Volunteer Recognitions

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts and everyday heroes to thousands of Girl Scouts.

You open their eyes to a world of possibilities. You help them transform into a force for good. You prepare them for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure. Because of you, they have the chance to learn what they’re capable of accomplishing and of being inspired to reach for it.

Because of you, they shine!

Each year, adult volunteers are recognized for exemplary service and for going above and beyond to support the Girl Scout Mission. Take a moment to nominate an outstanding individual or group for a national or council award!

Here you’ll find details and descriptions of all formal GSUSA and GSCWM volunteer recognitions currently awarded at the council or national level. Recognition nominations and endorsements for awards are presented to the Volunteer Recognition Committee for approval and selection. Submissions are processed by this volunteer-led committee, who recommends to the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Board of Directors which GSUSA adult recognition each nominee should receive.

Photos of the 2025 Annual Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation Event

Photos of the 2024 Annual Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation Event

Photos of the 2023 Annual Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation Event

For any further requests or questions please contact Sneha Kuruganty SKuruganty@gscwm.org

Membership Numerals toggle arrow

Who : Recognizes years of membership in any Girl Scout council. Recognizes the total years of membership by adults, including girl and adult years at five year intervals.

Criteria :

Registered Adult Girl Scout

Nomination, Approval and Award Process :

Any registered adult Girl Scout member may submit a Membership Anniversary Request for an adult Girl Scout member
Service Unit team representatives (i.e. registrar) are encouraged to submit a request for the Membership Numeral Guard for active volunteers within their service units
Requires one request
Girl Scout adults who have reached milestones in membership of 20 years or more (20, 25, 30, 35, etc.) will be presented with a pin at the council’s recognition event.
Adults who have been members for 5, 10, and 15 years will receive mention in the council’s recognition event program and a certificate. Pins for these anniversaries may be purchased via council service centers.

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Girl Scouts of Central and Western MA Award

Who : For organizations, businesses and non- Girl Scout individuals

Criteria:

For significant contribution and support to Girl Scouts on a continual or one time basis.
Appropriate for thanking sites who host meetings, cookie booths, large events, etc.

Nomination, Approval and Award Process

Any registered adult Girl Scout member may nominate a business or non-Girl Scout for this award
Requires one (1) nomination submitted directly to the council
GSCWM approves nominations.

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Girl Scouts of Central and Western MA Award

Who : Volunteers who have volunteered a minimum of 6 months to maximum of 18 months who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) through use of the National Program Portfolio;

who contributed outstanding service in support of the council’s mission delivery goals

Criteria :

Active, registered adult Girl Scout.
Completed appropriate training or demonstrated competence for the position or both.
Actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior

AND

Performed beyond expectations for the position to deliver the GSLE to girls using the National Program Portfolio,

Performance has been beyond the expectations of the position and has supported the council’s strategic priorities in one or more of the following areas:
- Membership
- Community Development
- Volunteer Support
- Marketing
- Fund Development
- Council Support
- Communications
- Program
- Leadership & Governance

Nomination, Approval and Award Process :

Any registered adult Girl Scout member may nominate an adult GS adult member for this award
Requires one (1) nomination from an adult GS adult member
Requires two(2) letters of endorsement from adult persons other than the nominator
Two awardees per service unit
Volunteer Recognition Committee approves or denies nominations

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Girl Scouts of the USA Award

Who : Volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) through use of the National Program Portfolio;

who contributed outstanding service in support of the council’s mission delivery goals

Criteria :

Active, registered adult Girl Scout.
Completed appropriate training or demonstrated competence for the position or both.
Actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.

AND

Performed beyond expectations for the position to deliver the GSLE to girls using the National Program Portfolio,

Performance has been beyond the expectations of the position and has supported the council’s strategic priorities in one or more of the following areas:
- Membership
- Community Development
- Volunteer Support
- Marketing
- Fund Development
- Council Support
- Communications
- Program
- Leadership & Governance

Nomination, Approval and Award Process :

Any registered adult Girl Scout member may nominate an adult GS adult member for this award
Requires one (1) nomination from an adult GS adult member
Requires two (2) letters of endorsement from adult persons other than the nominator
Board of Directors approves or denies nominations based on the recommendations of the Volunteer Recognition Committee

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Girl Scouts of the USA Award

Who : Volunteer giving exemplary service in support of the GSLE which has had measurable impact on at least one geographic area of service

Criteria :

Active, registered adult Girl Scout.
Actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.
The service performed by the nominee is above and beyond the expectations for the position held, and has helped the council reach and surpass its strategic priorities in one geographic area of service.
Supports the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE).

Nomination, Approval and Award Process :

Any registered adult Girl Scout member may nominate a GS adult member for this award
Requires one (1) nomination from an adult GS adult member
Requires three (3) letters of endorsement from adult persons other than the nominator
Board of Directors approves or denies nominations based on the recommendations of the Volunteer Recognition Committee

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Girl Scouts of Central and Western MA Award

Who : Volunteer who has previously been awarded the Appreciation Pin for giving exemplary service in support of the GSLE which has had continuous measurable impact on at least one geographic area of service.

Criteria :

At least 5 years or more must have passed from having been previously awarded the GSUSA Appreciation Pin.
Active, registered adult Girl Scout.
Actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.
The service performed by the nominee has remained above and beyond the expectations for the position held and has continued to help the council reach and surpass its strategic priorities in one geographic area of service.
Supports the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE).

Nomination, Approval and Award Process :

Any registered adult Girl Scout member may nominate an adult GS adult member for this award
Requires one (1) nomination from an adult GS adult member
Requires three (3) letters of endorsement from adult persons other than the nominator
Volunteer Recognition Committee approves or denies nominations

Honor Pin

Girl Scouts of the USA Award

Who : Volunteer giving exemplary service in support of the GSLE which has had measurable impact on at least two geographic areas of service

Criteria :

Active, registered adult Girl Scout.
Actively recognizes, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior.
The service performed by the nominee is above and beyond the expectations for the positions held, and has helped the council reach and surpass its strategic priorities in two or more geographic areas of service.
Supports the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE).

Nomination, Approval and Award Process :

Any registered adult Girl Scout member may nominate a GS adult member for this award
Requires one (1) nomination from an adult GS adult member
Requires three(3) letters of endorsement from adult persons other than the nominator
Board of Directors approves or denies nominations based on the recommendations of the Volunteer Recognition Committee

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Girl Scouts of the USA Award

Who : Volunteer whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Criteria :

Active, registered adult Girl Scout.
Actively recognizes, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior.
The outstanding service performed by the nominee resulted in outcomes that benefitted the total council or the entire Girl Scout organization, and is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate.
Supports the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience

Nomination, Approval and Award Process :

Any registered adult Girl Scout member may nominate a GS adult member for this award
Service is so significant that no other award seems appropriate
Requires one (1) nomination
Requires four (4) letters of endorsement from adult persons other than the nominator
Board of Directors approves or denies nominations based on the recommendations of the Volunteer Recognition Committee

Thanks Badge II toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of the USA Award

Who : Previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role, resulting in a measurable impact that benefits the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Criteria :

The nominee is an active, registered adult Girl Scout.
The nominee has received the Thanks Badge.
Since receipt of the Thanks Badge, the nominee has provided outstanding service in a leadership role resulting in outcomes that benefitted the entire council or the entire Girl Scout organization, and is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate.

Nomination, Approval and Award Process :

Any registered adult Girl Scout member may nominate a Girl Scout adult member for this award
Requires one (1) nomination
Requires four (4) letters of endorsement from adult persons other than the nominator
Board of Directors approves or denies nominations based on the recommendations of the Volunteer Recognition Committee

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Girl Scouts of the USA Award

Who : The President’s Award recognizes the efforts of a service-delivery team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals.

Criteria : All service-team members are registered Girl Scouts.

All service-team members have met all requirements and expectations of the positions held
The service-delivery team has significantly contributed to meeting one or more of the council’s strategic priorities.
The service-delivery team reflects the diversity of the target audience or area it serves, in girl and adult membership, in all pathways offered.
The service-delivery team actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.

Nomination, Approval and Award Process :

Any registered adult Girl Scout member may nominate all service-team members member for this award.
Nominator may not be part of the service team being nominated
Requires three(3) letters of endorsement from adult persons other than the nominator or service team members being nominated
Contact mbaldyga@gscwm.org for the nomination form and further information
Board of Directors approves or denies nominations based on the recommendations of the Volunteer Recognition

The Juliette Gordon Low World Friendship Medal toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of the USA Award

Who : The Juliette Low World Friendship Medal is awarded to volunteers and councils who have enriched and leveraged the global understanding of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting to grow responsible global citizens. This prestigious national award is approved by the Girl Scouts of the USA National Board of Directors.

Criteria :

Impact on girls: The nominee’s efforts include girl involvement resulting in increased opportunities for girl-led global opportunities and Take Action projects resulting in significant global impact.
Commitment: The nominee has demonstrated dedication and commitment over a significant amount of time by continuously promoting and expanding th e global dimension of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting. The nominee has promoted the Juliette Low World Friendship fund or other global Girl Scouting funding opportunities.
Global awareness: The nominee has created and promoted resources and opportunities that increase the understanding of the global dimension of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting to the council and the larger community.
Leadership: The nominee is recognized by girl and adult members, and the larger community, as a leader who leverages the global impact of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting.
Membership: The nominee is a current registered Girl Scout adult member in a council or USA Girl Scouts Overseas.

Nomination, Approval and Award Process :

Any person or council may nominate a GS adult member for this award
Requires two (2) letters of endorsement
This prestigious national award is approved by the Girl Scouts of the USA National Board of Directors.
The Juliette Gordon Low World Friendship Medal Form