Realignment News

Realignment is a nationwide initiative being lead by Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) to deliver more programs and services to a wider range of girls and volunteers in a way that will be relevant to the demands of the 21st century. High-capacity councils are being formed to help reposition the Girl Scout Movement for today’s girls. The Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ, Inc. (GSCSNJ) is one of the 109 High-capacity councils being formed throughout the country.

Realignment will provide wonderful opportunities for all girls to meet other girls from all backgrounds and cultures, and to have access to a far wider variety of outdoor, cultural and program activity experiences extending from the beaches of Cape May to the Statehouse to theaters in New Brunswick.

What is a High-capacity council?

A council which has efficient and effective organization that has resources to better serve local communities across the nation and deliver a superior Girl Scout Leadership Development Program to even more girls.

What councils merged to become GSCSNJ?

Girl Scouts of Camden County, covering Camden County; Girl Scouts of Delaware/Raritan, covering Middlesex and Mercer counties and part of
Monmouth county; Girl Scouts of South Jersey Pines, covering Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.

Once the merger takes place, where will the new council’s headquarters be located?

The corporate headquarters of GSCSNJ will be at 40 Brace Road, Cherry Hill.

What about our Service Centers, camps and other properties?

The Newfield and East Brunswick Service Centers and all camps and other properties will remain open for a transitional period of at least one year. The new CEO and Board of Directors will make determinations for future property use.

How will the new Board of Directors be selected?

A Board Development Committee made of the nominating committees of the three existing councils selected a slate of 25 prospective Board Members who will be elected as part of the merger vote.

I hear the new council will not be using delegates? What will be in its place?

The Bylaws propose a “One Member, One Vote” model of governance as suggested by GSUSA. Rather than relying on a delegate to attend council business sessions and bring the information back to his/her constituents, this system will allow any registered Girl Scout, age 14 and up, to attend the meetings, hear the information and give their input. This system will allow for more transparency with our members and will embrace improved communication strategies.

How will I get service?

The Membership Department will continue to serve members in their local areas. Membership Specialists will be available to provide service to you. More details will be determined as the Council moves forward.

Will my Service Unit/Community change?

GSCSNJ is looking to streamline operations and use our resources wisely, therefore your group may be joining together with another Service Unit so they can capitalize on each other’s strengths. This is already taking place in a number of locations with great success. All geographical determinations will now be called Service Units. The Community Coordinator/Service Unit Director positions will be called Service Unit Managers.

Will my troop’s number change?

All troop numbers will now be five-digits. However, we have developed a system that will retain the original number of every troop. Each troop will get a lead number to identify its county of origin (1 for Atlantic, 2 for Burlington, 3 for Camden, 4 for Cape May, 5 for Cumberland, 6 for Gloucester, 7 for Mercer, 8 for Middlesex, 9 for Salem). Zeroes will be placed in between that number and the troop number to bring it to five digits. For example, Troop 23 in Camden will become 30023.

Will I have to buy all these new troop numbers?

All Girl Scouts registered last year will receive fill numbers and council ID strips (bottom only) until January 30, 2008. All new girls registering to an existing troop will only receive fill number until January 30, 2008. No additional numbers or council ID strips will be given out after the January 30, 2008 deadline.

I have to plan a trip and they want the council’s Tax ID number. What should I use?

Please contact your Membership Specialist for our Tax ID number.

Will there be changes in the Cookie Sale and QSP?

Yes. Based on recommendations from a team of volunteers and staff representing the three current councils, best practices have been selected for the Cookie and QSP programs. ABC Bakers has been selected as the cookie vendor. We will conduct a direct cookie sale in the winter (January 2008). There may be some changes in the incentive program. QSP will also remain the same as it has been handled in the past. Trainings will be scheduled to review all information pertaining to both sale programs.

How will I be able to request Financial Assistance?

Financial Assistance will still be available. Existing forms can be used until a new form is issued.

What about my bank account?

The name of the corporation will have to be changed on your checking account. Further information will be sent out as it develops.

With the new council, will I have a larger selection of programs in my area?

The program departments of each council are working together to plan large-scale activities for the coming year. Plans are also underway to replicate successful programs in local areas. More details will unfold as the new Program Staff come on board.

When will trainings for the new Girl Scout year begin?

Each council will continue to train new volunteers until September 30. However, moving forward you should check online at www.gscsnj.org to find out when and where GSCSNJ’s training will take place.

Will I get a calendar?

No. GSCSNJ’s program and training information will be available online at www.gscsnj.org. starting this Fall. A six-month “Program Teaser” will be distributed to all families in the summer. This publication will be a “Coming Attraction” of many of the activities planned for the upcoming year. Remember to check the website calendar regularly for program updates.

Where will I purchase my supplies?

Each council office will have a full-service shop and the Mobile Resource Centers (MRC’s) will continue to operate. Phone-in and online purchasing will also continue.

It sounds like there will be a lot going on in this new council. How can I find out the latest information?

The Communications team has planned a full complement of publications to keep our members informed. These will be both in print and online. The New HERizons newsletter will be printed and mailed to all members. Connect and Take Action will be monthly e-newsletters targeted to parents and older girls, respectively. Discover will be targeted to volunteers and will be printed monthly & will also be available online.