New Volunteer FAQ
Are you looking for a long-term commitment or do you have just a little bit of time to share? We can use your assistance supporting girls and the adults who help girls. Visit the Working with Adults and Working with Girls sections at left to see some of the options. The steps to becoming a volunteer with GSSEM include:
1. Fill out the volunteer application:
Printable version - Print out and complete in ink
Fillable version - Save to your system, type in the fields, then print
2. Print and complete the DHS background check form.
- In the box labeled "I would like the results mailed to" just check Volunteer Agency - we will add our complete contact information.
- The form requires your actual signature, and is a pdf from the state of Michigan, so we cannot edit it - please do NOT mail directly to DHS, nor email or fax to us - mail only!
3. Make a copy of your Driver's License or State of Michigan ID.
4. Mail all forms to: GSSEM - ADVS Department, 3011 W Grand Blvd, 500 Fisher Bldg, Detroit MI 48202.
(Please do not submit your information more than one time - in the interest of saving resources - both paper and time!)
Background checks are done with ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) from the State of Michigan and the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website through the US Department of Justice, as well as separately through Department of Human Services.
5. We highly recommend the GSVO-Girl Scout Volunteer Orientation, which is available On-line - see the tab at left for full information about the class, and begin your personal leadership journey with us! For some positions, this is training is required, but we think it is invaluable for all volunteers!
Q: How much will it cost me to be a Girl Scout volunteer?
A: Women and men over the age of 18, not enrolled in high school, can join Girl Scouts as adult or lifetime members. Annual dues are $12. Girl Scout uniforms are not required for girls or adults. However, related expenses such as personal transportation, program event fees and uniforms are discretionary and fall under the responsibility of the volunteer.
Q: Do I have to become a Girl Scout to volunteer?
A: We encourage all adults associated with GSSEM to join Girl Scouting and support GSUSA. Violunteers in certain roles must register - those serving as leaders or co-leaders, or handiling money or product, such as treasurers or product sale managers, for example. If you come in to help us just for one meeting, no you don't "have to" join - but why not? Pay your $12 and be a part of the nations largest girl-centered organization!
Q: Can I volunteer to be a Girl Scout troop leader?
A: Yes, you can! Sharing the leadership role with at least one other adult volunteer, you can lead a group of girls as a troop leader. Basic training classes will provide you with troop leadership skills, while monthly service unit meetings will keep you informed of Council happenings and program information. In addition, you can select the age level you wish to work with and the troop’s meeting place, day and time.
Q: My personal time is limited. Can I still be a Girl Scout volunteer?
A: Yes. We have volunteer opportunities for everyone, whether you have an hour a week, month or year, we will be able to find a volunteer opportunity that is right for you. Any amount of your time will help us help girls.
Q: Are new volunteers trained for their volunteer positions?
A: Yes. We ask all new volunteers to take GSVO - Girl Scout Volunteer Orientation. This nationally consistent web-based orientation covers information about the Girl Scout mission, traditions, and history, as well as about our founder, Juliette Low. It also reviews the Promise and Law, girl/adult partnership, and helpful resources available to new volunteers. The course is available in English or Spanish on line, via a DVD for at-home use, or we can arrange to run the DVD for a group. Based on the volunteer's placement, additional training may be necessary. If so, our volunteer manager will inform you of the training/learning requirements, schedule, and learning methods available. Evidence of satisfactory completion is forwarded to a volunteer manager.
Q: Do Girl Scouts run background checks on their volunteers?
A: Yes. Protecting the girls and young women in our care as well as the Girl Scout Movement is top priority, and screenings and checks are integral parts of our due diligence process and risk management policy. Background screening is the process of authenticating the information supplied by an applicant on his or her application and during interviews. At Girl Scouts, the screening of volunteers (and employees) includes background checks, which are performed by independent, third-party agencies.
Q: Who must submit a volunteer appliction and have the background checks completed?
A. At this time, new volunteers who will be Leaders (01) or Co-leaders (02) must complete the background check. Returning leaders are “grand-mothered” in – assuming they did that procedure previously.
Q: What happens when you select new volunteers?
A: If the interview and background screening results are successful, we will notify volunteer candidates of their appointment.
Q: What girl program level is best for me?
A: Younger girls? Older girls? You make the choice…
- Girl Scout Daisy, grades Kindergarten and 1
- Girl Scout Brownie, grades 2 and 3
- Girl Scout Junior, grades 4 and 5
- Girl Scout Cadette, grades 6, 7 and 8
- Girl Scout Senior, grades 9 and 10
- Girl Scout Ambassador, grades 11 and 12
Q: Do men have a place in Girl Scouts?
A: Certainly! Every volunteer and staff position in Girl Scouts is open to qualified men, as well as women.
Q: Are there volunteer opportunities for corporate employee groups?
A: Yes. Corporate employees can request special girl projects related to their industry or profession. Such projects may include a fashion workshop sponsored by a group of individuals specializing in design; a series of math and science workshops sponsored by a group of engineers; or a money management program sponsored by a group of financial consultants.
Q: How do I get started as a Girl Scout volunteer?
A: On the application (link above), be as specific as possible as to your availability and how you would like to be involved. For questions, please contact Linda Morrell at 313.870.2534, or 800.482.6734, ext 2248.