PART
I

SECTION
2

A presentation made in this type of group setting is an excellent way to get a feel for which organizations are interested in working with the Girl Scouts.

Regardless of the selection process, Girl Scout councils need to articulate the reasons why specific organizations were chosen and list specific goals and objectives to help the partnerships succeed.

Preparing the Presentation to the Religious Institution

Become familiar with the religious institution
• Learn the terminology and specific language used in the targeted religion/denomination especially in addressing religious leaders (e.g. pastor, minister, priest, rabbi, elder, etc.) and in referring to the house of worship (e.g. church, synagogue, ward, congregation, etc.).

• Determine the best person to contact. Is it the clergy, president of the congregation, the leader of the women’s group or the youth department? Finding the right person is critical.

• Read several of the most recent newsletters and talk to some of the members to become knowledgeable of the organization’s activities and programs and to learn how the organization serves its membership and the community. This will help gain insight into where the opportunities for partnership exist.

Present Girl Scouting to the Religious Institution

  Instead of making a generic presentation of the Girl Scout program, address the specific needs of the religious institution and explain how the Girl Scout program can help meet them. Take advantage of the information gained about the religious institution to tailor your presentation. Do not overlook the importance of presenting the Girl Scout program from the standpoint of the local religious institution. This will make a statement on how much the council wants to work with that particular organization. If a religious institution is interested in daycare, reaching out to disadvantaged youth, or supplementing its existing youth program, highlight specific aspects of the Girl Scout program that will address these concerns.

Present the Religious Recognitions Program to the Religious Institution

• Emphasize that spiritual beliefs are integral to the Girl Scout movement. The Preamble to the Constitution of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. states that Girl Scouts are “united by a belief in God” and that the “motivating force in Girl Scouting is a spiritual one.” Reaffirm that Girl Scouting encourages girls and young women to grow stronger in their faith.

• Stress that the religious recognitions programs (the curriculum and recognition items) are created by the national religious organizations, and not by the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

I-8

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