Frequently Asked Questions:

On August 27, 2006, the National Board of Directors approved the jurisdictional realignment of Girl Scout councils across the country. This action by the National Board supports the realignment of 312 councils into 109 high-performance, community–based councils, one of the primary goals of the Core Business Strategy.

This change was made with the goal of creating a streamlined infrastructure that will facilitate the greatest impact on girls’ lives nationwide and to be able to deliver on the promise of our mission: to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

Why are the Girl Scouts realigning councils?

The national organization is reorganizing councils to create the infrastructure necessary to prepare for the future of the Movement. This realignment will result in the optimal impact on leadership development for the largest number of girls and significantly increase the number of volunteers participating in Girl Scouting.

Why has the Girl Scouts decided to change now?

Girl Scouts of the USA has recently adopted a business strategy to build more strength throughout the Girl Scout Movement. As part of this initiative, councils throughout the country are realigning their boundaries to make the most effective use of their resources and to offer increased program opportunities to even more girls. In Nebraska the five councils will become one statewide new high-performance Girl Scout council.

Isn’t this all happening really fast?

GSUSA has been considering realignment for several years, and began the process during the summer of 2005. Current council jurisdictions are nearly 40 years old. Two nationally known demographers developed the new resource map based on the changes of shifting populations, economic centers, and transportation patterns. The realignment timeline will vary across the country, but Nebraska hopes to establish the new statewide council by May 2008.

Who is making the decisions about the formation of the new council?

Each of the five Nebraska councils appointed three members to the statewide Council Realignment Committee (CRC). This committee has been meeting since May of 2007 to build the blueprint of the new council. There are ten sub-committees working in various operational and governance areas who will make specific recommendations to the CRC for approval.

Is the restructuring due to a lack of funding?

While each of the Nebraska councils is fiscally sound, the Nebraska realignment will join all the local resources to create a premium, revitalized council from which to serve Girl Scouts in the state. The restructuring, along with an updated Program model, will demonstrate just how relevant and critical Girl Scouting is to today’s girls and make it easier for potential donors to see the full impact of their support.

Are the Girl Scouts restructuring due to a lack of girls joining and/or a lack of volunteers?

Girl Scouting is restructuring to create high-capacity councils in every region, including Nebraska’s. The goal is to provide girls and volunteers from all over Nebraska with the best experience possible. The CRC is confident that the combined experiences will allow the state to welcome more girls and enable current and new volunteers to create a more impactful and flexible leadership development experience.

With realignment taking place, should we continue our normal routine?

Definitely. The actual changes are still some time away. For now, it is business as usual; providing great programs for girls. Currently all five councils in Nebraska are sharing their programs throughout state. Girls and parents can simply go to one of the five council websites and click on statewide programs link.

What will be the name of the new council and what is the new jurisdiction?

The new council name will be Girl Scouts – Spirit of Nebraska. The name won’t take effect until the merger is complete on May 1, 2008. The Council Realignment Committee arrived at this name after careful consideration of GSUSA guidelines.

The five current councils combined have served 92 out of 93 Nebraska counties. In addition, the Omaha council, Great Plains, has served the small town of Carter Lake, Iowa. As part of the realignment process, these areas with the exception of Dakota County in Nebraska will encompass the Spirit of Nebraska Council. The new council will serve more than 19,000 girls and 6,000 adult volunteers, with the potential for even greater numbers.

Will there be one CEO and one Board of Directors for the new council?

Yes. The CEO Search Sub-Committee will recommend the most qualified candidate for the CEO position. The Governance and Transitional Nominating Sub-Committees will recommend the new board composition. The new council representatives will be committed to all girls in Nebraska, so decisions on strategic planning and operations will also be influenced by volunteer and girl voices.

Once the new council is formed, does that mean board meetings and council events will take place only in the metropolitan areas leaving the rural areas disadvantaged?

Absolutely not. The new council by-laws and governance structure will ensure that all areas, rural and urban are equally represented. The CRC is committed to ensuring that opportunities for participation in governance and operations will be provided to all membership across the state.

How can I provide input into the process?

Your comments, questions and ideas are always welcome. Currently this website is in the process of creating a contact us page designed to give you the opportunity to post questions and ideas. Until this website is fully functional, you are invited to contact your council CEO or board chair.

Parent Questions:

How will my daughter’s Girl Scout troop be affected?

Your daughter will remain in the same troop she is in, or as always, may choose to join a new troop at the end of the membership year. The current troop number may change, as there may be duplication of troop numbers, but the most exciting immediate news is that the new council will be pooling volunteer and staff resources. This change will enable us to increase the number of program events offered and the locations we can offer them in, and it will afford all girls the chance to meet more Girl Scouts.

What can girls and their parents expect as a result of the changes?

Girls have asked for unique experiences that reflect their current needs and interests. Parents can expect Girl Scouting to utilize a new approach that is girl-led and girl-driven. This approach will offer girls a unique leadership development opportunity that will provide skills they need for a lifetime of personal and civic achievement. Girls can expect new and exciting activities at each new age level,

How will this affect which camps and properties my daughter attends?

The best news is that we will be able to offer more events, in more locations, and will be able to provide new offerings that give girls the opportunity to meet more friends.

Will there be more than one Service Center? What will happen to camp properties and council shops?

Facilities will be maintained to deliver programs to all currently registered girls and volunteers. All properties and services centers of the existing five councils will be transferred to Girl Scouts – Spirit of Nebraska for use by all the Girl Scouts in the state. As part of its strategic responsibility, the new council’s board will evaluate all the properties and service centers to determine what will best serve the girls in the new jurisdiction.

How will the Girl Scout cookie sales change?

The Girl Scout Cookie Program will remain the premier Business and Economic Literacy Program for girls. All Girls Scouts who want to will be able to take part. The cookie program that your daughter is familiar with will not change for the 2008 sale. While some changes may occur in the cookie program in 2009, those decision have not yet been made.

Will I have to buy a new council name patch for my daughter’s vest now?

You will not need to replace the council ID strip immediately; you can do it at your convenience. The most logical time to replace it is the next time your daughter bridges to a new program level. The new ID strip can be a source of pride as a symbol of belonging to the new council and will be available for the 2008-2009 membership year.

Volunteer Questions

Where will meetings and trainings be held?

The practice of conducting trainings at various locations throughout the council jurisdiction will continue. New opportunities in different locations, online workshops and services, and more, will be enhanced.

Can we expect the same level of quality programming and staff assistance to volunteers that our own current council provides?

Yes! Girl programming and volunteer support will be the key focus during the discussions of the CRC. Nationwide, the goal is to create a program model that defines activities and outcomes, reaches underserved groups and provide consistent Girl Scout experiences and outcomes. The goal for volunteerism is to make joining easy, provide continuous learning opportunities, show appreciation, serve in flexible ways, and reach desired outcomes with girls. These will be priorities for all councils regardless of current or future changes in service area.