WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9–SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Girl Scouts University (GSU) enriches the professional and career development of adults affiliated with the Girl Scout Movement. Expanded specifically for the 2011 National Council Session, GSU @ Convention will feature three learning tracks – I Love Girl Scouting, Leadership Development, and Board Governance. Each learning track is tailored to specific audiences, including volunteers, parents, alumnae, staff, and board members.
Designed to educate and inspire, these learning experiences will unfold in settings conducive to small-group discussions and interaction. In some seminars, practical information and resources that inform council work will be shared, while other sessions will demonstrate how storytelling and the arts can enliven the Girl Scouting experience.
Here are the sessions we’ll be offering in Houston:
I Love Girl Scouting Track
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9–SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12Designed for volunteers, parents, alumnae, and staff – in short, designed for adults who love Girl Scouting!
Journeys and The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for Younger Girls. Girl Scout journeys help girls grow and develop as leaders. The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting helps them learn specific skills by doing badges. Together, Journeys and the Girl's Guide are the heart of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This session helps parents and volunteers find out what girls learn and how much fun they have by exploring these materials for Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies and Juniors.
Journeys and The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for Older Girls. Girl Scout journeys help girls grow and develop as leaders. The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting helps them learn specific skills by doing badges. Together, Journeys and the Girl's Guide are the heart of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This session helps parents and volunteers find out what girls learn and how much fun they have by exploring these materials for Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.
Your Leadership Story. How do you inspire a girl? Join us for a lively conversation about living with purpose and the impact that Girl Scout volunteers have on the girls they lead.
What the Girls Are Learning. Are you curious about what the girls are learning at the Girl Scout Leadership Institute? Come get a taste of it all as we explore how to partner more effectively with girls—especially in a Girl Led, Learning-by-Doing, Cooperative Learning way!
The 21st Century Volunteer. The traditional Girl Scout troop is now just one of many ways that volunteers can connect with girls. This session explores some of the exciting new roles for volunteers and how innovative councils are supporting them. Consider it a preview of the flexible, multi-faceted Girl Scouts of the future.
Storytelling Workshops. Nothing carries forward the traditions of Girl Scouts like stories. This program will bring out your inner storyteller – in person or through digital media. After learning story theory and practical techniques, you'll create a story to share online and have the chance to tell it live in the Exhibit Hall. Each session has a different spin: Juliette Gordon Low stories; inspiring Girl Scout stories of all kinds; and capturing/publishing stories online.
How to Plan a (Dance) Flash Mob. The Girl Scout Council of Nation's Capital choreographed a dance flash mob (to Melinda Caroll's new song, Ignite) to call attention to Girl Scouts Rock the Mall: 100th Anniversary Sing-Along. Come learn the ins and outs of orchestrating a flash mob while you also learn this special routine… and be prepared to use it back home to build excitement for the Girl Scouts Rock the Mall: 100th Anniversary Sing-Along!
Song Leaders' Workshop, Practice Session, and Flash Mob Experience. In this three-part series, learn to lead fellow Girl Scouts in song. Participants will design a song program, rehearse it, and then, in an unannounced "flash mob" style, perform for one and all in the Exhibit Hall on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Space is limited! See registration details.
Leadership Development Track
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 AND THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10Designed for board members, senior leaders, and council staff.
Courageous Leadership Moments. This interactive theater experience brings challenging moments in Girl Scouting to life. Professional actors role-play short scenes and participants are encouraged to uncover motivations and develop alternate endings. In addition, participants engage in skill-building activities with their own table groups.
Harnessing the Power of Your Multi-Generational Workforce. Take a look around your workplace. There are, for the first time, four generations working together. What are some of the advantages of a diverse workforce? What are some of the challenges? Most importantly, how can you harness the power of your own workforce? Together, we will explore ways to build and engage in high-performing, multi-generational teams in Girl Scouting.
Unleash Creativity. Sparking creativity will help keep Girl Scouts vital in a new century of rapid change. In this session, participants practice several tools that unlock creativity and promote new thinking. Participants will get first-hand experience with mind mapping, brainstorming, Six Thinking Hats and identifying environmental factors that support breakthrough.
Space is limited! See registration details.
Board Governance Track
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 OR THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10Designed for council CEOs, board chairs, board members, board development committee members, and fund development committee members
Building Strong Boards for Greater Philanthropic Impact. Based on the premise that a strong board is essential to effective fund-raising, this one-day, interactive seminar begins with a close look at board recruitment, structure, operations, and culture. It concludes with tips and action-planning resources for engaging board members in fund-raising efforts. This session is offered twice—on Wednesday, November 9, and Thursday, November 10. Councils are required to attend as intact teams of two to six people. Registration of the intact council team will be coordinated through the council-designated Convention Representative. Learn more about this course (PDF).Space is limited! See registration details.