Ways to Recognize Volunteers

The Heart of What we do Starts with Volunteers.

We all know them . . . troop leaders who build up girls to their full potential, parent volunteers who rock as the troop product manager, volunteers who plan amazing community events.

Every day, Girl Scout volunteers make it possible for girls to develop into citizens who are responsible, caring, and engaged—and prepared for a lifetime of leadership. It is undeniable, that without our volunteers, Girl Scouts would not be the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. They are the heart of our organization and the main drivers of the Girl Scout Mission.

Appreciation vs. Recognition

With that being said, their dedication deserves appreciation and recognition, but what is the difference between appreciation and recognition? The words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Appreciation is showing gratitude and celebrating someone for who they are, whereas recognition is showing gratitude based on their actions. When we show appreciation and recognition to our volunteers, we are showing them we see the time, dedication, and heart they put into the Girl Scout Mission.

Need to connect with council staff about volunteer appreciation/recognition? Contact our Volunteer Development Manager.

Volunteer Appreciation Resources

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Volunteer Appreciation Activities for Girl Scouts toggle arrow

Volunteer Recognition Opportunities

Year Round Recognitions - Volunteer Spotlights toggle arrow

Troop Leader Spotlight

Troop Leaders are the heart of our organization and the main drivers of the Girl Scout Mission. They encourage girls to dream big, turn their passions into action, and change the world. Every other month we recognize troop leaders who work hard to deliver a high-quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls.

Submit your nomination.

Support Volunteer Spotlight

Troop Helpers, Service Unit Team Members, Board Members and High Award Coaches are some of the Girl Scout volunteers who serve alongside Troop Leaders to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Every other month we recognize volunteers who are in non-troop leader roles who support other volunteers (directly or indirectly) in delivering the Girl Scouts Leadership Experience

Submit your nomination.

Seasonal Recognition - Formal Volunteer Awards toggle arrow

Formal volunteer awards are reserved for truly significant service in Girl Scouting. These national GSUSA awards recognize outstanding accomplishments that go well beyond what would be expected for the position held. Learn about each award and their requirements here.

For more resources on choosing the right award, writing a strong nomination, and more, navigate to the Volunteer Recognition Resources drop down below

Nominations for formal awards open October 1 and close April 22 at 11:59 p.m.

Nominate a Volunteer for a Formal Award

Other Recognitions toggle arrow

Girl Scouts recognizes both Girl Scout members and volunteers with Numeral Guard pins and Years of Service pins, respectively.

Numeral Guard pins represent the total number of years (not necessarily continuous or consecutive) of registered membership, both as a girl and an adult, in any Girl Scout/Girl Guide organization.
Years of Service pins recognizes an adult member registered with GSUSA for years of active volunteer service.

Request your Numeral Guard and Years of Service Pins (Volunteer Award Coordinators only) here.

Volunteer Recognition Resources toggle arrow

Service Unit Volunteer Award Coordinator toggle arrow

Service Unit Volunteer Awards Coordinators champion the appreciation and recognition of volunteers in their service unit.

If you aren't sure who the coordinator is for your area, or you're interested in becoming one, contact the Volunteer Development Manager.

View the Volunteer Awards Coordinators page for resources and information.

Volunteer Award Honorees

Recognizing volunteers for their service and impact!

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