BREAKING NEWS
The California Wildfires – News from Girl Scouts of San Diego-Imperial Council:
The nearly 40,000 girl and adult members of Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council appreciate the offers of assistance from our sister Girl Scouts around the country. Thank you for your concern. As far as we know, all our members are safe. We are currently determining how many members have lost homes or experienced property damage. Our mountain camps have been threatened by fires, but as of now, all three are safe.
Several councils have asked how they can help. The best thing you can do is to send good wishes and prayers our way. If you wish to send a note of encouragement to Girl Scouts and other San Diegans affected by the fires, or to the firefighters and other public safety agencies who kept us safe, please address them to:
Wildfire Relief
Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council
1231 Upas St.
San Diego, CA 92103
While we will be happy to distribute the notes, please do not send stuffed animals, gifts or perishables. Thank you again for your support! San Diego-Imperial Council, Inc. www.girlscoutssdi.org
Redner’s and Acme Save-A-Tape Program
Redner's has set out to help non-profit organizations in the community. In this interest, Redner's has developed the 1% Save-A-Tape program. By saving your receipts and submitting them to Council, you will receive back 1% of your purchase expenditures. This income is designed to provide extra funds for girl programs.
Here's how it works:
- o Each troop leader must stop at the store office or Customer Service area to get a Save-A-Tape card. You must use this card every time you shop at Redner's Warehouse Markets and save the receipts.
- o Total your qualifying expenditures on each receipt. Non-qualifying expenditures include milk, tobacco products, all tax, postage, stamps and money orders, as discounting on these items is prohibited by law.
- o When you have accumulated a rebate of $50 or more (1% of your qualifying purchases), organize the receipts for your Membership Manager. Be sure to include your receipts, and a written or typed summary of your expenditures and expected returns.
- o The Membership Manager will forward your items to the Development Department. Verification takes eight to ten weeks, after which the Council will issue a check to the Troop Leader in the full amount received from Redner’s.
Increase your returns:
- o Recruit your troop’s parents and family members! Here is a simple scenario: If fifty families spend $75.99 per week at Redner’s and save the receipts, it will yield a check for $1,950 in a year’s time. There is no time limit and no dollar limit.
Acme’s Earn 1% Back Program:
- Only troops that have participated in Acme’s program previously will be able to participate in the Acme program until further notice.
- The Acme program works exactly like the Redner’s program. All receipts must be saved, totaled for qualifying expenditures, and delivered to your Membership Manager once a $50 return is reached. All checks from the stores will be mailed to each Service Unit Manager, who will in turn disperse correct check amounts to the troops who participated.
- Please do not send redemption forms to Acme without going through the service unit. The store will not acknowledge the redemption form and the troop might not receive the funds.
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SPOTLIGHT!
The gloomy faces of children in war-torn, Middle Eastern countries glow on many television screens across America. While for many these faces represent a number of different issues; to a local Girl Scout Unit, they represent a cause worth adopting.
For months, the Tookany Service Unit has been collecting school supplies for shipment to Afghanistan through a project called “Americans for Afghanistan (A4A).” The project was created by Commander Frank Gutierrez, a native of Bethlehem and member of the United States Navy. After playing a part in the reconstruction efforts in Laghman and Southern Nuristan, the Commander realized that without the simple staples necessary for education, change in Afghanistan would be slow.
Half a world away, two Girl Scouts working towards their Bronze Awards heard about the mission. They took the A4A mission under their wings, and as it grew it became an entire service unit project.
Last Sunday, the Tookany Service Unit gathered at Rowland Community Center in Cheltenham to pack over $800 in school and hygiene supplies. A brief lesson in geography proved the boxes will make well over five stops before they reach their destination.
“In Afghanistan, many rebels are against girls going to school,” Mrs. Cummings, a representative from A4A, told the girls. “So the girls who want to learn must meet in tents at a different location every day. Can you imagine having to go to school in a tent?” she asked. There was no immediate answer from the girls, but among rows and rows of notebooks, pens, rulers, and travel sized toothpastes, the girls drew pictures with inspirational messages. “You are the world,” and “Don’t give up your dreams!” were neatly printed on each drawing and packaged up, along with the supplies, for mailing. It was a small piece of encouragement for the students in tents on the other side of the globe.
If you would like to donate to Americans for Afghanistan (A4A) visit www.a4aonline.com
Every month ENews will feature a different SPOTLIGHT! article. If you know of a great volunteer or motivating project that is taking place, please contact Tonya Towles at ttowles@gsep.org or 215-564-2030 ext. 1043.
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THE PROGRAM CORNER
Each month the Program Department will feature new and exciting ideas for leaders to explore with girls. If you have any ideas to share, please send them to Sharon Pirelli at spirelli@gsep.org
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St., at Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA
Hours at the Center are 9:30-5:00 pm Monday through Friday, 9:30-6:00 Saturday, and 12:00-5:00 Sunday.
November is Election Month, and what better way to introduce the role of women in politics than the FIRST LADIES: POLITICAL ROLE AND PUBLIC IMAGE exhibit at the National Constitution Center. This traveling exhibit, from the Smithsonian Institute, runs through December 31, 2007. Check out the website at www.constitiutioncenter.org
On the weekends you can meet Gloria, a White House maid, who appears with the tour (played by a local actress). The exhibit is arranged in four sections – campaign efforts, social programs, political power, and public image. Items include Nancy Reagan's “Just Say No” board game, Eleanor Roosevelt's 1962 Peace Award, the beaded crown given to Rosalynn Carter by the Amorie Village in Nigeria, beautiful gowns, and much more.
10th Annual Young Women's Conference
Date: January 12, 2008
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ages: Girls age 13 – 18
Location: Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, Whitemarsh, PA
Cost: $15.00 per girl
Experience the power and fun of being with hundreds of Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts from across Eastern Pennsylvania. Meet new friends and explore a variety of topics including: self-defense, yoga, college, dance, writing, acting, singing, culinary arts, business, fashion and beauty, sports, careers, home decoration and more.
Gold Award review will be available to those who send in their proposals by December 20.
Fee includes lunch, patch, door prizes, gift bags, and workshops.
Individual young women, as well as troops, are encouraged to attend. An adult workshop track is planned for Girl Scout Leaders who attend, including Cadette and Senior Leader Training.
Register online at www.gsep.org under the Program section.
Adult workshop facilitators needed and welcome. Contact jsaul@gsep.org to obtain more information.
First Person Arts Festival
Date: November 10
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Location: 2111 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
Age level: All ages
Editor Amy Goldwasser believes that teenage girls have plenty to say, if only someone would listen. Her forthcoming book, Red, a collection of essays by teenage girls, proves she was right. Goldwasser and several young authors featured in the book will join with local teen writers to read and discuss what's on the minds of young women today.
Two Girl Scouts have been selected to read their essays aloud at the First Person Arts Festival, and have their entries published in a special “Chapbook.” Please support Deepa Lakshmin, with troop 1718 and Madiha Irfan, with Troop 1069.
Troops of 10 or more will receive a 10% discount on tickets. Please enter “GirlScoutGroup” at checkout, and the ticket prices will be adjusted. Please go to www.firstpersonarts.org for registration and for more information about this event.
Amy Goldwasser is a writer, editor, and teacher at Columbia University, NYU, and the Lower East Side Girls Club.
Program Guide
Listed below are upcoming programs listed in the Program Guide that still have space available. Please see the Program Guide for more complete information, including costs and an expanded description. You can register either online at www.gsep.org or by mail using the Registration Form found in your Program Guide.
Space Is The Place
Date: Saturday, December 1, 2007
Place: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia
Time: from 11:00 am – 4:30 pm|
Age Level: Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors
Explore space art through workshops, demonstrations, and interactive gallery tours.
Conflict Resolution
Date: December 9, 2007
Place: National Liberty Museum, Philadelphia
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Age Level: Cadette, Senior
Do you want to learn good techniques to solve problems so you can always feel safe and strong while improving your communication skills? Then practice 10 easy to resolve conflicts and prevent bullying that work toward the Conflict Resolution IP.
Making Hobbies
Date: December 15, 2007
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Place: Shelly Ridge
Cost: $10 per girl
Age Level: Junior
Create pins and bracelets, then decoupage a gift box, and make your own wrapping paper from printed leaves.
Radio City Music Hall
Limited space is available
Date: Sunday, November 11, 2007
Time: 10 am – 9:30 pm
Place: Bus leaves and returns to Lehigh Valley Service Center
Age level: All ages
Spend the afternoon in New York City, then enjoy Radio City Music Hall show and behind the scenes tour.
Date and Bus Pickup Choices:
Valley Forge Service Center – Sunday, Nov. 11
Lehigh Valley Service Center – Sunday, Nov. 11
Shelly Ridge Service Center – Sunday, Nov. 18
Berks County Service Center – Sunday, Nov. 18
Interested? Contact Kimberly Woroniak 610-791-2411 ext. 1508 or kworoniak@gsep.org
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Volunteer Committees
New volunteer committees will soon be formed for:
- Membership Operations, including membership forms and processes
- Financial Assistance Forms and Process
- Fall Kick-Off
If you are interested in serving on one of these committees please send a message expressing your interest to Bonnie Peters, Director of Membership Services at bpeters@gsep.org. Committee members will be selected based on representation of all GSEP geographic areas.
Service Project Ideas
Holiday Hope Chest Project
Holiday Hope Chest is a national project adopted by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley and Moravian College, Northampton Community College, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car to help less fortunate children in the Lehigh Valley. Collected Chests will be distributed by agencies serving children this holiday season.
To participate or find out more information on the Holiday Hope Chest program, please register online at: http://volunteerlv.org/Youth/holidayhopechests.html. Please register early!
Chests will be collected at Northampton Community College at designated times on weekdays between November 26 and December 5. Please contact Christiane Conn at 610-807-0336 if you have any questions or need more information.
Bear Fair Service Project
Your girls will enjoy working on the Bear Fair in collaboration with students at West Chester University. The project involves collecting stuffed teddy bears which are then donated to various agencies. The Bear Fair runs through the month of November. Details are located at http://iws.wcupa.edu/bearfair/.
Registration Work Day
Are you looking for a way to help the Council? Want to spend an enjoyable Saturday or Sunday with fellow Girl Scout volunteers? Do you have strong data entry skills you’d like to utilize? Then come join us.
We need girl and adult volunteers, ages 14 and older, to help us get the membership database up-to-date. Attend one, two, three, or all four days of our Super Weekends and use your skills to enter 2008 membership data. Volunteers are needed at both the Shelly Ridge and Lehigh Valley Service Centers. Dates are November 17 and 18, and December 1 and 2. Hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and you can help for however many hours you have available. Continental breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.
Girls can receive community service hours for their time. And everyone will receive the entire Council’s heartfelt thanks. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Loretta Rudzinski at lrudzinski@gsep.org or 888/215-564-2030 ext. 1049.
GSEP Employment Opportunities
The following employment opportunities are currently available with Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. There are a variety of positions at various levels and Council locations. We are doing amazing things for girls in Pennsylvania.
Unless noted otherwise, interested individuals should forward a cover letter and resume to Missy Johnson at mjohnson@gsep.org or fax to 215-487-6424, attention Missy Johnson. You can view full position descriptions at http://www.gsep.org/pages/join_us/join_employment.html
Budgeting and Accounting Manager
This individual will be responsible for supervising the accounting staff, as well as assisting the Chief Financial Officer with budget development, financial reporting, cash management, and audit preparation. The position is located in Shelly Ridge.
Data Entry Clerk
The Council is looking for part-time data entry clerks who will be responsible for processing Criminal Background Checks for all Council volunteers, completing the data entry processes, and upkeeping and organizing files. This position is located in Shelly Ridge. Please forward resumes to Lorrie Klaric at lklaric@gsep.org or fax to 215-564-6953, attention Lorrie Klaric.
Development Coordinator
GSEP is looking for an experienced Development Coordinator who will provide administrative support to the VP of Development and the Development Department. The Development Coordinator will maintain overall organization of information.
Development Manager
The Council is looking for a full-time, 3-5 years experienced Development Manager who will oversee all components of Individual Giving program, develop strategies for acquiring and retaining donors, and support the implementation of a Major Gift Campaign. Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
Grants Manager
The Council is looking for an experienced Grants Manager with at least 3 years of successful grant writing experience to write grants, manage the reporting system for grants received, establish timelines and tracking system for proposals, and prepare and distribute on-going progress reports. Raiser's Edge experience preferred
Maintenance Assistant/Janitorial Services
The Council is seeking an experienced, full-time Maintenance Assistant/Janitor to be responsible for the daily general upkeep and cleaning of the Council’s offices in Shelly Ridge and Seltzer. Please forward cover letter and resume to Morris Quigg, Property Director (mquigg@gsep.org) or fax to 215-564-6953, attention Morris Quigg.
Media Relations Manager
GSEP is seeking a Media Relations Manager who will serve as Council’s primary contact with all media (TV, radio, newspapers, etc.); prepare press releases and PSA’s; develop, pitch and place stories; establish relationships with key media; and develop and place all advertising.
Member Services Representative
The Council is seeking a full time Member Services Representative based in the Valley Forge Service Center. Responsibilities include managing the help desk for the service center, providing excellent customer service via telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face with walk-ins, and maintaining a girl placement database. Interested individuals should send cover letter and resume to ptirney@gsep.org.
Payroll Clerk
Girl Scouts of Eastern PA is looking for a full-time, experienced Payroll Clerk. This position is responsible for all aspects of the Council’s payroll function, including entry and submission of data, maintaining up-to-date and accurate information for payroll and HR systems, and processing employee timesheets. The Payroll Clerk also maintains the General Ledger.
Volunteers
The Council is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist Council staff in the retail shops, at the reception desk and other areas. No experience necessary, other than a desire to do good things for girls and Girl Scouts.
Take the Lead – Honoring Women of Distinction
Girl Scout’s annual Take the Lead/Women of Distinction event is approaching. This year we will have three county specific events, each featuring outstanding women of courage, confidence and character. At this moment we are accepting nominations for successful industry leaders as well as Girl Scout Emcee’s. Feel free to contact Katie Robb at 888-564-2030 x1045 or krobb@gsep.org for more information or to receive nomination forms. Event dates and locations are as follows:
Philadelphia Area: Monday, March 3, 2008; Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia
Berks County Area: Tuesday, March 11. 2008; Sheraton Hotel, Reading
Lehigh Valley: Wednesday, April 30, 2008, Holiday Inn, Fogelsville
FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) from Adult Development
When is a first aid/CPR trained person required?
First Aiders are not required for all trips. They are only required for specific activities. A first aid/CPR trained adult is needed for physically demanding activities and other activities involving a potential for injury. If you’re going on a trip, make sure to check the activity checkpoints in Safety Wise to determine if you need to have a first aid trained adult.
What are the training Requirements for leaders?
There are three steps in GSEP Leadership Training:
- Orientation (online at http://training.girlscouts.org or via home study packet – contact Teresa at tvanarsdale@gsep.org or at 866-564-2030 ext. 1021)
- Essentials (a welcome to Girl Scouts workshop – filled with the essential tools of leadership)
- Age Level Training (a workshop designed to the specific program age level you’re working with)
The sooner your training is completed, the better prepared you will be to lead your girls. Training should be completed within the first year. If possible, complete Orientation and Essentials prior to age level training.
Who needs to complete a volunteer application?
Every volunteer leader and assistant leader, cookie and product sales manager, and adults who attend overnights with girls must complete the volunteer application process. This includes the four page completed application, submission of four references, and consent for GSEP to conduct a criminal background check. Please also include the $5 fee to share the cost of processing with GSEP. All forms can be accessed at http://www.gsep.org/pages/adult_training.html. You may also stop in at one of the Council Service Centers to obtain a packet of these materials.
We are processing thousands of applications at this time – you will receive a letter from GSEP upon completion of the processing of your application. If you have not yet sent in all of this information, please do so without delay.
How do I find out about Volunteer Learning Opportunities?
The GSEP training schedule is updated on the GSEP website each week. Visit http://www.gsep.org/pages/adult_training.html. To access our schedule of learning opportunities with registration instructions, click on the “Training Information” link. Online Registration is available through e-council for all trainings. Printed schedules are also available through our Service Centers.
If I have questions about training, who do I call?
Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties - contact Jill Sober at 610-791-2411, ext. 1504 or jsober@gsep.org
Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties - contact Devon Miller at 610-933-7555 or 800-355-3847, ext. 1419 or dmiller@gsep.org
Adult Development Coordinator: Contact Teresa VanArsdale at 866-564-2030 ext 1021 or tvanarsdale@gsep.org
Adult Recruitment Manager / Volunteer Application Process: Contact Dale Moelter 866-564-2030 ext. 1019 or dmoelter@gsep.org
Adult Development Director: Contact Lorrie Klaric 866-564-2030 ext. 1025 or lklaric@gsep.org
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BEST PHOTO
To submit your photo for our weekly Best Photo section, simply email the image along with a brief description of the event (when, where, who, why) to Tonya Towles at ttowles@gsep.org. Be sure to write Best Photo in the subject line of the email.
MISSION MANTRA
The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but reveal to them their own.
- Benjamin Disraeli
Calling all wise sages: If you have an inspiring quote you live by, we would love to hear it. Please email Tonya Towles at ttowles@gsep.org. Be sure to include Mission Mantra in the title of the email.
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CONTACT US
ENews Hard Copies
If you know of a Leader or Service Unit Manager who does not receive ENews because she/he does not have access to a computer, please have them contact us for a mailed copy of the ENews. Please call or email Loretta Rudzinski at 215-564-2030, ext. 1049 or lrudzinski@gsep.org.
Headquarters
Shelly Ridge Service Center
330 Manor Road
Miquon, PA 19444
Tel. 888/215-564-4657
Fax. 215-564-6953
Mailing address:
PO Box 27540
Philadelphia, PA 19118
