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About Girl Scouts 4

Girl Scout Leadership Experience 5

Redefining Leadership 5

Adult Code of Conduct 6

Girl Scout Beliefs 7

Religion and Spirituality in Girl Scouts 7

Flexibility in Wording for Spiritual Beliefs in the Girl Scout Promise 7

Place of Religion in the Girl Scout Program 8

Respect for Religious Opinions and Practices 8

Troops Sponsored by Religious Groups 8

Safety and Well-Being 8

Adults in Girl Scouting 9

Adult Conduct 9

Adults with Criminal Convictions 10

Handling Adult Misconduct 10

Abuse Free Environment 10

Substance Abuse 10

Handling Sensitive Issues 10

Using Girl Scout Properties and Facilities 11

Using Technology and the Internet 11

Adult Supervision 11

Identification 11

Prohibited Use 12

Security Systems 12

Representing Girl Scouts 12

Designated Spokespersons 12

Political and Legislative Activity 12

Individual Testimonials 13

Copyright and Trademark 13

Cause-Related Marketing 13

Authorization of Books, Plays, Motion Pictures, Radio and TV Programs 14

Use of Confidential, Sensitive, and Privileged Information 14

Conflict of Interests 14

Contractual Agreements 14

Permission for Commercial Endorsements 15

Fundraising 15

Soliciting Contribution, Applying for Grants, and Money-Earning Activities 15

Soliciting for Contributions 16

Applying for Grants 16

Money-Earning Activities 16

Control of Girl Scout Funds 16

Internet Sales 17

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Girl Scout charters define the relationship between a council and GSUSA. It binds the elements

of Girl Scouting across the nation, into one large and cohesive Girl Scout Movement and gives

common purpose. Within its charter, a Girl Scout council has the authority and responsibility to:

provide and safeguard the Girl Scout Program; build an organization to serve its membership;

secure and direct personnel; extend membership opportunities to all girls within its jurisdiction;

finance its work; and develop its community and public relations.

Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts’ national organization, Girl Scouts of the USA’s (GSUSA) membership has grown from 18 members in Savannah, Georgia to 3.7 million members throughout the United States, including U.S. territories, and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas. GSUSA, through membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) is part of a worldwide family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries. GSUSA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with its national headquarters located in New York City. Under the leadership of its volunteer National Board of Directors and its Chief Executive Officer, GSUSA provides direction and guidance for the national Girl Scout Movement. This includes issuing charter agreements with Girl Scout councils.

In 1917, Girl Scouts began in Hawai`i with Queen Lili’uokalani and Florence Lowe, a teacher from Kamehameha School for Girls. Since then, tens of thousands of Girl Scouts have passed on the great traditions of Girl Scouting. Today, Girl Scouts of Hawai`i (GSH), as a chartered member of GSUSA, has the sole rights and privileges to administer the Girl Scout Program in Hawai`i. GSH is a nonprofit corporation registered in the State of Hawai`i, and is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its statewide headquarters is on O`ahu with Service Centers in Hawai`I, Kaua`I, and Maui counties. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and operated by a team of professional staff led by the Chief Executive Officer. The staff works with all adults to help deliver the Girl Scout Program to girls.

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Changing the World through Girl Leadership

Since the day Juliette Gordon Low started her first troop, Girl Scouts has been about developing girl leadership. The Girl Scouts’ founder understood that by improving the lives of girls, all of society would benefit. In keeping with this great tradition of transforming the world, Girl Scouts of the USA introduced its Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is based on an integrated approach to leadership that incorporates the development and interaction of the three domains – Intrapersonal (Discover), Interpersonal (Connect), and Strategic (Take Action) Leadership.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience also embraces a definition of leadership that girls understand and believe in: “A leader is defined not only by the qualities and skills one has, but also by how those qualities and skills are used to make a difference in the world.”

is not defined by a position or title, limited by age, or dictated by one’s social-economic status. Rather, it is about having the daily courage, confidence, and character to

positively influence everyday circumstances and challenges in ways that better the world for others.

This is what Girl Scouts is about.

This new positive youth development model is designed to help today’s girls develop as leaders by realizing 15 short-term and intermediate Program Outcomes tied to the three keys of leadership – Discover, Connect, and Take Action. Girls are encouraged to discover their personal best and prepare for a positive future, connect with others in an increasingly diverse world, and take action to solve problems and improve their communities

Engaging girls in the processes of Girl Led, Learning by Doing (Experiential Learning), and Cooperative Learning creates opportunities for them to understand what true leadershp is about. Over time, girls realize Girl Scouts’ mission of leading with courage, confidence, and character as they make the world a better place.

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Having the opportunity to shape the life of a girl is an incredible privilege and responsibility. One of the most powerful ways to impact the lives of the girls is for them to see, feel and experience leadership in action through the adults who work with them or on their behalf. It begins with embodying and practicing the values articulated by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

On my honor, I will try:

To serve God* and my country,

To help people at all times,

And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

*Girl Scouts of the USA makes no attempt to define or interpret the word “God” in the Girl

Scout Promise.

I will do my best to be

honest and fair,

friendly and helpful,

considerate and caring,

courageous and strong,

and responsible for what I say and do,

and to

respect myself and others,

respect authority,

use resources wisely,

make the world a better place,

and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

It continues by embracing and committing to the guiding principles that serve as the framework for the policies of Girl Scouts of Hawai`i:

Girl Scouts is committed to providing an environment where all participants feel welcomed and respected.

Girl Scouts is committed to providing girls with a safe environment where they can discover, develop, and grow into their full leadership potential.

Girl Scouts is committed to protecting and promoting the reputation and goodwill of Girl Scouts through “one voice” so that the Girl Scout Program remains viable for generations to come.

Girl Scouts is committed to ensuring that all resources, including financial, are raised and managed by Girl Scout participants in a manner consistent with the directives of the Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Scouts of Hawai`i.

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It carries forth by abiding and adhering to the policies of Girl Scouts of Hawai`i. Understandably, anyone not willing and able to agree and abide by Girl Scouts’ values and the guiding principles and policies of Girl Scouts of Hawai`i will jeopardize her or his further involvement with Girl Scouting. In all such cases, the result will be determined by Council staff.

Girl Scouts does not endorse or promote any particular religious or philosophical belief.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i believes that religion is a private matter for girls and their families to discuss at home. Thus, it does not dictate the form or style of its participants’ worship. The basis for this belief is because the Girl Scout Movement is founded on American democratic principles, including freedom of religion.

Although Girl Scouts believe there is a spiritual aspect to all human beings, Girl Scouts of the USA makes no attempt to define or interpret the word “God” in the Girl Scout Promise. It looks to individual members to establish for themselves the nature of their spiritual beliefs. When making the Girl Scout Promise, individuals may substitute wording appropriate to their own spiritual beliefs for the word “God.”

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Girls are encouraged and helped through the Girl Scout Program to become better members of their own religious group, but every Girl Scout group must recognize that religious instruction is the responsibility of parents and religious leaders.

Girl Scout councils, troops, groups, and service units shall respect the varying religious opinions and practices of its membership in planning and conducting activities.

When a Girl Scout troop or group is sponsored by one religious group, members of different faiths or religious affiliations within the troop shall not be required to take part in religious observance of the sponsoring religious group.

Great importance is given to creating a safe and nurturing learning environment for girls to participate in Girl Scouting. Research shows that when girls feel safe – both emotionally and physically – they do their best learning. Girl Scouts of Hawai`i, through its adult participants, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of its girl participants.

• Girl Scout adult participants will be selected and retained based on their ability to meet the qualifications for membership, to fulfill the responsibilities of the duties they are expected to perform, and to participate and complete any required training.

• Without exception, Girl Scouts does not tolerate the abuse, bodily injury, or neglect of any child or adult.

• All Girl Scout participants are prohibited from possessing, using, or being under the influence, illegal or not, of any substance that may impair mental, emotional, or physical capacity, or pose a safety risk to others.

• All Girl Scout programs, activities, or events that focus on subjects that may be considered sensitive or controversial in nature must be appropriately supervised and handled by the adult(s) in charge.

• When using the premises of Girl Scouts of Hawai`i, all Girl Scout participants must create a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment for girls and refrain from causing harm to individuals and/or causing physical damage to any of the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i’s properties and facilities.

• Technology and the internet may be used in the Girl Scout Program so long as appropriate measures are taken to protect the safety and well-being of all participants.

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Girl Scout adult participants will be selected and retained based on their ability to meet the qualifications for membership, to fulfill the responsibilities of the duties they are expected to perform, and to participate and complete any required training.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i believes that the most important influence that adults contribute to Girl Scouts is to exemplify the values articulated in the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and for their decisions and actions to be guided by the principles stated in the Adult Code of Conduct and Policies. For the purpose of this document, an adult participant is an individual over the age of eighteen (18) years of age who may or may not be a member of the Girl Scout Movement, but who may periodically or regularly participate in the administration or implementation of girl-related programs, events, and activities.

Understandably, it is critical for all adult participants to conduct themselves in a manner that speaks well to the values, principles and beliefs of Girl Scouting. In situations when an adult is unable or unwilling to uphold and abide by the policies of Girl Scouts of Hawai`i, she or he will be jeopardizing her or his further involvement in Girl Scouting.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i expects all adult participants to not only abide by the Adult Code of Conduct, principles, and policies set forth in this document, but also the corresponding standards and procedures established by the Chief Executive Officer.

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Individuals with any prior criminal convictions, including, but not limited to, sexual misconduct and/or a sexual crime against a child may, at the discretion of Girl Scouts of Hawai`i, be restricted or prohibited from participation in Girl Scouting in Hawai`i.

It is the duty of any and all Girl Scout participants to immediately report to Girl Scouts of Hawai`i any evidence of misconduct of adults that occurs during or related to a Girl Scout event or activity. Upon receiving notification, Girl Scouts of Hawai`i will investigate and, when appropriate, report any misconduct to the proper authorities. All adults involved are expected to cooperate with Girl Scouts of Hawai`i and any agency authorized to investigate the matter.

Without exception, Girl Scouts does not tolerate the abuse, bodily injury, or neglect of any child or adult.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i works with its adults to maintain a safe and nurturing environment that is free from abuse. It recognizes that harassment and the infliction of abuse of any kind, including physical, sexual, mental, or emotional is detrimental to any person and, in particular, to a girl’s personal development. It is the responsibility of all adults to immediately report any evidence of child abuse, injury, or neglect of any girl member to Girl Scouts of Hawai`i.

All Girl Scout participants are prohibited from possessing, using, or being under the influence, illegal or not, of any substance that may impair mental, emotional, or physical capacity, or pose a safety risk to others.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i strives to balance respect for individuals with the fulfillment of its Girl Scout mission. As part of this effort, Girl Scouts of Hawai`i must maintain safe learning environments for girls, which includes an atmosphere free of any substances that is considered illegal; poses a serious risk, threat or harm to others; adversely affects the quality of work and performance of an individual; or has a negative impact on productivity and morale of others. This includes, but is not limited to, alcohol, tobacco, and prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

All Girl Scout programs, activities, or events that focus on subjects that may be considered sensitive or controversial in nature must be appropriately supervised and handled by the adult(s) in charge.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i knows that the purpose of the Girl Scout Program is to provide quality leadership development experiences for all girls. At times, being a leader requires individuals to address and handle topics that are considered sensitive or controversial. Rather than avoid

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such topics, adults can when appropriate – discuss or model how to positively address and handle sensitive or controversial topics for the girls.

When using the premises of Girl Scouts of Hawai`i, all Girl Scout participants must create a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment for girls and refrain from causing harm to individuals and/or causing physical damage to any Girl Scouts of Hawai`i’s properties and facilities.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i understands that providing Girl Scouts with opportunities to meet at its properties and facilities fosters important leadership development opportunities. This learning best takes place in environments that are safe. In part, this is accomplished by ensuring that all of its properties and facilities are free from:

• Firearms and explosives

• Alcoholic beverages, without prior written approval from the Chief Executive Officer of The Girl Scouts of Hawai`i

• Possession, selling, use or influence of all illegal drugs and substances

• Use or influence of any legal drug and substance that impairs the user’s mental, emotional, and/or physical capacity

• Tobacco products

• Liquid fire starters, citronella candles, mosquito punks, and liquid lanterns

• Gambling

• Animals, except service dogs

Technology and the internet are encouraged in the Girl Scout Program, so long as appropriate measures are taken to protect the safety and well-being of all participants.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i is committed to providing Hawai`i’s girls with the knowledge and skills that will enhance and expand their interactions with the world around them. This includes learning to use technology and the internet. As the innovations of technology continue to profoundly impact the lives of girls, it is important that adults take an active role in ensuring that girls use the tools of technology and the internet in safe and secure ways.

At all times when girls are using technology or the internet to participate in the Girl Scout Program, appropriate adult supervision and security measures shall be in place.

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Girl Scout participants must identify themselves honestly, accurately, and completely when using technology and the internet.

Girl Scout participants may not post, send, or transmit information, images or statements that are demeaning, harassing, obscene, pornographic, sexual, violent, or encourages unlawful activities.

Girl Scout participants shall respect the security systems in place to ensure the safety and security of Girl Scout websites or those of others. At no time shall a user attempt to disable, defeat, or circumvent the security systems.

Girl Scouts is committed to protecting and promoting the reputation and goodwill of Girl Scouts through “one voice” so that the Girl Scout Program remains viable for generations to come.

Only the person(s) designated by the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i to be the spokesperson(s) may initiate contact with or respond to any contact made by the media or other public entities with respect to Girl Scouting, unless an individual obtains prior written authorization from the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i, by its charter agreement, is charged with the responsibility of promoting the reputation and goodwill of Girl Scouts within its jurisdiction. Most times, Girl Scouts will have great stories to share with the public about the leadership accomplishments of girls and the adults who support their successes as well as about acts of kindness by, and generosity of the individuals, foundations, companies, and community. From time to time, however, accidents may occur and/or participants may conduct themselves inappropriately.

In all cases, only the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer, through a designated spokesperson(s) can convey to the public the official position on any matter that affects or impacts the reputation and goodwill of Girl Scouts. This “one voice” policy recognizes that while the American democratic principle of freedom of speech assures an individual the right of speech, when an individual chooses to associate with an organization, that individual must also consider the general well-being of the organization.

All Girl Scout participants, including adults, engaged in the democratic process at the county, state and/or federal government levels are responsible for preserving and protecting the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i’s charitable organization status.

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Girl Scouts of Hawai`i is responsible for preserving its special federal income tax exempt status as a charitable organization by complying with all applicable federal tax laws. Consequently, Girl Scouts of Hawai`i does not authorize anyone on its behalf to participate or intervene directly or indirectly in any political campaign in support or opposition to any candidate for public office; or to participate in any legislative activity or function without first obtaining written permission from Girl Scouts of Hawai`i.

Individual members of the Girl Scout Movement shall not allow their names, in their Girl Scout capacities, to be used in advertising testimonials directly or indirectly endorsing any product or service unless they obtain prior written permission from Girl Scouts of Hawai`i.

The ownership rights of copyrighted designs, text, graphics or trademarked symbols shall be respected by all who participate in Girl Scouting.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i, by its charter agreement, is responsible for safeguarding anything bearing the Girl Scout name and service mark. Anyone who uses any Girl Scout mark, logo, tagline symbol or copyrighted material must first obtain written permission from Girl Scouts of Hawai`i and the use must conform to the Girl Scout Graphic Guidelines published by Girl Scouts of the USA.

Girl Scout participants, including adults, are strictly prohibited from developing alliances and relationships with corporations and businesses for the purposes of advancing Girl Scouting without obtaining prior written permission from and coordinating all efforts with the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i, by its charter agreement, may develop alliances and relationships with corporations and businesses for the purposes of advancing Girl Scouting within its jurisdiction, or may work in partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA to develop similar alliances outside of its jurisdiction.

These corporations must have policies and operations compatible with the values of Girl Scouting. The guiding principles for any alliance or relationships shall be as follows:

• The entity has a mission, policies, and operations that are compatible with the mission and values of Girl Scouting;

• The Girl Scout image will be preserved and enhanced;

• Significant revenue and/or visibility will be generated;

• Program activities will be enriched;

• Membership outreach efforts will be supported;

• The integrity and financial well-being of Girl Scouts of the USA and

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Girl Scouts of Hawai`i will be maintained and enriched; and

• The relationship must move Girl Scouts of Hawai`i towards a more sustainable future.

A book, play, motion picture, or radio or television program about Girl Scouts or Girl Scouting shall be accepted as authorized by Girl Scouts of the USA only when the script, manuscript or proof has been approved by Girl Scouts of the USA.

The release, distribution, or use of any confidential, sensitive, or privileged information that is obtained from one’s participation in Girl Scouts is strictly prohibited, unless prior written authorization is obtained.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i values the privacy of its members and other Girl Scout participants and works to protect any confidential, sensitive, and privileged information received. Confidential, sensitive, and privileged information includes the following:

• girl and adult telephone numbers,

• mailing addresses,

• e-mail addresses,

• personal information,

• photographs and other images,

• Girl Scouts of Hawai`i federal tax identification number, and

• troop or group bank account numbers and statements.

Any person who has a potential or actual conflict of interest with her/his participation in Girl Scouts, whether personal, philosophical, or financial, must immediately disclose the conflict of interest to Girl Scouts of Hawai`i.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i defines a conflict of interest as an actual or perceived interest by an adult participating in Girl Scouting that results in or has an appearance of resulting in, personal, organizational, or professional gain. A person’s participation may be limited based on her/his disclosure or non-disclosure of a conflict of interest.

All contractual agreements that name or involve Girl Scouts or Girl Scouting must be authorized and signed by the legally authorized Girl Scout representative(s) as identified in the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i’s Bylaws or by Board of Directors Resolution. Contractual agreements include those that have no monetary obligation.

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Permission to endorse commercial products or to give endorsement of such by implication must be obtained from Girl Scouts of the USA and shall be granted only when such endorsement is in keeping with Girl Scout principles and activities.

Girl Scouts is committed to ensuring that all fundraising methods employed by Girl Scout participants are in keeping with the principles for which the organization stands.

All money raised or earned, and other assets received in the name of and for the benefit of Girl Scouting must be authorized by the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i and used solely for the purposes of Girl Scouting.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i, by its charter agreement, is responsible for developing, managing, and maintaining Girl Scouting throughout its jurisdiction. This responsibility includes the raising and expending of all funds and resources. In order to maximize Girl Scouts of Hawai`i’s ability to generate revenue to support the Girl Scout Movement in Hawai`i, it is critical that all solicitations that benefit Hawai`i Girl Scouts be coordinated through the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i. Girl Scouts of Hawai`i, from time to time, may decline a request to solicit funds from a particular entity when it is in the best interest of the organization to do so.

Authorization for any fundraising done by troops, groups, or service units must be obtained from Girl Scouts of Hawai`i prior to the start of any fundraising activities. Fundraising includes: 1) seeking donations (which includes monetary and in-kind) from companies, associations, rotary

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and other community clubs, and individuals; 2) applying for grants from companies, foundations, rotaries, or government entities; and 3) money-earning activities.

Adult members in their Girl Scout capacities may not solicit financial contributions for purposes other than Girl Scouting. Adults may engage in combined fundraising efforts authorized by Girl Scouts of Hawai`i and in which Girl Scouts of Hawai`i is a beneficiary. Girls may not engage in any direct solicitation for money.

In most cases, because grants are awarded to non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax identification number, grant applications are done through the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i Fund Development Department and require the signature of an authorized Girl Scout representative.

Money-earning activities are any activities planned or carried out for girls by girls and supported by adults, to earn money for the troop or group treasury. These activities can provide great learning opportunities for girls and the funds raised can help to underwrite the costs Associated with Girl Scouting.

Although troops, groups, and service units cannot raise money for other organizations or causes, they can decide to donate or use their money for specific projects, including a Girl Scout Gold Award project.

Troops and groups must participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program in order to receive approval for a second product sale or any other money-earning activity.

No money-earning activity may take place during the Girl Scout Cookie Program without the prior authorization of Girl Scouts of Hawai`i.

All money raised or earned, and other assets received in the name of and for the benefit of Girl Scouting in Hawai`i become the property of and are administered by the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i is responsible for exercising prudent oversight and ultimate control over the use of all money and other assets that are raised, earned, or received in the name of and for the benefit of Girl Scouting of Hawai`i. Troops, groups, service units, or individuals in possession of Girl Scout funds or other assets cannot consider them their own property but must act as wise and prudent stewards of these entrusted sources.

Money raised or earned by troops or groups through dues, the Girl Scout Cookie Program, money-earning activities or other fundraising efforts are managed by the troop or group, not the individuals who raised or earned the funds. Troop or group funds must be used to benefit all members.

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All girl participants are explicitly prohibited from selling any products or services related to or in support of any Girl Scout activity through the internet.

Girl Scouts of Hawai`i, in support of its Technology and the Internet Policy, encourages girls to safely utilize available technology and the internet to build skills, and to expand their knowledge about the world around them. While the ability to communicate with and market to potential and current customers is encouraged, due to safety issues the Girl Scouts of Hawai`i prohibits the selling of any type of products or services.

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Girl Scouts of Hawai`i

www.girlscouts-hawaii.org