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A safe space is where all Girl Scouts feel that they can be themselves, without explanation or judgment. As a volunteer, the environment you help foster is just as important as the activities Girl Scouts do—it’s the key to developing the sort of group they want to be a part of! Cultivate a space where confidentiality is respected and Girl Scouts can express their true selves.
Recognize and Support Each Individual 
You're a role model and a mentor to your troop. Since you play an important role in their lives, they need to know that you consider each of them an important person too. They can weather a poor meeting place or an activity that flops, but they cannot endure being ignored or rejected.
- Give a shout-out when you see them trying their best, not just when they’ve had a clear success.
- Emphasize the positive qualities that make each person worthy and unique.
- Be generous with praise and stingy with rebuke.
- Help your troop find ways to show acceptance of and support for one another.
Promote Fairness
They are sensitive to fairness for all. They forgive mistakes if they are sure you are trying to be fair. They look for fairness in how responsibilities are shared, in handling of disagreements, and in your responses to performance and accomplishment.
- When possible, ask them what they think is fair before decisions are made.
- Explain your reasoning and show why you did something.
- Be willing to apologize if needed.
- Try to see that responsibilities as well as the chances for feeling important are equally divided.
- Help them explore and decide for themselves the fair ways of solving problems, carrying out activities, and responding to behavior and accomplishments.
Build Trust
They need your belief and support when they try new things and you’ll need to show that you won’t betray their confidence. Show them that you are making an effort to understand them as individuals.
- Inspire them to think for themselves and use their own judgment.
- Encourage them to make the important decisions in the group and ensure them that all troop members have an equal say.
- Give them assistance in correcting their own mistakes.
- Support them in trusting one another—let them see firsthand how trust can be built, lost, regained, and strengthened.
Inspire Open Communication
They want someone who will listen to what they think, feel, and want to do. They like having someone they can talk to about the important things happening in their lives.
- Listen to them. Respond with words and actions.
- Speak your mind openly when you are happy or concerned about something and encourage them to do the same.
- Leave the door open for them to seek advice, share ideas and feelings, and propose plans or improvements.
- Help them see how open communication can result in action, discovery, better understanding of self and others, and a more comfortable climate for fun and accomplishment.
Managing Conflict
Conflicts and disagreements are an inevitable part of life, and if handled constructively they show Girl Scouts that they can overcome their differences of opinions, exercise diplomacy, and improve their communication and relationships. Respecting others and being a sister to every Girl Scout means that shouting, verbal abuse, or physical confrontations are never warranted and cannot be tolerated in the Girl Scout environment.
When a conflict arises in your troop, get those involved to sit down together and talk calmly in a nonjudgmental manner, keeping in mind that each party may need some time—a few days or a week—to calm down before being able to do this. Talking in this way might feel uncomfortable and difficult now, but it lays the groundwork for working well together in the future. Whatever you do, do not spread your complaint around to others—that won’t help the situation and causes only embarrassment and anger.
You’ll also find conflict resolution activities in some of the Journeys, such as the Amaze Journey for Cadettes or the Mission Sisterhood Journey for Seniors.
If a conflict persists, be sure you explain the matter to your volunteer support team. If the supervisor cannot resolve the issues satisfactorily (or if the problem involves the supervisor), the issue can be taken to the next level of supervision and ultimately to your council if you need extra help.
Communicating Effectively with Girl Scouts of Any Age
Make sure your words and intentions create connection with members. Keep in mind how important the following approaches are.
Listen. Listening to them, as opposed to telling them what to think, feel, or do (no “you should”) is the first step in building a trusting relationship and helping them take ownership of their Girl Scout experience.
Be Honest. If you’re not comfortable with a topic or activity, it’s okay to say so. No one expects you to be an expert on every topic. Ask for alternatives or seek out volunteers with the required expertise. Owning up to mistakes—and apologizing for them—goes a long way.
Be Open to Real Issues. Outside of Girl Scouts, members may be dealing with issues like relationships, peer pressure, school, money, drugs, and other serious topics. When you don’t know, listen. Also seek help from your council if you need assistance or more information than you currently have.
Show Respect. Girl Scouts often say that their best experiences were the ones where adults treated them as equal partners. Speak to them respectively to reinforce that their opinions matter and that they deserve respect.
Offer Options. Members’ needs and interests change and being flexible shows them that you respect them and their busy lives. Be ready with age-appropriate guidance and parameters no matter what they choose to do.
Stay Current. Show members that you’re interested in their world by asking them about the TV shows and movies they like; the books, magazines, or blogs they read; the social media influencers they follow; and the music they listen to.
Remember LUTE: Listen, Understand, Tolerate, and Empathize. Try using the LUTE method to thoughtfully respond when a member is upset, angry, or confused.
Listen. Hear them out, ask for details, and reflect back what you hear; try “What happened next?” or “What did they say?”
Understand. Show that you understand where they are coming from with comments such as, “So what I hear you saying is…” or “I understand why you’re unhappy,” or “Your feelings are hurt; mine would be, too.”
Tolerate. You can tolerate the feelings that they just can’t handle right now on their own. Let them know that you’re there to listen and accept how they are feeling about the situation. Say something like: “Try talking to me about it. I’ll listen," or “I know you’re mad—talking it out helps,” or “I can handle it—say whatever you want to.”
Empathize. Let them know you can imagine feeling what they are feeling with comments such as, “I’m sure that really hurts” or “I can imagine how painful this is for you.”
Remember you don’t have to solve their problems for them or have all the answers. Ask them what they would like to do about the situation and how you can support them.
Addressing the Needs of Older Girl Scouts
Let these simple tips guide you when working with teenage Girl Scouts:
- Think of yourself as a “guide on the side”—a partner, a coach, or a mentor, not a “leader.”
- Ask them what rules they need for safety and what group agreements they need to be a good team. When they take the lead in establishing group rules, they’re more likely to stick to them.
- Understand that they need time to talk, unwind, and have fun together.
- Ask what they think and what they want to do.
- Encourage them to speak their minds.
- Provide structure, but don’t micromanage.
- Give everyone a voice in the group—understanding that “speaking up” may look different for each person. For some, it might mean sharing their ideas in front of the entire group; for others it could mean submitting a written response or contributing as part of a group.
- Treat them like partners.
- Don’t repeat what’s said in the group to anyone outside of it (unless necessary for their safety). See “Report Concerns” below to understand the guard rails.
When Sensitive Topics Come Up
It’s an amazing feeling when your Girl Scouts put their trust in you—and when they do, they may come to you with some of the issues they are facing such as bullying, peer pressure, dating, athletic and academic performance, understanding their own identity, and more. Some of these issues may be considered sensitive by families who may have opinions or input about how, and whether, Girl Scouts should cover these topics with their troop.
Girl Scouts welcomes and serves youth and families from a wide spectrum of faiths and cultures. When they wish to participate in discussions or activities that could be considered sensitive—even for some—put the topic on hold until you have spoken with the parents and received guidance from your council.
When Girl Scout activities involve sensitive issues, your role is that of a caring adult volunteer who can help them acquire skills and knowledge in a supportive atmosphere, not someone who advocates a particular position.
Girl Scouts of the USA does not take a position or develop materials on issues relating to human sexuality, birth control, or abortion. We feel our role is to help Girl Scouts develop self-confidence and good decision-making skills that will help them make wise choices in all areas of their lives. We believe parents and caregivers, along with schools and faith communities, are the primary sources of information on these topics.
Parents/caregivers make all decisions regarding their girl’s participation in Girl Scout program that may be of a sensitive nature. As a volunteer leader, you must get written parental permission for any locally planned program offering that could be considered sensitive. Included on the permission form should be the topic of the activity, any specific content that might create controversy, and any action steps the girls will take when the activity is complete. Be sure to have a form for each girl and keep the forms on hand in case a problem arises. For activities not sponsored by Girl Scouts, find out in advance (from organizers or other volunteers who may be familiar with the content) what will be presented, and follow your council’s guidelines for obtaining written permission.
Law Enforcement at Girl Scout Activities
We are dedicated to making Girl Scouts a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for all families. While the likelihood of law enforcement actions happening at Girl Scout activities is low, many in our communities are facing heightened challenges, which can cause fear and anxiety for children and adults. The following guidance is designed to prepare and inform adults on how to support girls during this time and keep participants safe if they encounter law enforcement actions at Girl Scout activities.
Supporting Your Girl Scouts
The best way to support Girl Scouts and their families during times of heightened fear and anxiety is to be compassionate and reinforce the sense of community and support within the troop. Caring adults can encourage kindness and support while respecting privacy.
- Create a Safe and Supportive Environment!
- Ensure confidentiality when families share their experiences and avoid asking intrusive questions. Engage appropriately based on existing relationships with affected families.
- Provide safe spaces within Girl Scout meetings where girls can share their feelings through storytelling, art, or journaling.
- Lead with Compassion & Empathy
- Let the family and child lead the conversation and respect their comfort level in sharing.
- Ensure your communications are appropriate for the depth of your relationship with the person.
- Acknowledge the emotional difficulty of the situation.
- Avoid retraumatizing phrases (e.g., “This must be devastating” or “I’m sorry this happened to you”).
- Instead, use empowering language (e.g., “We are here for you” or “You are an important part of our Girl Scout family”).
- Avoid making assumptions about a person's immigration status or situation.
- Ensure confidentiality and provide a judgment-free space.
- Focus on Support & Stability
- Reinforce that Girl Scouts is a safe and inclusive space for all girls.
- Provide reassurance that the child and family are not alone and that resources are available.
- Encourage troop solidarity and peer support
- Foster Inclusivity & Belonging
- Promote a welcoming troop culture where all girls feel valued.
- Encourage Girl Scout leaders to check in with girls regularly to identify any challenges.
- Celebrate cultural diversity by incorporating multicultural activities, heritage appreciation events, and immigrant success stories into troop meetings. Suggested activities:
- Build Resilience Through Leadership & Empowerment
- Provide leadership opportunities for impacted girls to build confidence and self-advocacy skills.
- Host empowerment workshops on overcoming adversity, self-care, and civic engagement.
Responding to Law Enforcement Actions
In the event of law enforcement actions during a Girl Scout activity, we have compiled the following guidance on keeping Girl Scouts safe. Please note that these recommendations do not constitute legal advice.
- Stay Calm: Maintain a professional demeanor and avoid confrontations with law enforcement agents.
- Know Your Rights and Responsibilities: Review the resources from the Oregon Department of Justice, Know Your Rights if ICE Comes to Your Community, and Community Toolkit for more information on your rights and how to respond.
- Ask to See a Judicial Warrant, and Take a Photo of It: No one, including law enforcement agents, can enter a private area of a business without permission or a judicial warrant signed by a judge, unless one of several limited exceptions applies, such as an emergency. For more information on how to tell the difference between judicial warrants and administrative warrants, reference Oregon Law Help Judicial Warrants and Immigration Warrants.
- Public Areas vs. Private Areas: Public areas are those commonly accessible to the public, for example, a lobby or waiting area, a parking lot, or a dining area in a restaurant. Private areas are those not commonly accessible to the public, including areas marked as "Private" or behind locked doors.
- Maintain Confidentiality: No one is required to disclose information to law enforcement without consulting an attorney. Do not share information about any other person, including staff, volunteers, youth Girl Scouts, and other members, without consent from the person or their legal guardian if they are minors. Only Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington's CEO may authorize the sharing of confidential information about staff or members with a third-party entity, including law enforcement.
- Maintain Volunteer Presence with All Youth Girl Scouts: If law enforcement agents are looking for a particular youth, contact their caregiver immediately to let them know what’s happening.
- Provide Emotional Support to Girl Scouts: Law enforcement actions at Girl Scout events can be a scary situation, especially for youth who may not understand what's going on. Caring adults can help support Girl Scouts by maintaining composure, providing reassurance, talking to children about what's happening using age-appropriate language, validating their feelings, giving clear guidelines on what they can expect, and providing clear guidance on the behaviors expected of them. Find more information and resources on Girl Scouts Raising Awesome Girls page and the UNODC's guide Caring for Your Child in Crisis Situations.
- Contact Caregivers of all Youth Immediately to let them know what's happening.
- If a caregiver has been detained by law enforcement, contact the youth's emergency contact.
- Notify Girl Scout Staff On Site as Soon as Possible: If staff are not available, please call Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington at 1-800-338-5248 from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM on weekdays or use our emergency line (1-800-626-6543) at all other times.
- Do Not Speak to the Media: Direct them to contact GSOSW directly at 1-800-626-6543.
- For Activities at Girl Scout Service Centers and Properties:
- At GSOSW properties, only the CEO can grant permission to enter private areas or share information about any members or staff. If law enforcement agents request permission to enter private areas of a GSOSW property, please contact the CEO as soon as possible at 1-800-338-5248 from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM on weekdays or use our emergency line (1-800-626-6543) at all other times.
- Volunteers at GSOSW properties should inform law enforcement agents that the agents are not authorized to enter private areas, that they (the volunteer) are not authorized to permit entry to private areas, and direct them to contact the CEO. If law enforcement agents try to enter a private area, volunteers should say: “This is a private area. You cannot enter without a judicial warrant signed by a judge.”
- If law enforcement agents claim to have a judicial warrant, ask to see the warrant, and take a photo of it. To the best of your ability, confirm the warrant is legitimate.
- Ask the law enforcement agents to wait in the public area away from youth Girl Scouts while you contact the CEO at 1-800-338-5248 from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM on weekdays or use our emergency line (1-800-626-6543) at all other times.
Additional Resources
- ACLU: Know Your Rights provides an overview of immigrants’ rights and how to reduce risk in different scenarios, including traffic stops, home raids, and arrests near the border.
- Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC): Rapid Response Toolkit for advocates to prepare for and respond to immigration raids in their communities.
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Know Your Rights Toolkit resources for advocates and community members, including Know Your Rights, red cards, family preparedness plans, and a train-the-trainer toolkit to support advocates in holding a Know Your Rights presentation in your community.
- Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC): Resources for Families Facing Deportation and Separation a compilation of guides and resources to protect parental rights; includes information about family separation due to detention and deportation, safety planning, and child welfare for families facing deportation.
- ZERO TO THREE: Supporting Young Children Experiencing Separation and Trauma: Resources for Adults Who Care for Them includes resources for families and caregivers working with children who have experienced trauma, including a state-by-state directory of infant and early childhood mental health specialists who have volunteered to field inquiries and make connections to resources and clinicians.
- Racial Equity Support Line - Portland, Oregon: A safe, nonjudgmental space for people of color to get support for the challenges you face. Talk about what's on your mind or what you're going through with another person of color.
- Youth Era: Through virtual support, live peer support on Twitch, drop in centers, crisis response, and peer training, Youth ERA provides a variety of mental health services to youth.
- Oregon Department of Human Services : Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement: About Us : State of Oregon
- Immigration Legal Services - Catholic Charities of Oregon: Immigration Legal Services: Offers free legal immigration services to qualifying clients, including consultations and representation.
- Equity Corps of Oregon: Provides free civil legal services, including immigration assistance, to low-income residents across Oregon.
- Informed Immigrant: Offers resources for managing mental health for immigrants and their families, including directories of culturally competent therapists.
- Family-Focused Activity Book: Family Forever: An Activity Book for Latino Children is designed to help children process the deportation of a family member, suitable for use in therapy sessions or at home. Links to many helpful resources.
Report Concerns
There may be times when you worry about the health and well-being of individuals in your group. Alcohol, drugs, sex, bullying, abuse, depression, and eating disorders are some of the issues they may encounter. You are on the frontlines of their lives which places you in a unique position to identify a situation in which they may need help. If you believe someone is at risk of hurting themself or others, your role is to promptly bring that information to the parent/caregiver or the council so they can get the expert assistance they need. Your concern about their well-being and safety is taken seriously and your council will guide you in addressing these concerns.
Here are a few signs that could indicate someone needs expert help:
- Marked changes in behavior or personality (for example, unusual moodiness, aggressiveness, or sensitivity).
- Declining academic performance and/or inability to concentrate.
- Withdrawal from school, family activities, or friendships.
- Fatigue, apathy, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Increased secretiveness.
- Deterioration in appearance and personal hygiene.
- Eating extremes, unexplained weight loss, distorted body image/efforts to hide their body.
- Tendency toward perfectionism (i.e. mistakes are considered unacceptable, unwillingness to start or try something for fear of failure, belief there is only one way to do something).
- Giving away prized possessions; preoccupation with the subject of death.
- Unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns, or fractures.
- Avoidance of eye contact or physical contact.
- Excessive fearfulness or distrust of adults.
- Abusive behavior toward other children, especially younger ones, or animals.
Mandatory Reporter: Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
All GSOSW employees and volunteers are Mandatory (a.k.a. Mandated) Reporters. The duties of a Mandatory Reporter apply at all times, including outside of Girl Scout activities.
As a Mandatory Reporter, if you believe you have observed signs of child abuse or neglect, you are required to report this to the authorities as soon as possible, within 24 hours. To make a report, follow the steps outlined in the document below.
- Mandatory Reporter: Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
- Notify GSOSW that a report has been filed using this online form.
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