Volunteer Connection
In This Issue
CEO Named!
Poteet Strawberry Parade tomorrow
State-of-the-art Volunteer Service Center
Girl Scouts & Fiesta!
I Want to Rock the Mall
Special day of recognition Saturday, May 5
Summer of the Girl Camp Guide
Teen Adivsory Committee
Continued Construction
Relocating West Side Facility
History of Girl Scouting
GSSWT's Own Blog
Girl Scout Voices
Birdies for Charity
Discovering Tomorrow's Leaders
OneCause
Girl Scouts Do Great Things!
Girl Scouts in the News
Shop News
Get Connected!
Dates to Remember
 Girl Scout Shop & Resource Center open School Year Hours
Now-May 31 

Poteet Strawberry Festival Parade
April 14

I Want to Rock the Mall
Contest Entries due
April 20

Offices Closed--  

Battle of Flowers Holiday 

April 27

   

Volunteer Recognition & Celebrations Events
May 5

Offices Closed --

Memorial Day

May 28




Girl Scout Greats
Join Our List
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April 13, 2012

Here you'll find timely information about programs, adult learning opportunities, and other general news to keep you connected to GSSWT! Volunteer Connection will be sent weekly every Friday. Stay in the know and keep an eye on your inbox for great Girl Scout information!
GSSWT names Rose Gonz�lez P�rez
as 12th CEO          

After an extensive national search, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) has selected Rose Gonz�lez P�rez to serve as its 12th chief executive officer effective immediately. 

The nine-person selection committee took six months to screen and interview hundreds of qualified candidates from across the country, and made its recommendation to GSSWT's board of directors at a special meeting earlier this week. "P�rez has been a leader of the exceptional success this council has experienced in recent years," says Jackie L. Gorman, board chair for Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, "and I am confident she has the vision and skills to continue leading this organization through its unprecedented transformation."

Prior to being named chief executive officer for GSSWT, P�rez served in the interim position following the departure of then-CEO, Anna Maria Ch�vez, who accepted the role of CEO for Girl Scouting's national organization in August 2011. Read more here.

March in the Poteet Strawberry Festival Parade tomorrow!  

Poeet Strawberry FestivalSupport Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas as we celebrate our 100 year anniversary! 
 
Join us at the Poteet Strawberry Festival Parade at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, April 14. Wear green or your favorite Girl Scout shirt to show your Girl Scout spirit! Girl Scouts will march in the parade and carry colorful tambourines and maracas.

Questions? Click on this link for more info on the Poteet Strawberry Festival. Contact Sherry Cook (210-349-2404/1-800-580-7247 ext. 202) for more details on representing Girl Scouts in Saturday's parade!

Coming Soon:
State-of-the-art Volunteer Service Center 

Get ready for a new beginning and a new volunteer customer service center just for you! Beginning Monday, April 16 the adult learning office, registrar office and the Cheever Powell conference room will be under construction. With this new Volunteer Service Center, we hope to better meet the needs of our girls and adult volunteers. Construction is scheduled to conclude early to mid May. Please see below for more information of where staff affected by this move will be temporarily stationed:

  • The registration department will reside in the upstairs Hendry conference room
  • Pam Riles will be in the Director of volunteer development and resources office next to the stairs
  • Courtney Cunningham, Volunteer Development Specialist, will be located in the Resource Center

Under Construction!More details are soon to come, so put your hard hat on and keep an eye out!

Girl Scouts & Fiesta
and other 100th anniversary items 

Get your Fiesta Medal today! 

 

Get your Girl Scout Fiesta Medal now! For just $8/each, the medal can be purchased at the Girl Scout Shop or The Fiesta Store (2611 Broadway, San Antonio). �Viva Fiesta! 

 

100th Anniversary Commemorative Poster
Remember to purchase your 100th Anniversary commemorative posters, too from the Girl Scout Shop or online here! Four-time Fiesta San Antonio poster artist and Girl Scout alumna, Shelley Fluke, collaborated with Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas to produce the poster.    

  

Battle of Flowers parade tickets on sale now at Girl Scout Shop 

Battle of FlowersCome cheer and show your green at the Battle of Flowers parade on Friday, April 27 as we celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouting! Tickets to the parade are on sale now in our Girl Scout shop at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center for $12 a seat. These tickets are for a limited number of bleacher seats, so buy an extra for your cooler. Our council will have a carriage entry with Juliette Low and girls wearing vintage uniforms, and Gamma Sigma Girls will participate in the parade by carrying the American flag! Show us your green -- wear a green shirt to show support of Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas!  

I Want to Rock the Mall YouTube Contest  

K12 and Girl Scouts invite you to write and record an original song about Girl Scouts and you could win a trip for you and a chaperone to Washington, DC to sing at Girl Scouts Rock the Mall: 100th Anniversary Sing-Along on June 9. Get more information here.

Ready to enter? Upload your video response to the video below before April 20!

Girl Scouts & K12 I Want to Rock the Mall
Girl Scouts & K12 I Want to Rock the Mall

 

Saturday, May 5 --
Join us for a special day of recognition  

Join us on Saturday, May 5 for a special day of recognition for adult volunteers and teen Girl Scouts at the Morgan's Wonderland Event Center, 5223 David Edward Drive, San Antonio, 78233.   

 

The Adult Volunteer Recognition Brunch recognizes the wonderful volunteers who are receiving board-approved awards. We will begin with brunch at 11:00 a.m. followed by the award ceremony. The fee for this event is $15/person, with awardees receiving two (2) complimentary tickets.

 

Brunch will be followed by Celebrations, the event to recognize those Girl Scouts who have earned their Girl Scout Gold Award, Girl Scout Silver Award or Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Graduating Senior Scholarships will also be presented at Celebrations, which will begin at 2:15 p.m., also at Morgan's Wonderland Event Center. Light refreshments will be served and there is no charge for this event.

 

Register now for either event

Summer of the Girl 2012 
Summer of the Girl 2012 The  Summer of the Girl 2012 Camp Guide
is finally here! Keep an eye out for the printed version, landing in a mailbox near you soon. For now, take a look at the activities offered during the  Summer of the Girl 2012!

This is a large file and full color -- you may want to use black ink to print.
Calling girls ages 14-18 

Girl Scouting provides an excellent forum for girls to learn the skills needed to become future leaders. GSSWST is currently recruiting girls to join the council's Teen Advisory Committee. As a member of the Teen Advisory Committee girl will have the opportunity to meet quarterly with GSSWT's CEO and girls from across the council's jurisdiction, to discuss current issues and share personal insights.

 

All teen Girl Scouts, ages 14-18, are encouraged to apply for this exciting leadership opportunity. Serving as a member of the Teen Advisory Committee is an excellent way for teen Girl Scouts to become involved at the council level, share their experiences and provide input to GSSWT's CEO. Apply now!

  

For more information, contact  Kassaundra Escalera (210-349-2404/1-800-580-7247 ext. 262).
Parkway progress and construction updates 

Construction on the Wurzbach Parkway extension continues to progress, affecting traffic flow to and from the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center. 

 

Navigating Starcrest

Remember to follow all warning signs and traffic control signs in work zones. Failure to adhere to the posted signs will result in fines twice the normal amount. Speed limits have decreased in the Starcrest area due to construction, and the San Antonio Police Department is issuing citations to those drivers who do not abide by the posted warnings.

GSSWT is relocating its west side facility 

Quality program and service to girls and adult volunteers is a top priority of GSSWT. Recently, the organization elected to suspend all activities at the Avenida Guadalupe Girl Scout Center and vacate the premises. GSSWT has experienced exponential growth in recent years and requires a larger facility to better serve its members. It also became necessary to remove GSSWT staff from an unhealthy work environment. 

 

Please be assured that GSSWT staff will continue to serve girls and adult volunteers through in-school and after-school activities and in collaboration with other youth serving agencies such as The Neighborhood Place, YMCA, YWCA, Boys and Girls Club and SA Youth. 

 

Thank you for your continued support of Girl Scouting and for your patience as the organization moves forward with its momentous transformation!

See the History of Girl Scouting
in an area near you!  

El Progreso Memorial Library in Uvalde

 

The personal Girl Scouting collection of long-time Girl Scout member Estella Reyna Kierce is on display along with local troop items and history banners for the entire month of April at the El Progreso Memorial Library at 301 W. Main St. in Uvalde, Texas. Be sure to visit the display during the library's hours of operation:

  • Mon., Tues., Wed. -- 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday -- 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
  • Fri. & Sat. -- 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

 Cody Library in San Antonio

Stop by the Cody Library on 11441 Vance Jackson for 100 Years of Girl Scouting. This exhibit will be open Mondays, 

Wednesdays, Friday - Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the month of April. Come by today!

 

Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center
in
San Antonio

It's your Girl Scout history -- come read and enjoy photos of 100 years in the USA and 88 years in San Antonio and surrounding areas outlined by decades on beautiful green banners! These banners, the work of the 100th Anniversary History Committee, are on display at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center near the lobby. Enjoy the scavenger hunt, available in the Resource Center, while you travel down memory lane.

     

Remember--
You can still share our history in your area. Still have that vintage Brownie beanie? How about a unique Girl Scout pin? Show them off by identifying a location within your area to host a 100th anniversary exhibit or display. Interested but need help organizing? The council's 100th Anniversary History Committee has ideas for you! For more information or to submit secured locations for an exhibit or display, 
please contact Linda Jurman.

GSSWT's Own Blog!  

On the occasion of Girl Scoutings' 100th anniversary, 

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas created a new space to celebrate all Girl Scouts of the region, and to recognize the amazing members and initiatives that create new opportunities for Girl Scouts today in order to pave the way for the future. Welcome to the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas blog!

 

Keep an eye out on the blog for news highlights and events related to the council. You will also read blog posts from the 12 amazing young women who make up our 100th Anniversary Steering Committee Girl Champions. The goal is to be conversational and responsive, and to keep you informed of all the opportunities open to girls in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.

Girl Scout Voices 

Please share this with girls and their parents in your troop. The link below is for girls to give input about their Girl Scout experience.

 

Would you be interested in giving a few minutes of your time to participate in a survey about your Girl Scout experiences?

The survey results will help us understand how Girl Scouting benefits you and girls like you. Your input will tell us how we can make your experiences even better. That means that your answers are very  important to the success of Girl Scouting. All answers are kept confidential. Click here to complete the survey now!

Thank you for your participation.
Birdies for Charity

Birdies for Charity Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas is participating in Golf San Antonio's Birdies for Charity program. Birdies for Charity is designed to allow participating organizations to generate contributions through the annual Valero Texas Open. When you donate through Birdies for Charity, 100 percent of your donation comes to GSSWT and opens additional funding opportunities through the Golf San Antonio grant program.

It's easy to participate --  see all the ways here!
 

Discovering Tomorrow's Leaders 

Zavala County Volunteers -- Help young leaders and local schools win Discovering Tomorrow's Leaders computers by nominating outstanding Girl Scouts in your area for the Discovering Tomorrow's Leaders Initiative. One young leader from Zavala County will be selected every week now through mid-April! Visit the Discovering Tomorrow's Leaders website to access the nomination form and review full contest details.  

Are you an online shopper?!  

Do you love Groupon? Are you an online shopper? Did you know that you can help GSSWT can earn money for the shopping you already do?

 

OneCause.com is an online shopping program that pays a percentage of your purchase to your favorite charity. Visit the website at www.onecause.com to sign up and see the list of online merchants that participate. Each merchant sets the percentage that goes to your charity. For example, Groupon pays 4 percent of your purchase. In order to earn the percentage back, you must choose Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas as your charity and click through www.onecause.com to go to the merchant site.

OneCause
Girl Scouts Do Great Things!
Horses in Need

Girl Scout Christina B. Salazar of Troop #1155 in the Stinson Service Unit chose to focus on horses in need for her Girl Scout Silver Award project.

 

Christina replaced weathered signs -- necessary for information -- to help visitors at the Brighter Days Horse Refuge in Pipe Creek. She also conducted a carrot and apple drive with the help of her church youth group. Christina shared the information with a younger girl troop who spent time with her at the horse refuge. Christina created a video (see it below!) that showcases the horses and their the refuge. Christina states that her purpose of creating the video is to make people aware of the horses' need for help from the community. Great job, Christina!

Brighter Days Horse Refuge 
Brighter Days Horse Refuge

 

Local Girl Scout receives CCVI Spirit Award

In March, Girl Scout Caitlin O'Brien was awarded the CCVI Spirit Award out of 500 students from Incarnate Word High School (IWHS). Named after the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Order, the award recognizes one student who had demonstrated outstanding service to IWHS and/or to the broader civic community.

 

Caitlin embodies the spirit of CCVI because of her enthusiasm, can-do attitude, eagerness to help, and compassion for others. She makes God's love real in the people she serves and through her strong leadership at IWHS. She is committed to mission and service to others whether they be the children in Belize or those at Davidson Respite House. Additionally, she brings spirit and life to many events, whether participating or on the sidelines cheering. Mrs. Horner stated, "Caitlin is a servant leader, one who is driven to help others."

 

Before naming her as the recipient, her principal mentioned her involvement with Girl Scouts and her Gold Award. Caitlin previously served as a former ex-officio girl board member on GSSWT's board of directors and currently serves as a girl champion for 100th anniversary activities. 

 

Caitlin's comments on the award, "It was a pretty cool honor."

 

Congratulations, Caitlin!  

Girl Scouts in the News
San Antonio Express-News, Thursday, April 12 --
Girl Scouts select interim director as new CEO

Rose Gonz�lez P�rez, interim director of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, was named its 12th CEO on Thursday.  

 

Staff members at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center on Thursday morning erupted in applause and cheers after Jackie L. Gorman, chairwoman of the Southwest Texas council's board of directors, surprised them -- and P�rez -- with the announcement. Read the entire story here.  

 

  

San Antonio Business Journal, Thursday, April 12 --

Girl Scouts names CEO over San Antonio organization  

After much anticipation, and a little bit of suspense, the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) organization has announced the selection of Rose Gonz�lez P�rez as its new CEO. Read the entire story here.

  

  

GSUSA Blog, Friday, April 13 --

After an extensive national search, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) has selected Rose Gonz�lez P�rez to serve as its 12th chief executive officer effective immediately. Read the entire blog here
Shop News

Girl Scout Shop

Open School Year Hours Now-May 31

Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Second Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 

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GSSWT's Vision Statement
Our vision is to be a high performing, girl-focused staff with the desire and skill set to provide the highest standard of support that enriches, empowers, and energizes the local Girl Scout Movement. In doing so, we create a lifetime of inspiration through Girl Scout experiences that are so relevant and inclusive every girl will want to be a part.