| PLANNING A PARENTS MEETING |
| Since most (although not all) new leaders are below the Cadette/Senior level, this outline has been tailored for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior troops. In order to make the new leader's task more manageable, it is important to develop a good rapport with the parents in the troop. The girls will benefit more form the program if the parents are involved and interested in the troop. To this end, try to schedule a Parent's Meeting prior to your first meeting with the girls. This is a good time to get registration taken care of as well as recruit parents for your "Troop Committee". Have had New Leader Training before this meeting is helpful even though it may not be required by your council before you begin your troop. Below is a sample meeting outline for such a Parents' Meeting. |
| 1. Introduce yourself Let parents know you are new to Girl Scouting Include any related experience you have had (Girl Scouts as a girl, teaching, etc) Include your goals and expectations 2. Explain philosophy and purpose of the Girl Scout movement Promise and Law Program emphases Worldwide organization (WAGGGS) 3. Financing the troop National membership dues ($7.00 per year, covers accident insurance at Girl Scout activities) Troop Dues Troops set their own troop dues depending on the economics of the group and the anticipated activities Many councils provide finanical aid for individual girls who may be unable to pay troop dues. Daisys. money is collected from adults by adults whereas at the other levels, the girls can become involved in dues collection process. Product Programs available (Council sponsored cookie sale, calendar sale, etc) Different councils offer different product programs although all offer cookie sales Daisy Girl Scouts do not participate in Product Programs Product programs are voluntary 4. Equipment and Uniforms Uniforms Not required although encouraged Let parents know where they may be purchased, if desired Show samples of uniforms either in person or in catalog Suggest that girls have at lease a vest or sash on which to put her recognitions Handbooks and Badgebooks Not required although helpful Show samples of what each girl should have Daisys do not hae a girl's handbook Brownies have a handbook and Try It Book Juniors have a handbook and badge book 5. Meetings Detail place, starting time and ending time of regular meetings Stress to parents the importance of punctuality both in dropping off and in picking up their daughter 6. Transportation Policy Explain requirements for transporting girls (make sure any forms required by your council are filled out, if any) Drivers must be of the appropriate age (check with your council_ Drivers must habe a valid Driver's License Vehicles must habe liability insurance A seat belt must be provided for every girl 7. Safety Wise Explain that this is your "Safety Bible" and that you must adhere to its contents Explain the required ratio of adults to girls at borth meeting and outings for your specific age level Permission slips required for all outings (have blank forms available for parents) 8. Parents' responsibility to the troop To make every effort to be punctual to meetings and outings To help their daughter fulfill troop responsibilities (dues, turning in permission slips on time, etc) To be supportive of their daughter in her Girl Scout endeavors (help them to complete activities missed, etc) 9. Attendance Outline any expectations you habe regarding attendance such as If girl is going to miss a meeting, would you like notice ahead of time Will you have a policy of inactive girls, i.e., if a girl misses "x" number of meetings without notification, they will be placed on an inactive list or they will be replaced by someone on the waiting list or...... Will you have a policy regarding those girls who only want to go to the outings and never come to meetings? 10. Membership and Registration Fill out registration forms 11. Troop Committee Members Needed Ask specific people for specific jobs (they are less likely to say "no" this way) Troop Committee members may include the following (adjust as needed for your individaul troop) a. Telephone person b. Transportation person c. Product Sales person (Not for Daisy Troops) d. Special Events/Trip Coordinator e. Troop shopper f. Snack coordinator g. Craft Chair (to help with craft projects) h. Emergency Contact Chair (the one who's suppoed to be by the phone when you go on a trip) i. Money manager/Treasurer 12. Questions? |