Get GSSJC Gold Award Project Guide 2019-2024

Reminder Only digital documents are accepted as of January 1 2016 GSSJC Gold Award Project Guide For questions about the Gold Award contact 3110 Southwest Fwy. Houston TX 77098 713-292-0300 goldaward sjgs.org http //www.gssjc*org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-program/highest-awards/gold-award.html Revised Dec* 2015 Table of Contents ATTENTION The Gold Award is going paperless in support of becoming more environmentally friendly. Please note that beginning January 1 2016 this is the ONLY format in which submissions will be accepted by Council* For questions please email goldaward sjgs.org or call 713-292-0209. Introduction*...................................................................................................................................................................................pg. 3 A Brief History of Girl Scouts Highest Award......................................................................................................................pg. 3 Gold Award Prerequisites...........................................................................................................................................................pg. 3 Gold Award Eligibility...................................................................................................................................................................pg. 4 Standards of Excellence.............................................................................................................................................................pg. 4 Girl Scout Gold Award Steps.....................................................................................................................................................pg. 5 Step 1 Attend Gold Award Orientation*................................................................................................................................pg. 5 Step 2 Choose an Issue..............................................................................................................................................................pg. 5 Decision Making Tips.....................................................................................................................................................pg. 6 Interview Tips...................................................................................................................................................................pg. 6 Making Your Pitch............................................................................................................................................................pg. 7 Raising the Bar to Take Action*...................................................................................................................................pg. 7 Step 3 Investigate.........................................................................................................................................................................pg. 8 Mind-Mapping Tool*........................................................................................................................................................pg. 8 Step 4 Get Help*............................................................................................................................................................................pg. 9 Teaming Tips....................................................................................................................................................................pg. 9 Project Advisor Tips.......................................................................................................................................................pg. 9 Step 5 Create a Plan and Complete the Gold Award Application F-494c ..........................................................pg. 10 Project Planner...............................................................................................................................................................pg. 10 Planning and Budgeting Tips......................................................................................................................................pg. 11 Sustainability Tips.........................................................................................................................................................pg. 12 Step 6 Present Your Plan and Get Feedback....................................................................................................................pg. 13 Project Planning Checklist.........................................................................................................................................pg. 13 Gold Award Application Process.............................................................................................................................pg. 13 Step 7 Take Action*.....................................................................................................................................................................pg. 13 Step 8 Educate and Inspire.....................................................................................................................................................pg. 14 Sharing Tips.....................................................................................................................................................................pg. 14 Reflection Tool*..............................................................................................................................................................pg. 15 Step 9 Celebrate Your Accomplishment...........................................................................................................................pg. 15 Glossary..........................................................................................................................................................................................pg. 16 High Schools with Region*.........................................................................................................................................................pg. 17 Your Girl Scout Gold Award Team*........................................................................................................................................pg. 25 Gold Award Take Action Project............................................................................................................................................pg. 26 Impact Planning......................................................................................................................................................................... pg. 30 Leadership Outcomes.............................................................................................................................................................. pg. 31 Signatures......................................................................................................................................................................................pg. 32 Gold Award Project Activities.................................................................................................................................................pg. 33 Amendment Form*.....................................................................................................................................................................pg. 36 Since 1916 Girl Scouts highest award has stood for excellence and leadership for girls everywhere. Soon you will be joining the ranks of generations of young women who have made a difference in their communities and beyond. As a Girl Scout you are part of the sisterhood of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts a global movement comprised of more than 10 million girls worldwide who are using their talents to positively impact their communities. With your talent and passion you too can make changes in your community that can reach people around the world. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious award that Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can earn* Fulfilling the requirements for the Girl Scout Gold Award starts with completing two Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador Journeys or having earned the Girl Scout Silver Award and completing one Senior or Ambassador Journey. Each Journey you complete gives you the skills you need to plan and implement your Take Action project. After you have fulfilled the Journey s requirement 80 hours is the suggested minimum hours for the eight outlined steps identifying an issue investigating it thoroughly getting help and building a team creating a plan presenting your plan gathering feedback taking action and educating and inspiring others. The suggested minimum hours are not a rule - they are a guide for you to plan your time in achieving your goal* As a Gold Award recipient you re part of an elite group of women* Starting in 1916 the best and brightest undertook projects that improved their communities and the world. The Golden Eagle of Merit insignia marked the beginning of a long tradition of recognizing the extraordinary efforts of extraordinary girls. The name was changed shortly after to The Golden Eaglet then the Curved Bar and First Class before being renamed the Gold Award in 1980. For 100 years Girl Scouting s highest award has inspired girls to find the greatness inside themselves and share their ideas and passions with their communities. The Golden Eagle of Merit Curved Bar First Class The prerequisite for beginning work on your Gold Award is completing two Senior and/or Ambassador Journeys or if you earned your Silver Award completing one Senior or Ambassador Journey. Remember girls in 9th and 10th grades should work on Girl Scout Senior Journeys and girls in grades 11th and 12th grades should work on Girl Scout Ambassador Journeys. In order to count a Journey as a prerequisite for your Gold Award you must complete all the steps outlined to earn the award associated with the Journey. All Journeys completed as a Senior and as an Ambassador count equally toward your Gold Award. In other words you do not have to start over again when you bridge to Ambassadors. The following Journeys are currently available to earn Girl Scout Seniors It s Your World Change It It s Your Planet Love It It s Your Story Tell It GIRLtopia Sow What MISSION SISTERHOOD Girl Scout Ambassadors Your Voice Your World the Power of Advocacy Justin BLISS Live It Give It You must be in at least the 9th grade Girl Scout Senior to begin working on the prerequisite Journey s . You must attend a Gold Award Orientation offered by Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council* You must complete one Senior or Ambassador Journey prior to attending orientation* your application must be completed before any work begins on the Gold Award project. Approval from Council for your Final Report for your project must be completed no later than September 30 of the year you graduate from high school or by your 18th birthday whichever comes later. When you decide to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award you are on your honor to uphold the Standards of Excellence. These standards set a high benchmark for everything you do and invite you to think deeply explore opportunities and challenge yourself* Following the Standards of Excellence challenges you to develop yourself as a leader achieve the Girl Scout Leadership outcomes and make a mark on your community that creates a lasting impact on the lives of others. 1. Attend Gold Award Orientation* Attend a GSSJC Gold Award Orientation after completing one Senior or Ambassador Journey 2. Choose an issue use your values and skills to identify a community issue you care about. Live the Girl Scout Promise and Law Demonstrate civic responsibility 3. Investigate Research everything you can about the issue. Use a variety of sources interview people read books and articles find professional organizations online remember to evaluate each source s reliability and accuracy Demonstrate courage as you investigate your issue knowing that what you learn may challenge your own and others beliefs Identify national and/or global links to your community issue 4. Get help Invite others to support and take action with you beyond you Girl Scout troop and leaders. Please include people from your community and organization/cause you are supporting. Seek out and recognize the value of the skills and strengths of others Respect different points of view and ways of working Build a team and recruit a Project Advisor who will bring special skills to your Take Action project 5. Create a plan Create a project plan that achieves sustainable and measurable impact understanding that your plan may be sowing seeds for future projects or may provide education or basic skills that others will use in the future. Lead the planning of your Take Action project Work collaboratively to develop a plan for your project that creates lasting change 6. Present your plan and get feedback Sum up your project plan for your Girl Scout Council striving for clear concise and comprehensive documentation* Present your project application to your Gold Award Advisor and after taking your advisor s feedback into consideration submit an application that is clear Describe your plan including the Girl Scout Leadership Outcomes you want to achieve and the impact you plan to make on yourself and the community Articulate your issue clearly and explain why it matters to you Accept constructive suggestions that will help refine your project 7. Take action Take the lead and direct your team of volunteer to carry out your plan Take action to address the root cause of an issue so that your solution has measurable and sustainable impact Actively seek partnerships to achieve greater community participation and impact for your Take Action project Challenge yourself to try different ways to solve problems Use resources wisely Speak out and act on behalf of yourself and others 8. Educate and inspire Share what you have experienced with others. Reflect on what you learned when you present your Final Report to your advisor Summarize the effectiveness of your project and the impact it has had on you and your community Share the project beyond your local community and inspire others to take action in their own communities by publicizing your project in applicable publications Turn in your final paperwork for approval 9. Celebrate your accomplishment Take a moment to celebrate your own success and thank your team* Be sure to have a Gold Award Ceremony or attend the accomplishment Make sure to thank your team and anyone who helped with your project Stay organized and keep track of your ideas contact information appointments and plans with this project guide. This guide includes a Standards of Excellence Tracking Sheet tips planning guides and advice to help with each step of your Take Action project. Use these tools as you need them and don t forget that your Journey s include tools and ideas too complete one Senior or Ambassador Journey prior to attending orientation* Orientations are held once a month at the Council and are also offered as a home study online. Registration is available online. Upon completing orientation you will be given a list of Gold Award advisors - contact one Your Gold Award advisor will be one of your best guides throughout the duration of your project. Use your values and skills to choose a community issue that you care about. Check out the Decision-Making Tips on page 6. If you have more than one issue that inspires you interview others to help you decide. Practice making your pitch and see how it feels. You can also make a 15 second video write a bumper-sticker slogan brainstorm ideas with someone whom you trust or come up with another fun way to sum up why this issue is important to you. Keep in mind that your project must demonstrate leadership skills. Leadership is when you create and carry out your plan by teaching being in charge of and directing others. Service is when you follow instructions to carry out someone else s plan* Also consider the following criteria as you begin to choose an issue for your project Your Gold Award project cannot be within the Girl Scout community. The project cannot be Girl Scout award workshops day or twilight camps Community weekends or other Community events. other scouting organization* However any and all scouts are encouraged to assist you in your Gold Award Project. Projects cannot be a collection and/or donation without being part of a larger project. Projects must be wanted or needed by the community or a project you discern is needed* You are about to make a big decision that will have significant impact on your life and may even change it forever. Take some time to reflect and get inspired* Start with yourself* What inspires you Is it something in your school community country or the world What motivates you into action Is it people events activities places What skills talents and strengths do you have to offer How do you want to make a difference As an advocate for justice A promoter of environmental awareness As a trainer mentor or coach As an artist actor or musician As an organizer of petitions or campaigns As an entrepreneur Can you think of another role What would benefit the community both immediately and long-term Check back through your Girl Scout Journey s . What interested you that you might be able to translate into an award project Need some inspiration Search through these sites to see what others are doing to address issues in their community. United We Serve www.serve.gov Global Citizens Corps www.globalcitizencorps.org Global Youth Action Network www.youthlink.org Global Youth Service Day http //gysd.org/share Learn and Serve America www.learnandserve.gov Prudential www.spirit.prudential*com Taking IT Global www.tigweb.org United Nations Millennium Development Goals www.un*org/millenniumgoals World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts www.wagggs.org Youth Venture www.genv*net Find out what you need to prepare and conduct an interview. Make notes on what information you require from the interviewee in order to determine the need or viability of your project. 1. Making arrangements Deciding who you would like to interview contacting the person and setting up a date and time. 2. Preparation Gathering research and background information to help you formulate questions to ask the interview subject s . Use these sample interview questions to get you started and then add some of your own* If you need help choosing an issue you ll want to ask the following types of questions a* What are the biggest challenges/problems that you have faced or are facing b. What do you think is the root cause of these issues c* What will it take to address these issues d. Are there any resources available to do that e. What do you consider to be the strengths of the community If you ve already chosen an issue move ahead to the interview. 3. Conducting the interview Bring a notebook to take notes. Here are some tips a* Find a quiet place where you ll have each other s full attention* Agree to turn off your cell phones. b. Start by thanking the interviewee for her/his time and then briefly describe your project. c* Keep questions simple and related to the issue at hand. Do your research. Preparation is key d. Ask the person you interview if she or he would like to hear more about your project as it develops. e. Ask the interviewee about the viability and logistics of your project. f* Send a thank-you note to everyone you interview within a week of the interview. Mention the possibility of a follow-up interview. 4. Reviewing information and setting up a possible follow-up interview Your interview is over. Now what You have to sift through to find the information that s relevant to what you are working on* If there are some gaps that you need to fill contact your interview subject s to get more information and to find out whether or not you have your facts correct. Remember to check and re-check your facts. You ve seen advertisements and most times you even remember the slogans. What makes them memorable It could be because they re clever or catchy or funny. Now that you ve chosen your issue think of a way that you can let people know about it. You should be able to describe the issue you ve chosen in about 15 seconds. Here are some tips to help you do that. Make it memorable Develop a slogan that in a few words describes your project. What makes you remember the slogan in those commercials on TV How can you incorporate that into your pitch Target your audience Who are you trying to reach If you are aiming for kids think of a story or riddle that would relate this to them* Young kids love to rhyme. If you re reaching out to adults no cute stories Adjust your pitch accordingly. Think about your audience and try to tailor your pitch so that it connects with them* How you will help You ve gotten their attention with your story. Now tell them what your project will do to make their lives better. For some it may take some convincing for them to accept your proposal so the more prepared you are the better. Personalize it Why this project Why this target audience How will doing this make you a better person How will it help the target audience Do it Put it all together. Explain your idea in a short and motivating way that clarifies for you your potential team target audience and supporters. Remember 15 seconds. Go Service projects are an integral part of every Girl Scout s experience. Gold Award projects raise the bar to Take Action* So what s the difference between a service project and a Take Action project First let s explore service projects and their definition or purpose. Service projects have a beginning and an end and address an immediate need or concern* Now let s look at the definition of Take Action* Take Action projects have a root cause you can identify and address the root cause. After identifying the root cause of an issue you then design a sustainable project that addresses the root cause and works towards a measurable impact in the community. When you Take Action you lead your team* and make the community a better place for a longer time. Issue Short-Term Service Project Take Action Project People in the community are going hungry. Collecting and donating canned foods in a one-time collection drive. Working with the local food pantry to create recipes from the frequently distributed foods and implementing a community garden that the food pantry patrons can maintain and harvest food from* A local park is constantly strewn with litter. Organize a clean-up day to pick up trash. Install trash and recycling receptacles in the park and work with local community meetings to raise community-wide awareness for recycling and littering. A local transitional living center has seen a rise in the number of children in residence. Host a cupcake decorating day to give the children a fun afternoon* Working with staff at the shelter identify some of the reasons their clients are there and develop a series of programs and information to address those needs including educational needs of The community has seen an increase in the number of infants in the local hospital s NICU. Organize a group of volunteers to make no-sew blankets and knit hats for the babies. Brainstorm your own Take Action solution to this issue. Use your sleuthing skills to learn everything you can about the issue you ve identified* Zoom in on your issue to identify a specific aspect of it that you would like to address because focused effort has more impact than a big idea that s scattered* Log on Check news sites and the sites of organizations related to your issue. Explore how the media in other countries cover your issue. Note Before doing your on-line research take the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge at www.girlscouts. org/internet safety pledge.asp* Go to the library Find books that offer in-depth analysis about your issue read your local newspaper and look for magazine articles that offer different perspectives on your issue. Interview people Talk to your friends neighbors teachers business owners and others who can offer information or insights about the issue you ve chosen* Remember evaluate each source s accuracy and reliability. Remember begin to identify national and/or global links to your issue. Knowing the various causes of a problem enables you to figure out unique ways to solve it. Use the Mind- Mapping Tool in this guide to create a diagram that tracks a problem and its possible cause. Create your own mind-mapping diagram like the one shown here using one of the issues facing your community. Follow these instructions. Write the community issue in the middle of the paper or anywhere that works for you. Think about what some of the causes of this issue could be. In this example one of the main causes of car accidents is bad weather. Notice how many different causes connect from bad weather. Now try connecting the different causes you come up with to each other and to the main issue. How do the causes connect to each other Do you see a pattern This activity will help you come up with different ways to approach a problem as well as different ways you might go about addressing it. Can t see road signs Poor visibility Icy and slick roads Car Accidents Bad weather Distracted drivers Drunk driving Animals in roadway Using cell phones Invite other people to join your team to support your efforts and help you take action* Consider reaching out to classmates teachers friends and experts from organizations and businesses. Networking with people can make you a more effective leader. Also the more people you have behind you the more likely you will positively influence your community. You are the leader of your team plan your project motivate your team learn from others. Choose a project advisor a person with expertise in the topic of your Gold Award project. An advisor can help you identify resources provide insights solve problems and provide additional background information on your chosen issue. Think about the people who might be able to help you put your project into action* Choose people who will stick it out until the project is complete or who you can rely on to complete their assigned task. You don t have to limit your team to people your age or just Girl Scouts. Working in a group will help you make a bigger impact and cover more ground than you would on your own* It might be challenging at times but remember to always be honest and fair friendly and helpful considerate and caring and responsible for what you say and do. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you build your team* Promote a sense of trust and belonging Share ownership Clarify roles and responsibilities Communicate regularly and openly Respect diversity Have fun and be creative Be open to new ideas and different ways of working Keep learning and growing Here you ll find tips for selecting and working with your project advisor. Remember your project advisor cannot be members of your family or your teen advisor/troop leader. They may be good resources and sounding boards for your ideas and they can assist you by working under your direction but they cannot act as your project pdvisor. Reach out You ve figured out the issue you re going to address with your project. Now it s time to find an expert to help along the way and give you advice and suggestions. Ask your troop volunteer or your Gold Award advisor for suggestions. Then select a few people who are related to your issue area with whom you d like to work. Safety first Before you meet new people talk to your troop volunteer for some safety tips and do s and don ts. Make sure your family knows who you re talking to and meeting with. Ask Start with your first choice and if she or he can t help go to your next choice. Hint There may be many others who are willing to help Approach the people you selected one at a time. Introduce yourself by sending a brief letter or e-mail explaining what you re working on and the advice you would like. Give some background. Ask about time commitments and which way would be best to communicate. Say thanks When an individual accepts send her or him a thank-you note along with a brief description of your project and a list of areas where you think you ll need the most help* Think ahead when asking for help Before you compose an e-mail to or call your project advisor think about how you can simplify a problem you re having so that she or he can offer quick suggestions. Share your progress Make sure to update your project advisor periodically in a quick email or phone call about your progress and how her or his help is making your project better easier and so on* Celebrate together After your project is completed invite her or him to your Gold Award ceremony and/or your own celebration* Don t forget to send a thank-you note Remember This project is your vision your Gold Award. Choose someone with whom you want to work. Separate your project from personal relationships. You may fire team members including your project advisor at any time if they hamper the progress of your addresses the root cause of an issue produces impact that is measurable and sustainable is a local project that links to a national and/or global issue guide for ideas. Create a plan that outlines the best use of your time and talent your resources and your team s talents making the most with what you have that s your challenge Remember your project plan should be sustainable and measurable and the plan should be very detailed so detailed that someone else would be able to pick up the plan and execute the project. Work with your project advisor and Gold Award advisor to make sure your project reflects your leadership while addressing a community need* Note You will need to obtain a letter of permission on letterhead from the facility where you will be completing your Gold Award project. If you are working at more than one location you will need a permission letter from each location* Also if you are holding a collection or donation as a secondary part of your project you will also need a letter on letterhead from that location as well* Here are a few tips to help you lay out your project plan Set project goals What is your project Why does it matter Who will it help This is your target audience. The difference I intend to make in the world is These goals should be included in questions A and B on the Gold Award Application* If you are improving an area such as refurbishing a room or creating a garden etc* make sure to include the approximate size. If you are developing something to donate to an organization such as building compost bins or building bat houses etc* estimate and include the number that you plan to develop in your application* Steps to meet the goals List step-by-step what it will take to reach your goal* Be as specific as possible so that you can put together a timeline and draw on your team to help you reach your goals. Develop a timeline This will help you determine how much time should be allotted to each part of your project. After finalizing your steps and timeline include them in question D of the Gold Award Application* Be sure to be detailed in this section and highlight the steps that you will be utilizing your volunteers and how you will lead instruct organize teach and present. If you are holding an event workshop or volunteer work session include how long the activity will be and how many activities you plan to hold along with each volunteer s responsibilities during the event. Think about money-earning Brainstorm ways to finance your project and if needed speak with your Girl Scout troop volunteer to make sure that your ideas are in line with the Girl Scout policies. Remember you can make an impact without spending money by influencing policy and so on* Include your funding needs and plan in question F on the Gold Award Application* If you plan to cover project costs through in-kind donations make sure to include a back-up plan of how the project will be funded if the in-kind donations do not come to fruition* Establish a global link Consider how to connect your project to an issue that affects people in other parts of the country or the world. Describe this link in Question I of the Application* For good tips on how to establish a global link see examples in the Use the following questions to help you determine what you need and what you need to do. What is the goal that you would like to achieve with your project How do you plan to achieve this project goal What are the foreseeable obstacles Aside from your team troop volunteer and Project Advisor do you need anyone else to help with your project What supplies will you need If necessary how will you earn money or fundraise How will you measure your success as you go How will your project create lasting change and guidelines including Volunteer Essentials GSSJC Policies and Operating Procedures F-433 and Money-Earning Operating Procedures F-74 . Some funds may be available from your troop or Service Unit your family and close friends or your personal funds. Complete a Contribution Solicitation Request F-30 for a single donation of 250 or more. Account for all contributions and expenses. Remember all donations to a Gold Award project are not eligible for tax receipts. Any donations accepted are between you and the donor. Because donations to a Gold Award project are between you and the donor remember that GSSJC cannot provide you with a copy of our 501c 3 letter or our tax identification number for any reason* If you have any questions about moneyearning guidelines or soliciting in kind donations for your project please email goldaward sjgs.org. You May Solicit in-kind donations and accept donations of goods and services. You May Not Raise money for another group or organization or solicit cash donations including gift cards but you may accept them if offered* It s budget time Start by figuring out what you need and where you can get it for little or no cost if possible. If it s not possible think about how much it is going to cost and how you can cover those expenses. Many projects are feasible when you concentrate on the issue at hand. Use your influence and leadership skills to come up with ways that you can make a difference that might not include earning money. List the steps to achieve your goal What resources and materials will your need Where can you get the resources and materials How much will they cost cover these costs Does your plan sound doable If not take a step back and refocus. Try to find a different angle to pursue. Work with your troop volunteer Project Advisor Gold Award Advisor and Take Action team to find solutions to problems and obstacles that come up setting clear timelines collaborating with community organizations building alliances with adults and mentors and keeping good records. Sustainability may be achieved by influencing others to pitch in or providing education or exposing a group to something they have never or rarely experienced and from which they benefit. Here are some examples of sustainable projects. Example 1 Root cause No community composting or recycling program Take Action Create a food-waste composting program for the school Making the solution sustainable Work with school officials to find biodegradable plates and cups to use in the cafeteria* Work with town/state food waste officials to ensure the system is in place. Implement a plan in your school to separate their cafeteria waste into composting recycling and trash bins. Farmers can use the compost to fertilize crops improve the quality of the soil decrease soil runoff and so on* Get a commitment from school administrators to carry on when your project is complete. Making your project bigger national and/or global link Recruit students at schools in the area to develop the program for their schools and/or contact local and state officials about adopting the program* Global link Find out how people in other parts of the world deal with food waste in schools. What kinds of programs do they have in place How can you learn from this Root cause Lack of awareness and prevention Take Action Establish an awareness and prevention program Produce a short video that can be used in other communities with an online brochure outlining the steps to an awareness and prevention program* Share the video and on-line brochure with schools and community organizations. agencies community centers church/synagogue/mosque community centers or school district. Recruit a volunteer committee to design and implement various programs determining costs and long-term viability. Lead volunteers in going to the local schools to work with the children in a variety of subjects. Working with school and community officials and the volunteer committee implement a plan for carrying on the program after your involvement ends. their local elementary schools and/or contact local and state officials about adopting the program for the state or school district. after school* Determine their sources of funding the types of programs offered and how they got their start. Provide interactive activities in the atrium that tie directly into the school students curriculum* Make the activities something that also helps with the atrium s upkeep so the students are learning while maintaining the space. Provide the teachers with intuitive lessons and activities that can easily be incorporated with the existing lessons. the area and other schools across the country. Learn about similar projects in other schools across the country and observe their lesson plans including the plans for the space s upkeep* Fill out the Project Planning Checklist below to organize your thoughts and make sure you have everything you need before you submit your Gold Award Project Application form to your Gold Award advisor. Include what you ve learned why your project idea matters with whom you re teaming and your plan for making the project sustainable. Girl Scout Council approval is required before you can continue working on your project. Once your project is approved take a look at your Project Planner from Step 5. Do you have everything you need The answers to all of the questions below must be yes before you submit your plan to your Gold Award advisor for approval* Will your project demonstrate leadership skills Have you set your project goal and identified what you would like to learn Have your chosen your Take Action team Have you discussed the project with them Have you created a budget for the project Have you made a timeline for your project Does your project address a need in the local community and have you found national and/or global links Can your project be sustainable or have a lasting impact Once you answer yes to all the items on this checklist you re ready to submit your application* Contact your Gold Award advisor to discuss your project plans before you apply. your project and paperwork is complete. He/she will work with you to revise your project plan so that it meets national and local Gold Award standards. Contact him/her early so you have plenty of time to make revisions. When submitting your application to your advisor be sure that it is completed in full* Also include all applicable documents such as orientation/training cards and letters of permission/letters of donation or receipts. Applications must be submitted in one email by the 1st or the 15th of the month to be considered at an upcoming Gold Award Committee meeting. Email your paperwork in one message to your advisor Subject Line Gold Award Application* Note Applications can only be processed as PDFs downloaded from the GSSJC website. When submitting your application other attachments may include organizational permission/support letters and your orientation card. Keep attachments to a minimum ex. if you have have multiple letters combine them into one PDF document whenever possible . After review by the Gold Award Advisory Committee current money-earning guidelines. missing items are and you will have until the next deadline to submit those items so your application can be reviewed again* Lead your team carry out your plan* Use the tools you have developed in the previous steps and remember to check your Journey s for tips. If you hit a speed bump along the way learn from it and find ways to adjust your plan* Remember the following when executing your project Actively seek new volunteers to help you achieve your plan Be flexible when working with your people During Your Project Your project plan belongs only to you. You are in the leadership role so make sure your project reflects it. Your actual project should reflect all of the steps you listed in your timeline. If you have to significantly adjust your plan switch locations change project advisors etc* you must submit an volunteers. If you have a question about whether or not your change warrants an Amendment Form talk to your Gold Award advisor. Carry out your project plan and be sure to fill out your Activity Log F-494e as you go. The Activity Log is essential when you are completing your Final Report as it gives you an accurate picture of your activities and will allow your project advisor and Gold Award advisor to see that you completed all the steps of your project as outlined in your application* Tell your story and share your results. You can inspire someone who has never before considered taking action to do something Use the Reflection Tool in this guide to identify how this experience has affected you and how your views may have changed* Finally complete your Girl Scout Gold Award Final Report form which is a comprehensive account of what you ve done with whom you ve connected the lasting impact you ve made and what this experience has meant to you. Remember Did you follow your project plan Look at your Gold Award application and make sure you followed the main scope of your plan* Did your project plan substantively change If so did you file an Amendment Form to reflect the change If it doesn t match you need to contact your Gold Award advisor. Is your Activity Log detailed enough to reflect the activities that were necessary to complete your project Does your Final Report have all the appropriate signatures Once your feel that your Final Report and Activity Log are ready provide your Gold Award advisor with a copy of your Final Report including your Activity Log for review. After any necessary adjustments have been made submit your Final Report and Activity Log to your advisor in one email by the first of the month. Final Reports should be downloaded completed and saved as a PDF to then be emailed to your advisor. Make sure to send a copy to your project advisor and keep a copy for your file. When the Gold Award Advisory Committee meets to review your report they will approve it or may require you to complete additional work. Note Final Reports can only be processed as PDFs downloaded from the GSSJC website. Remember While initial applications are reviewed twice a month Final Reports are only reviewed once a month and are due on the first of the month. Please plan accordingly. It s time to tell others about what you did what you have learned and the impact you hope your project will have on its intended audience. Your story may inspire others to take action to do something to make their community better Here are a few suggestions for how you can demonstrate your project achievements and share what you learned Create a website or blog or join a social networking site Facebook Twitter etc* to post updates and details about your project and its impact on the national and/or global community. Visit forgirls.girlscouts.org/map-it-girls-changing-the-world/ - here you can add your project to the map showing all the awesome Bronze Silver and Gold Award projects girls have completed across the country Create a campaign that showcases your cause. Make buttons posters and flyers to let people know about your cause. Present what you have learned and what your project will do for the community at a workshop for community members. Make a video about the effects of your project. Post it online. Invite friends community leaders and people from organizations who are tracking the same or similar issue to take a look at it. Write an article for your local newspaper or create a newsletter about your project. Be seen in The Golden Link. To be included in an upcoming issue of The Golden Link you must submit the Gold Award Publicity Form that is provided to you in your final approval packet. Reflection is more than talking about your feelings it s about thinking critically solving problems and interpreting and analyzing the results of your experiences so you can gain a better understanding of who you are. After you complete your project take some time to assess yourself* Which values from the Girl Scout Promise and Law did you employ Which new leadership skills have you developed How are you better able to advocate for yourself and others How has your access to community resources and relationships with adults changed as a result of this experience How important has cooperation and team building been in developing your leadership skills What changes would you make if you were to do this project again Has this helped you get an idea of what your future career might be Now that you have planned developed and taken action on your project how are you better equipped to pursue future/ life goals Congratulations Celebrate Be sure to thank your Gold Award advisor your team and all the other people who helped you along the way. You can have a private Gold Award Ceremony attend a Council-wide ceremony or do both through April* For example girls who earned their Gold Award from May 2015 through April 2016 would be eligible to attend the May 2016 event. All girls who earned their Gold Award during that timeframe are eligible to attend. You can also attend the Statewide Gold Award Ceremony usually held within the first two weeks of June at the Capitol Building in Austin TX. The eligibility guidelines for the GSSJC Gold Award Recognition Event also apply to the Statewide Gold Award Ceremony. Things to Remember guidelines. 2. If your project involves an event you must take Event Planning for Girls. Call the Gold Award Staff Advisor at 713-2920300 or email goldaward sjgs.org to get the home study. There is no cost for this home study. 3. Start the Gold Award application process early. Don t wait until you are a senior in high school* Remember the GAAC meets twice a month. Applications are due on the 1st of the month for review at the committee meeting on the second Sunday and the 15th of the month for review at the committee meeting on the fourth Tuesday. Incomplete applications will automatically be moved to the next deadline until they are complete. 4. Create your personal timeline for accomplishing the nine steps as outlined in the Standards of Excellence Tracking Sheet. 6. Meet with your teen advisor/troop leader to discuss your plans. 7. Scholarship and Ceremony deadlines if you want to attend the GSSJC Gold Award Recognition Event the Statewide Gold Award Ceremony or apply for the Emerald Circle or Statewide Gold Award Scholarships please keep the following cut off dates in mind February Final Reports and Activity Logs must be in by the first of the month to be eligible for the Emerald Circle April Final Reports and Activity Logs must be in by the first of the month to be eligible for the Statewide Gold Award Scholarship and to attend that year s GSSJC Gold Award Recognition Event and the Statewide Gold Award Glossary GOLD AWARD APPLICANT This is you. This is your project. You make the decision* You do the planning. You do the organizing. Your project is based on your interests not someone else s. This is not your leader s project. This is not your mother s project. This is not your mentor s project. Your project should be something to which you are willing to commit a minimum of 80 hours This is not to say that you are on your own* There are many individuals who can provide assistance. GOLD AWARD ADVISOR Your advisor s job is to make sure you are in compliance with Council guidelines and deadlines. She will present your Initial Application and Final Report to the Gold Award Advisory Committee for approval* His/her goal is for you to be successful It is very important to keep your advisor up-to-date with your progress. He/she must see and review your application before it is submitted* Once he/she has reviewed your paperwork he/she will inform you of anything that may need to be modified* This will help to ensure easy approval when your application or final paperwork is presented to the Gold Award Advisory Committee. Your leader cannot be your Gold Award advisor. If your leader is the Gold Award advisor for your area another advisor will be appointed for you. It is your responsibility to contact your Gold Award advisor. TEEN ADVISOR/TROOP LEADER Your teen advisor/troop leader is the person who has brought you through the Girl Scout program and helped you complete your prerequisites. She is the one who will sign your application certifying that you have satisfactorily completed all the prerequisite Journeys. She can give you help and encouragement on your project and will be available to answer questions. She will also remind you frequently not to procrastinate especially if you are a high school senior She cannot be your project advisor. PROJECT ADVISOR Your project advisor is not your leader or parent/guardian* A project advisor would be a person who has expertise in the field that your project addresses. For instance if you were building a prayer garden at your church your project advisor would have a working knowledge of landscaping and be able to assist you in plant selections as well as drainage and coverings. Your project advisor will be your daily contact so make sure you have a good working relationship with them and that they are willing to be available for you are all times. Your project advisor will also be the person who signs the paperwork for your PARENT/GUARDIAN Your parents can certainly assist you in many ways even if they are not registered with GSUSA. They can help give you ideas for your project. They can review your application and final paperwork for you and can even put in time helping you in the execution of the project. COMMUNITY LEADER A person living within a community that takes responsibility for certain parts or issues within the community. This is typically a person whose agenda is to seek out opportunities to make their community a better place to live for everyone residing in their community. This person would be a good resource for projects that need to be addressed and improved for the benefit of all* The community leader is usually a volunteer position and not a paid position* COMMUNITY OFFICIAL A person who holds an office or post of authority within the community. He/she has the proper authority to implement changes within the community and can be an excellent resource for helping with your research for a possible project. This person could be the mayor city council member policeman fireman city worker superintendent of public works city information coordinator etc* Usually this is a paid position* GSSJC High Schools with Region High School Accelerated Learning Aldine HS Al-Hadi School All Saints Episcopal Alpha Omega Academy Alvin HS Boling HS Branch School Brazos HS Briarmeadow Charter Bridge City HS Broaddus HS Broadway Baptist Brookeland HS Buna HS Burkeville HS C. E* King HS Calvary Baptist Calvin Nelms Charter HS Caney Creek HS Carden-Jackson School Carl Wunsche HS Centerville HS Central Christian Academy Central Heights HS Central HS Central Senior HS Champions Christian Academy Channelview Christian Channelview HS Chavez HS Chester HS Chester W* Nimitz HS Christ Episcopal Christ Memorial Lutheran Christian Heritage Christian School of Kingwood Cinco Ranch HS Clear Brook HS Clear Creek HS Clear Falls HS Clear Lake HS Clear Springs HS Clements HS Cleveland HS Coldspring-Oakhurst HS Colmesneil HS Columbia HS Community Christian Concordia Lutheran HS Conroe Seventh Day Advent Conroe Christian Conroe HS Corpus Christi Catholic Corrigan-Camden HS Covenant Academy Covenant Christian Cristo Rey Jesuit Crockett HS Crosby HS Cy-Fair Christian Academy Cy-Fair HS Cy-Fair Private Christian School Cypress Community Christian Cypress Creek HS Cypress Falls HS Cypress Lake HS Carnegie Vanguard HS Carroll Academy Carver HS App* Eng* Cypress Ranch HS Cypress Ridge HS Cypress Springs HS Cypress Woods HS Anahuac HS Andy Dekaney HS Angleton HS Annunciation Orthodox Apollo Apple Springs HS Ascension Episcopal School Atascocita HS Austin HS Awty International School B. F* Terry HS B. T. Washington HS Ball HS Banff School Barbers Hill HS Baytown Christian Academy Bellaire HS Bendwood School Beth Yeshuran Day School Bethany Lutheran Bethany United Methodist Big Sandy School Region Danbury HS Davis Dayton HS Deer Park HS Deweyville HS Diboll HS Dickinson HS Dobie HS Douglass School Duchesne Academy Dulles HS Eagle Heights Christian East Bernard East Chambers HS Eastwood Academy Eisenhower HS El Campo HS Elsik HS Energized for Excellence Evadale HS Faith Christian Academy Faith Lutheran Faith West Academy Fay School First Baptist Academy Fort Bend Baptist Foster HS Fredonia Hill Baptist Friendswood HS Furr HS Galena Park HS Garrison HS George Bush HS Glenda Dawson Goodrich HS Grace Christian Grace School Grapeland HS Gregory-Lincoln Groveton HS Hamshire-Fannett HS Hardin HS Hardin-Jefferson HS Hargrave HS Harmony School of Excellence Harmony Science Hastings HS Heights Charter School Helmers St* Christian Hemphill HS Hempstead HS Heritage Christian Academy High Island HS HS for the Performing Visual Arts Hightower HS Hines-Caldwell Hitchcock HS Holy Comforter Episcopal Holy Cross Lutheran Holy Ghost Catholic Holy Name Catholic Holy Spirit Episcopal Holy Trinity Episcopal Hudson HS Hull-Daisetta HS Humble Christian Humble HS Huntington HS Huntsville HS Imani School Immanuel Lutheran James E* Taylor HS Jasper HS Jersey Village HS Joaquin HS John Cooper School John Paul II Catholic Jones HS Jordan School Kaleidoscope Kashmere HS Katy HS Kempner HS Kennard HS Kerr HS Kinkaid School Kirbyville HS Klein Collins HS Klein Forest HS Klein HS Kountze HS La Marque HS Lamar Consolidated HS Lamar HS Langham Creek HS LaPorte HS Las Americas Latexo HS Lawrence E* Elkins HS Lee HS Leggett HS Liberty HS Lifestyle Christian Little Cypress-Mauriceville HS Living Stones Christian Living Waters Livingston HS Louise HS Lovelady HS Lufkin HS Lumberton HS Lutheran HS North MacArthur HS Madison HS Magnolia HS Manvel HS Mayde Creek HS Memorial HS Memorial Lutheran Milburn Academy Milby HS Mims Christian Academy Monsignor Kelly Catholic Montgomery HS Morton Ranch HS Mount Carmel HS Nacogdoches HS Nederland HS Needville HS New Caney HS New Waverly HS Newton HS North Forest HS North Houston Baptist North Shore HS Northbrook HS Northland Christian Northwest Preparatory Oak Ridge HS Oakridge Christian Onalaska HS Orangefield HS Our Lady of Fatima School Our Lady of Mount Carmel Our Mother of Mercy Our Savior Lutheran Ozen HS Paddington British Parish School Pasadena HS Pearland HS Pecan St* Christian Pilgrim Lutheran Pine Forest Christian Pineywoods Community Pope John XXIII HS Port Neches-Groves Pro-Vision School Quest HS Rayburn HS Raymond Academy Reagan HS Redd School Reece Academy Rice School River Oaks Baptist Robert M. Beren Academy Rosas School Royal HS Ruby Reed Academy Ruth J* Smith Academy Sabine Pass Sacred Heart Catholic Salem Lutheran School Sam Houston HS San Augustine HS San Jacinto Christian Santa Fe HS Scarborough HS School of the Woods Seven Lakes HS Sharpstown HS Shelbyville School Shepherd HS Schlenker School Silsbee HS Smith Education Center South Houston HS Splendora HS Spring HS Spring Woods HS Spurger HS St* Agnes Academy St* Ambrose School St* Anne Catholic St* Anthony of Padua St* Catherine of Siena St* Charles Borromeo St* Christopher Catholic St* Edward Catholic St* Francis de Sales St* Francis Episcopal St* Francis of Assisi St* Helen Catholic St* James Day School St* John s Academy St* John s School St* Mark Lutheran St* Mark s Episcopal St* Martha Catholic St* Mary Catholic St* Mary Magdalene St* Michael Catholic St* Paul s Episcopal St* Philip School St* Pius V Catholic St* Pius X HS St* Rose of Lima School St* Thomas Episcopal St* Thomas More Parish St* Vincent de Paul Stafford HS Stephanie Cravens Academy Stephen F* Austin HS Sterling HS Stovall Academy Summit Christian Academy SW Comm* Christian Acad* Sweeney Christian Sweeney HS Sweetwater Christian Tarkington HS Taylor HS Tenaha HS Tenney School Terrace Methodist Texas Christian School Texas City HS Thurgood Marshall HS Tomball HS Tower Christian Academy Trafton Academy Trinity HS Trinity Lutheran School Trinity Sunlight Academy Two-Dim* Prep Academy United Christian Varnett Charter School Varnett School - E Veritas School Victory Christian Vidor HS Village School W* Houston Charter Waller HS Waltrip HS Warren HS West Brook Senior HS West Hardin HS West Orange-Stark HS West Sabine HS Westbury Christian Westbury HS Westfield HS Westside HS Wharton HS Wheatley HS William B. Travis HS Willis HS Willowridge HS Windfern HS Woden HS Woodlands College Park Woodlands HS Woodville HS Worthing HS Yates HS Yorkshire Academy Zavalla HS If is not listed or does not have please use the Region of region a schoolof that is closethat to yours. Ifyour your a region please use the is close to Orientation 4. Get help feedback Checklist Applicant s Name Gold Award Advisor Name Applicant Gold Award Advisor 1. Gold Award Orientation Date Completed Journey 1 Silver Award Completion Date Applicant/Project Advisor Information Complete Prerequisites Complete Gold Award Team Filled In Questions A through I Answered Completely Applicable Leadership Outcomes Checked Applicant s and Project Advisor s Signature 4. Letter s of Permission and/or Letter s of Donation Receipt All Applicable Letters Received 5. Training Card from Gold Award Orientation Cards from Applicable Training Classes NOTES Date Applicant s Signature Council Representative s Signature Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Application Instructions Please fill out form digitally. As of January 1 2016 no paper copies will be accepted* Before submitting your application to your Gold Award advisor you must review it with him/her. You and your Gold Award advisor must complete an Application Checklist to be submitted with your application* Your paperwork will not be accepted by Council without this Application Checklist. Remember to include the following with your application letter of permission from the venue hosting your project and/or letter of donation receipt from any organizations accepting donations from your project and a copy of your Gold Award Orientation card. Keep in mind that your project should take approximately 80 hours. Submit your completed application to your Gold Award advisor in one email* Subject Gold Award Application* Complete st th applications are due on the 1 and 15 of each month. Name as you would like it to appear on your certificate Date of Birth Age Email address Address City/State Evening Phone Number Cell Phone Number Zip Code Parent/Guardian Names Troop Number Grade Community Number of years in Girl Scouting Please check as many as apply optional Graduation Year Previous Councils in which you have registered American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian Black or African American Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Hispanic White Trainer Teen Advisor/Troop Leader Information Other Silver Award the prerequisites are one Senior or Ambassador Journey. List the information for two Journeys or the one Journey and Your Troop Leader/Teen Advisor or an adult who worked with you may sign the prerequisites. Senior/Ambassador Journey Books OR Silver Award Project Title or Brief Description Council Where You Earned the Silver Award List the names of individuals and organizations that you plan to work with on your Take Action project. This is a preliminary list that may grow through the course of your project. Team Member Affiliation Role Project Title Proposed Project Start Date Instructions Answer the following questions. Be very detailed in your answers. This section of your application is critical to your approval* You must be very detailed and tell us how what when and where you are going to complete your project. This section must show off your leadership communication and time management skills If you change or amend your plan in any way contact your Gold Award Advisor immediately to discuss the changes. You may have to submit a written amendment to your plan* An Amendment Form is available. A. Describe the issue your project will address and who is your target audience. B. What are the root causes of this issue What drew you to this issue C. Outline the strengths talents and skills that you plan to put into action* What skills do you hope to develop of your plan including resources facilities equipment and approvals needed* Attach letter s of permission and/or letter s of E* Enter the names of people or organizations you plan to inform and involve. What will your volunteers gain by helping you with this project How will your target audience benefit F* Estimate overall project expenses and how you plan to meet these costs. G* What methods or tools will you use to evaluate the impact of your project I. Describe how you plan to tell others about your project the project s impact and what you have learned* Using the Impact Planning Chart describe the impact you hope your project will have on your community and your target audience. Impact On Goals What community issue do you plan to address Potential Impact What examples of the project impact might you see in the future Target Audience What skills knowledge or attitudes will your target audience gain How will you know that the target audience gained skills or knowledge You Which of the 5 Girl Scout Leadership Outcomes listed do you think you were able to develop through this project Check the ones that apply. I will develop a stronger sense of self* I will seek challenges in the world. I will solve problems in my Examples of Immediate Impact List one or two examples of your growth as a leader. Signatures I understand and agree to abide by the GSSJC and GSUSA guidelines for my Gold Award project. I further understand that the Gold Award project may not be used for personal financial gain or for fundraising for any organization outside the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council* For Gold Award Advisory Committee use only Name Start Date Title of Project Clearly describe the leadership activities you do for your Gold Award Project. Fill out the form each time you complete an activity. You run the risk of inaccuracy if you try to reconstruct your hours at the end of your project. Remembers 80 hours is the recommended minimum for a Gold Award project. The majority of those hours should be leadership hours. You and your Project Advisor must sign the form at the bottom when you are finished* You must review the Activity Log with your Gold Award Advisor before turning in your final paperwork. Time Spent on Activities Gold Award Activities TOTAL HOURS I have reviewed this Gold Award Activity Log and confirm the completion of all project components. Your Signature If at any time during your project your initial project plan changes you will need to fill out this form* For example if the scope of your project changes or your plan of action changes or the location of your event changes please provide an explanation on this form* Amendment Forms should be downloaded c.