The Faith Based Initiative (FBI) is a strategy for growth and retention. Faith based units last longer and participants advance farther. The FBI is an approach to developing collaborative partnerships between local Girl Scout councils and congregations.
Girl Scouts: How FBI helps GSUSA
The Faith Based Initiative is a way for local Girl Scout Councils to approach faith communities and collaborate together to benefit girls and young women. The FBI believes that when Girl Scout councils work intentionally with local congregations, not only do girls benefit, but both organizations can be strengthened. The FBI helps Girl Scout councils understand how Girl Scouting can benefit faith communities and grow the membership and ministry of local congregations. Much of the resources that P.R.A.Y. develops are to encourage this type of collaboration.
Faith Communities: How FBI helps Congregations
FBI helps congregations embrace Girl Scouting as ministry (and not just as another group that meets in the basement). Congregations are helped to understand how Girl Scouting provides opportunities not only for spiritual growth but also for evangelism. Girl Scouting is presented as an intergenerational ministry connecting young people with older adults. Churches also understand how Girl Scouting provides a service to the neighborhood and larger community through its many service initiatives.
Religious Recognitions: The Linchpin Connecting Girl Scouting and Churches
The Religious Recognitions programs connect Girl Scouting with the church. Understanding Religious Recognitions - who creates them, how to promote them, what resources are available - is critical to the FBI.