unrelated and not room mates) that have completed volunteer screening to open a bank account.
- fingerprinting is always offered at the GSNorCal Alameda Office, free whenever the store is open.

Ideas for School-Specific Events:
Dances ("Me and My Guy", "She and Me", or a Family Dance)
Juliette Low or Girl Scout Birthday Party
Cookie Roundup
Family Game or Bingo Night
If you need help figuring out how to do one of these, contact us!

Links & Forms that Might Be Helpful:

CRSU Recruitment Meeting Slideshow

How to Start a Troop (GSNorCal website)

Certificate of Insurance Request Form - All schools need to have this on file each year so that troop meetings can be covered by Girl Scout insurance.  Insurance forms use the calendar year (not the school year) and thus expire at the end of December.  Please remember to request a new form each January to be sure files are current.