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Volunteer Appreciation

Awards and Recognitions

Thank and recognize the adults who make a difference in the lives of girls by nominating someone you know for an award at the council or service unit level.

Council-Level Awards

The 2022 Honorees were recognized at our Volunteer Celebration held on November 5, 2022 at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. Check out photos from the event here. Learn more about our awards and visit the Volunteer Appreciation Ideas page to discover ways to honor volunteers.

Online nomination and endorsement forms for 2023 will be accepted beginning Monday, April 17 to Friday, June 4.

Appreciation Pin

The Appreciation Pin recognizes adults who have delivered outstanding service to one or more service unit areas.

Candidate criteria
  • Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
  • Has provided outstanding service to a service unit area or program delivery audience in a way that furthers the council’s overall mission and goals to serve all girls and increase diversity, membership, visibility and/or program participation
  • Service goes above and beyond the expectations for the position held
Nomination process
  • Use online form to submit the Appreciation Pin nomination with two endorsements.
  • Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination form and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognitions specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Recognition
Cookie Award

The Cookie Award recognizes service unit cookie team members (e.g. cookie coordinators, booth coordinators, and rewards coordinators), cookie cupboard volunteers and volunteer regional managers who surpassed their position duties by increasing sales and/or providing extraordinary service to girls and/or volunteers.

Candidate criteria
  • Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
  • Notable work performance that went above and beyond the responsibilities of the position held during the cookie program
  • Provided outstanding service related to the success of the cookie program by increasing sales and/or providing excellent customer service to girls and/or volunteers
  • Role benefits multiple Girl Scouts San Diego girls and/or volunteers at a service unit, regional or council level
Nomination process
  • Use online form to submit the Cookie Award nomination with two endorsements.
  • Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination form and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognitions specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Form of recognition
Family Award

The Family Award recognizes service benefiting the entire council, beyond the troop and service unit level, over a period of time, by more than one member of a family.

Candidate criteria
  • Registered Girl Scout adult members in good standing
  • Assisted in furthering the council’s overall mission and goals to serve all girls and increase diversity, membership, visibility, and/or program participation
  • Service goes above and beyond their position expectations and serves the entire council past the troop and service unit level
Nomination process
  • Use online form to submit the Family Award nomination with two endorsements.
  • Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination form and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognitions specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Form of recognition
  • Personalized plaque with the family’s name and Girl Scouts logo
  • Presented annually at the Volunteer Celebration
Fran Styles Lifetime Achievement Award

The Fran Styles Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes one Girl Scout volunteer each year who has given Girl Scouts San Diego above and beyond service for 25 plus adult years.

Candidate Criteria
  • Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
  • Been an Adult member for 25 or more years (does not include girl years)
  • Notable work performance that went above and beyond the responsibilities of a GSSD Volunteer
  • Provided outstanding service related to the success of the Girl Scouts as a whole (girls, adults, peers, council) touching on every area
Nomination Process
  • Girl Scout San Diego Staff will submit candidates to recognitions committee.
  • Staff will seek endorsements must be from three individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
  • Nomination and endorsement will be given to the recognitions task group for review.
Approval:      

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognition specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Form of Recognition:
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • One year of membership dues for girls in San Diego/Imperial Counties for each year honoree has given to Girl Scouts San Diego (e.g. 50 years as a volunteer equals 50 girls' membership dues paid).
  • Personalized plaques located at GSSD's three service centers, with award title and name plates to be added annually.
  • Presented annually at the Volunteer Celebration.
Friendship Award

The Friendship Award recognizes individuals, groups, organizations or businesses outside of Girl Scouts that have supported the mission of Girl Scouts San Diego by providing superior service and/or assistance to the entire council.

Candidate criteria
  • Supported the mission of Girl Scouts San Diego through superior service, contributions or assistance
  • Assisted in furthering the council’s overall mission and goals to serve all girls, increase diversity, membership, visibility, and/or program participants
Nomination process
  • Use online form to submit the Friendship Award nomination with two endorsements.
  • Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination form and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognitions specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Form of recognition
  • Personalized globe-shaped trophy with the Girl Scouts logo
  • Presented annually at the Volunteer Celebration
Get Outdoors Award

The Get Outdoors Award recognizes adults who worked beyond their own troop or service unit to inspire a love for the outdoors in more girls and volunteers.

Candidate criteria
  • Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
  • Contributed in one of the following areas: Outdoor Adventure, Outdoor Skills, or Environmental Action
  • Work contains a level of sustainability and/or opportunity for those who benefitted to carry it forward
  • Special consideration given to candidates who help girls who normally wouldn’t have outdoor opportunities such as those new to Girl Scouts or from park-poor areas of the council
  • Service goes above and beyond the expectations for the position held
Nomination process
  • Use online form to submit the Get Outdoors Award nomination with two endorsements.
  • Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination form and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognitions specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Recognition
Honor Pin

The Honor Pin is presented for outstanding service to two or more service unit areas or program delivery audiences.

Candidate criteria
  • Served a broader area and had a larger impact on girls and the organization as a whole than someone nominated for an Appreciation Pin
  • Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
  • Provided outstanding service to at least two service units or program delivery audiences in a way that furthers the council’s overall mission and goals to serve all girls and increase diversity, membership, visibility and/or program participation
  • Service went above and beyond the expectations of the position held
Nomination process
  • Use online form to submit the Honor Pin nomination with two endorsements.
  • Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination form and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognitions specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Form of recognition
  • Green enamel pin with a gold-tone trefoil design circled by a laurel wreath
  • Presented annually at the Volunteer Celebration
Membership Numeral Guards & Years of Service Recognitions

Membership Numeral Guards & Years of Service Pins recognize registered adult members for years of active volunteer service at five-year intervals starting at five years.

Form of recognition
  • Membership Numeral Guard: Gold numeral to be worn with the Girl Scout Membership Pin.
  • Years of Service: Pillar-design pin with number on colored background.
    • Years five and 10: Purchase pins at council stores. Service units or troops may choose to hold a ceremony.
    • Years 15 and above: Council provides pins free of charge. Simply use online form to request. Pins can be awarded at the Volunteer Conference, or at an appropriate service unit event.
Philanthropist Award

The Philanthropist Award recognizes organizations or individuals outside of Girl Scouts that strengthen the mission of Girl Scouts San Diego through generous philanthropic support.

Candidate criteria
  • Substantial and sustained philanthropic commitment to Girl Scouts San Diego
Nomination process 
  • Girl Scouts San Diego volunteers may recommend an organization or individual to council staff.
  • Council Fund Development team will submit final nominations.
Approval

The Fund Development team reviews all nominations and approves honorees. The Fund development team will notify the volunteer recognitions specialist and the candidates of their acceptance.

Recognition
President's Award

The President’s Award recognizes the efforts demonstrated by an entire service unit to enhance Girl Scouting in its community during a membership year.

Candidate criteria
  • Service Unit team works together with staff to develop a year plan
  • Service Unit team completes objectives in volunteer training, membership growth, girl programing, and team building
Nomination process
Approval
  • Service unit support specialist reviews application tracking sheet with a member of the service unit team to confirm completion
  • Staff submits application to manager for final approval
Form of recognition
Share Award

The Share Award recognizes adults who have built awareness and support for the Share program which helps keep Girl Scouting available and affordable for all.

Candidate criteria
  • Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
  • Demonstrated evidence of action by giving others encouragement and motivation toward philanthropy in Share and involvement in Girl Scouting
  • Service went above and beyond what is expected for the position held
Nomination process
  • Use online form to submit the Share Award nomination with two endorsements.
  • Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination form and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognitions specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Form of recognition
  • Square silver pin depicting the Girl Scouts logo and the word Share
  • Presented annually at the Volunteer Celebration
Thanks Badge

The Thanks Badge recognizes adult members whose truly outstanding performance has benefited the entire council, and whose ongoing commitment, leadership and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Candidate criteria
  • Registered Girl Scout member in good standing
  • Service was broader and had a larger impact on girls and the entire organization than for the Appreciation Pin or Honor Pin
  • Provided outstanding service that benefited the entire council and furthers the council's overall mission and goals to serve all girls and increase diversity, membership, visibility and/or program participation
  • Service went above and beyond what is expected for the position held
Nomination process
  • Use online form to submit the Thanks Badge nomination with three endorsements.
  • Endorsements must be from three individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination form and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognitions specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Form of recognition
  • Gold-filled enamel disc that can be used as a pin or worn on a ribbon
  • Presented annually at the Volunteer Celebration
Thanks Badge II

The Thanks Badge II recognizes adult members who have already received the Thanks Badge and have continued to contribute in extraordinary ways that benefit the entire council, providing further exemplary service in a leadership role which resulted in a measurable impact benefitting the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Candidate criteria
  • Registered Girl Scout adult member in good standing
  • Already received the Thanks Badge
  • Service was broader than for a Thanks Badge award and had a continued impact on all girls and the entire organization
  • Service went above and beyond the expectations for the position held
  • Since receipt of the Thanks Badge, has continued outstanding service by:
    • Increasing her/his sphere of influence to serve all girls and increase diversity, membership, visibility and/or program participation and/or
    • Continuing to use her/his skills and talents to benefit the entire council supporting the overall mission
Nomination process
  • Use online form to submit the Thanks Badge II nomination with three endorsements.
  • Endorsements must be from three individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination form and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognitions specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Form of recognition
  • Similar to the Thanks Badge, it has a blue band inside a gold band and red stone in the center
  • Presented annually at the Volunteer Celebration
Volunteer of Excellence Award
The Volunteer of Excellence Award recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through use of the national program portfolio, or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members.
Candidate criteria
  • Active Girl Scout volunteer in good standing
  • Successfully completed a term of service and the requirements for the position
  • Performed above and beyond expectations for their position
  • Performance has supported the council’s mission-delivery goals in one or more of the following functional areas:
    • Membership development/community cultivation
    • Volunteer relations and support
    • Program leadership and governance
    • Fund development
    • Council support service (such as IT, customer service, marketing, property, etc.)
  • Actively recognizes, understands and practices the values of inclusive behavior
Nomination process
  • Use online form to submit the Volunteer of Excellence nomination with two endorsements.
  • Endorsements must be from two individuals or groups (other than the nominator) who are familiar with the service performed by the candidate.
Approval

The recognitions task group reviews the nomination form and endorsements and approves or denies the award. The volunteer recognitions specialist notifies the nominators of acceptance or denial and notifies candidates of acceptance.

Form of recognition

 

Service Unit-Level Awards

Service unit awards recognize contributions from local leaders and community partners and are presented at the service unit’s end-of-year recognitions event.

Awards of Distinction
Spirit Award

This award recognizes non-member individuals, groups, organizations, or businesses that offer service or non-monetary support to your service unit.

Find the nomination packet for the Spirit Award, then submit to your service unit recognitions chair. 

Community Recognition

Each month, ABC 10 recognizes a local world-changer through the ABC 10 San Diego Monthly Leadership Award. Nominate an outstanding volunteer for a chance to be recognized throughout our San Diego community! Please email media@sdgirlscouts.org when you nominate so we can share it, too.

 

Celebrate Your Milestones Year-Round

Membership Numeral Guard

Celebrate your membership with Girl Scouts! The Membership Numeral Guard was designed to wear with your membership pin to represent your ongoing journey with Girl Scouts, beginning with your girl years through today.

These pins are available in increments of five years (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.) and can be requested at any time of year by recognitions chairs planning an event, or by individuals ready to celebrate her/his time as a Girl Scouts member.

You may purchase your five or ten year pin at the GSSD shop. Pins 15 and beyond are provided free of charge by council.

Volunteer Service Badge

Celebrate your volunteer service with Girl Scouts! The Volunteer Service badge was designed to wear on your Girl Scout adult uniform representing your volunteer service with Girl Scouts.

These pins are available in increments of five years (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.) and can be requested at any time of year by a recognitions chair planning an event, or by an individual ready to celebrate her/his time as a Girl Scout volunteer.

You may purchase your 5 or 10 year pin at the GSSD store. Pins 15 and beyond are provided free of charge by council.

Legendary Leaders Circle

The Legendary Leader’s Circle is a distinguished group that honors troop leaders and co-leaders who’ve ushered girls through the Girl Scout experience from their youngest years to Ambassadors. Their commitment and love has helped create generations of amazing women.

If you fit this description, fill out this survey now!

Yes to the Vest

Our volunteers work day in and day out building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts would not be possible without their valiant efforts and support. If you know someone who answers "Yes to the Vest" and steps up to serve our girls and the Girl Scouts' mission, nominate them now to be featured in our monthly volunteer spotlight.

 

Service Unit Recognitions Chairs

Service unit recognitions chairs celebrate adult volunteers and girls in their area by planning yearly celebrations and finding other creative ways to celebrate volunteers year-round. If you'd like more information on becoming a service unit recognitions chair, contact your service unit manager or email recognition@sdgirlscouts.org.

Already a recognitions chair? Find more training and resources in our For Service Units section.

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