Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland is committed to the highest ethical and safety standards and we expect all volunteers to act in the best interest of the organization and its members and mission. This mission requires that we act in an ethical manner to uphold the Girl Scout Promise and Law in all that we do in the name of Girl Scouts.

All Girl Scout adult members holding any volunteer role must affirm their commitment to these standards on a yearly basis. Additional volunteer positions may have separate agreements.

Volunteer Agreement

In my capacity as a Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland volunteer, I agree to affirm and uphold the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and I will:

• Complete all required trainings and comply with all Girl Scout policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Model the behavior that shows respect for local, state, and federal laws and ordinances.
• Follow Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland's Volunteer Policies and Procedures. Girl Scouts of the USA's (GSUSA) safety guidelines are found in the Safety Activity Checkpoints and other GSUSA documents.
• Welcome girls and adults from a variety of backgrounds and abilties and include them in activities.
• Honor the leadership of the girls and support their decisions.
• Act responsibly when overseeing the Girl Scout funds, maintain accurate records, and file required reports. Girl Scout funds are only to be used in direct support of Girl Scout programs and to pay for appropriate Girl Scout expenses.
• Behave in a manner that models the ideals and values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and treat all others with respect. I will ensure that all verbal or written communications do not contain profanity and will refrain from inappropriate displays of aggression or bullying directed at youth and/or adults. 
• Remain in good financial standing with Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland and all other councils

Girl Scouts Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting Policy

Maintaining a safe nurturing environment for children participating in Girl Scouts is a top priority and is the responsibility of all adults who interact with those children. Any actions which could harm or endanger a child are strictly prohibited.  Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland does not tolerate any abuse. The full policy is listed here.

Transportation Policy

Keeping our Girl Scouts safe on the road—whether heading to a trip or an event—is a shared responsibility that calls for every driver’s careful attention.

There are different ways in which members can be transported:

1. Personal Responsibility: Travel between a member’s home and the trip location is considered personal and is not part of the official Girl Scout trip or event. Any transportation arrangements made by parents to get themselves or their Girl Scout to the designated meeting location are considered private and are not covered by Girl Scout policies.

2. Covered by this transportation policy: Travel from a designated meeting location to the Girl Scout troop activity or event which includes transporting another girl or adult member. 

3. Covered by this transportation policy: Travel which takes the troop away from home overnight, out of state or out of the country. (This mode will require additional paperwork which will be provided after the trip form has been submitted)

Per our insurance underwriting guidelines, any driver who transports a Girl Scout member on any trip, event or activity must:

• be over 21 years old and under the age of 75 years. 
• hold a valid driver’s license
• have at least 5 years of driving experience and maintain a driving record in good standing
• hold a current driver’s license that has never been suspended
• any conviction for a DUI/DWI was over 7 years ago. More than one conviction of a DUI/DWI is a permanent restriction from driving.
• no citations for reckless driving in the last three years, and,
• meet one of the following two combinations from the past three years:
  • At-Fault Accidents:  0    Moving violations 0, 1, 2   
  • At-Fault Accidents:  1    Moving violations 0, 1 

Anyone not meeting these qualifications are not permitted to transport girl or adult members on a Girl Scout troop activity, event or trip.  

By marking yes below, I confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the policy outlined above. Additionally, I agree to the following:

• If I transport girls or adults during any Girl Scout event, trip, or activity, I certify that I meet all driver qualifications as stated.
• I affirm that all statements provided are true and accurate. I authorize the investigation of any information contained in this attestation and release Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council, Inc., and its agents from any liability arising from such investigation.
• I understand that any false, misleading, or omitted information may result in my dismissal from all volunteer roles with the council, regardless of when such information is discovered.
• I also consent to the sharing of this information, as necessary, with Palmer & Cay (the council’s insurance provider) and relevant Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland staff.
   

 

Troop Volunteer Team Member

Failure to comply with the above standards or otherwise acting in a way that negatively impacts the mission or member experience may result in the removal of any volunteer roles held by the volunteer.