Service Unit Meeting Guide 2 of 1
Service Unit Meeting Guide – Structure
To be used in conjunction with Service Unit Meeting Guide - Content
All good meetings have an opening, a closing and some form of introductions to build consistency and community. It is recommended that Service Unit Meetings include the contents under Meeting Content as explained below. Additional elements may be added, but the main parts should not be omitted.
1.) Opening: At the beginning of every meeting, recite the Girl Scout Promise & Law. Additional opening of a girl performance, a poem, or other inclusive activity may be done in addition to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
2.) Introductions: Introduce new leaders or members who are attending the meeting for the first time. Depending on the size of your group, you may also have individuals say their name aloud to the whole group or introduce themselves to a neighbor to two.
3.) Meeting Content:
a. Report – Business/Service Unit Team Updates. Discuss and report on the health of the Service Unit. Each Service Unit team member should provide reports on their respective areas.
b. Learn – Girl Scout Way. At the same time each year, we will define the same 2-4 traditional Girl Scout concepts. Even if you believe that everyone in the room is familiar with the concept, go through the motions of defining it. You could also ask a seasoned volunteer to share something new that they’ve recently learned about this topic, or something they think is important for others to know.
c. Grow – Continuing Education. At the same time each year, we will take a “deeper dive” on one particular topic. Eight important topics have been identified that will be repeated each year in the same month. It may seem tedious to repeat the same topic, but it’s crucial for onboarding new leaders and helpful for updating seasoned volunteers. The learning should be interactive and readily applicable for the Girl Scout year.
d. Do – Action Items. At the same time each year, certain action steps are required of our membership. This content section may emphasize a year-long task that is heavier at certain times, like registration. It may include seasonal tasks such as starting the cookie program, or it might be optional tasks, like applying for honor troop. Local events can go into this category if every troop has an action item related to the event.
e. Celebrate – Big News. Ask for at least 3 members to share a highlight from their troop, an announcement of an upcoming activity, an acknowledgement of the earning of higher awards, or the appreciation of an adult volunteer.
4.) Closing: Depending on your Service Unit culture, select a “warm and fuzzy” send off. This gives closure to the meeting and creates a sense of community. This could be an assignment to reach out to one another, a song, a closing quote that is read aloud, or printed and picked up as volunteers exit.
Effective 5/1/14 SUM Resource Binder, Tab 5
Service Unit Meeting Guide 2 of 1
Things to Remember When Structuring your Service Unit Meeting
Dates – Select a date that is after your SU Team meeting. Try to ensure your Membership Specialist does not have a conflicting meeting. Stay informed with local community and school events that might be in conflict, like standing PTA meetings.
Location/Space – Select a meeting site that is accessible. Make SURE that the site is within your Service Unit boundaries. If possible try to select a site close to public transportation. Provide address and directions – don’t assume everyone knows how to get there.
Time – It is ideal if a Service Unit meeting is no longer than 90 minutes. (It can certainly be shortened when you have less to share) Respect this time limit and end as promised. Be sure to check with your venue to be sure you will have adequate time to set-up and clean-up beyond the 90 minutes.
Attendance – Send invitations and reminders to your troops. Don’t assume they know. All troops must have a representative. Have a Service Unit team member contact troops afterward if they do not send a representative.
Effective 5/1/14 SUM Resource Binder, Tab 5