| TROOP GOVERNMENTS |
| DAISY CIRCLE Use the Daisy circle to make formal decisions about activities. A circle should last no more than 15 minutes. Leaders ask girls to share ideas, listen to one another, and make troop decisions by consensus or voting. Leaders can also present a list of ideas, have girls rank or choose among them, and help girls follow through on their decisions. Brainstroming is one way to elicit ideas. After the brainstroming process is complete, a leader can help guide the discussion with questions to the girls on why ideas or decisions are unsafe or unworkable. Leaders can help girls understand that learning from mistakes can be a valuable experience. |
| BROWNIE RING The Brownie Ring is very similar to the Daisy Circle but expands to the abilities of these now somewhat "older" girls. Girls can now begin to lead discussions and "brainstrom" ideas. A ring "Leader" may be designated to lead discussions but make sure that all girls are given this leadership opportunity. If your group is very large, you can divide the group into smaller united, called "Brownie Circles", to make it easier to accomplish some taks. When someone wishes to speak, a special "Talking Signal" is used in the Brownie Ring. This is indicuated by the girl placed the two fingers of her right hand on the floor (or table, if you are seated at a table instead of the floor). The Brownie Ring is a good way to make all of the major decisions in your troop from how to spend cookie profits to which Try-It to work on next. |
| The following types of Troop Governments work well with Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors EXECUTIVE BOARD The Executive Board consists of the "officers" of the troop. They generally include a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Job descriptions should be agreed upon as well as the duration of office. It is important, especially at the beginning of self-government, that everyone has the opportunity to participate at some time throughout the year. These "board' members meet on a regular basis to decide matters for the troop. Some method needs to be devised for the troop members to give input to the Executive Board. This could be a simple suggestion box at a troop meeting. This system tends to work well with smaller troops. TOWN MEETING In a town meeting, the entire troop makes its decisions together. A moderator is generally needed to lead group discussions. Officers such as Secretary and Treasurer may be elected if the troop feels that there is a need. This generally only works well in small groups but can work in large groups if the girls can stay on task. PATROL SYSTEM The Patrol System is the most versatile of the systems of government. The troop is divided into smaller units called Patrols. The ideal patrol size is about 5-8 girls. Each Patrol elects a Patrol Leader responsible for running their patrol meetings. An assistant patrol leader is also a good idea in the event that the patrol leader cannot make a meeting. All troop business can be handled in these patrols. Attendance and dues can be recorded by the patrols. For any given outing,, chores may be divied up with each patrol responsible for its own tasks. In order for the troop to run smoothly and as a group, Patrol Leaders should come together periodically (at least once a month) to discuess troop issues and make group decisions. This is called the "Court of Honor." Each patrol gives their input to the patrol leader who presents their viewpoints at the Court of Honor. Also included in the Court of Honor are any other troop officers such as Secretary and Treasurer. The Patrol Systems can be very successful, but only if the girls are given skills with which to succeed. (See Patrol Leader Training) |
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