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During the Annual Meeting on April 7, 2008, Magic Empire Council voted to approve the Plan and Agreement of Merger to become Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. In the words of Karen Morgan, CEO of the realigning Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma:
The delegates and board, once the motion was on the floor were asked if they had any questions about the merger or documents….because the delegates and board were well prepared…there were no questions and all had been answered previously on phone calls, website, Delegate meetings for two years. So We asked them to stand if they were going to vote AYE to approve and on cue, Sheila Hellen, the Board Chair, asked them to raise their hands and shout, "AYE!" (Which they did). And then she stated, "That was so much fun! Do you want to do it again?" And they agreed and second time around they really shouted, "AYE!" There were no opposing votes. The atmosphere was very positive and fun. Former board chairs were there and Sheila read quotes from their wishes and challenges for the new council. Bonnie and Maria were there as former CEOs and their quotes and challenges were also read. We closed with a poem from Juliette Low, TREE FOR THE FUTURE.
Here are the closing words and poem:
A Tree for the Future
Every spring
The sap rises in the trees
From root to branch ...
And, makes a tree that looks dead, to
Blossom with green leaves and life.
So it is that the (Girl) Scout Spirit
Rises within you and
Inspires you to put forth your best.
With that said and with that challenge from our own dear Juliette, let’s all let that Girl Scout Spirit rise up within us to inspire each of us to put forth our best for all the girls in Eastern Oklahoma. And now ... as you remain standing, do I have a motion to adjourn this 52nd and last Annual Business Meeting for Magic Empire Council? I have a motion, do I hear a second? The motion has been made and we have a second. All of those in favor, please say "AYE." Those opposed will give the same sign. The motion has carried!
During their respective Annual Meetings, Bluestem Council and Tiak Council also voted to approve the Plan and Agreement of Merger to become Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma.
Click Here to see the name announcement and visit the official realignment Web site.
Click Here to sign up for Realignment News of Eastern Oklahoma to learn news of our exciting, dynamic council taking shape!
This is an historic and exciting time for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma! Three Girl Scout Councils – Bluestem Council headquartered in Bartlesville, Magic Empire Council, headquartered in Tulsa and Tiak Council, headquartered in McAlester, have officially begun the process to merge as one united, dynamic council.
Our vision is to create a Girl Scout Council that puts girls first, stands together and reaches across all areas with a supportive culture that is FUN, INTERESTING AND REAL.
Such big changes naturally may make all of us who love Girl Scouts a little anxious about the future, but we are excited about the opportunities to work together to improve girl programs, efficiency and funding.
Recently the Girl Scouts of the USA’s (GSUSA) National Board of Directors voted to endorse a plan to realign 312 councils nationwide into 109 high-performance, community-based councils. This change was approved by GSUSA with the goal of creating a streamlined infrastructure that will facilitate the greatest impact on girls’ lives nationwide and to be able to deliver on the promise of our mission: to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
A Council Realignment Committee has been formed to accomplish this in eastern Oklahoma and includes numerous subcommittees to plan for the needs of the new council. The good news is: we are not the first councils to merge, so we are able to learn and improve the process from other councils that have completed mergers.
We are committed to put girls first, and keep you informed about the process. The Communications subcommittee, with members representing all 3 merging councils, will collaboratively publish Realignment News to share timely and accurate information.
Are volunteers involved in the realignment process?
Is everything changing?
Who will the new CEO be?
Why are the Girl Scouts realigning councils?
Why have the Girl Scouts decided to change now?
How will my daughter’s Girl Scout troop be affected?
How will this affect which camps and properties my daughter attends?
Where will meetings and trainings be held?
Where do we go to purchase Girl Scout items once the jurisdiction boundary changes?
How will the Girl Scout cookie sales change?
Why are the Girl Scouts restructuring?
What can girls and their parents expect as a result of the changes?
Is the restructuring due to a lack of funding?
Are the Girl Scouts restructuring due to a lack of girls joining and/or a lack of volunteers?
What would an incentive be for a person to consider volunteering with the Girl Scouts?
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Realignment Committee Forms to Merge Eastern Oklahoma Councils
As part of the GSUSA planning and implementation process, a Council Realignment Committee (CRC) has been established. It is made up of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Board Chair, and other volunteers from each aligning Girl Scout Council. The CRC is charged with leading the merger process. The vast amount of Girl Scout Council experience and business expertise of this team will ensure that the new council is developed in adherence to GSUSA realignment guidelines, as well as the legal and governance aspects of the GSUSA realignment. Co-chairs of the CRC are Joan Singleton, Board Chair of Bluestem Council, and Karen Morgan, CEO of Magic Empire Council.
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Are volunteers involved in the realignment process?
Yes! In fact, our Council Realignment Committee is a balanced representation of the three merging councils. All of our subcommittees are chaired by volunteers from each of the three councils and there are also numerous volunteers serving on the Council Realignment Committee and subcommittees at various levels.
Is everything changing?
No, in reality most things are staying the same. You will see no interruption in services as we progress through the realignment process. We are committed to coming together as one united council that puts girls first, stands together and reaches across all areas.
Who will the new CEO be?
One of the subcommittees of the Council Realignment Committee is charged with conducting a search for a CEO. The CEOs of the three merging Councils are eligible to apply for the position. The CEO Search subcommittee will be working to ensure that the new council has a leader who is well equipped to lead a high-capacity council.
UPDATE: As of October 1, 2007, Karen Morgan has been named CEO of the realigning councils. Read the full story here: Latest News
Why are the Girl Scouts realigning councils?
We are reorganizing councils to create the infrastructure necessary to prepare for the future of the Movement. This realignment will result in the optimal impact on leadership development for the largest number of girls and significantly increase the number of volunteers participating in Girl Scouting. We will be making two key changes over the next few years: First, we are revitalizing the Girl Scout program age levels, redefining what leadership means for girls, and updating some activity options. Second, we are offering more impactful experiences and flexible time commitment options for volunteers. We are making these changes nationwide to ensure that Girl Scouting is a full and consistent experience.
Why have the Girl Scouts decided to change now?
Girl Scouts of the USA has recently adopted a business strategy to build more strength throughout the Girl Scout Movement. As part of this initiative, councils throughout the country are realigning their boundaries to make the most effective use of our resources and to offer even more program opportunities to even more girls.
We will be combining the strengths of three councils to form a new high-performance Girl Scout council. In this realignment we will offer some of the same programs girls have always enjoyed, and add even more exciting and rewarding opportunities. We are delighted to share this news with you, and we welcome your continued support.
How will my daughter’s Girl Scout troop be affected?
Your daughter will remain in the same troop she is in, or as always, may choose to join a new troop at the end of the membership year.
The current troop number may change, as there may be duplication of troop numbers in the combining councils. In this case, an additional number will be added to some troops (e.g., Troop 501 becomes 1501).
The most exciting immediate news is that our new council will be pooling volunteer and staff resources. This change will enable us to increase the number of program events offered and the locations we can offer them in, and it will afford all girls the chance to meet more Girl Scouts.
How will this affect which camps and properties my daughter attends?
The best news is that we will be able to offer more events, in more locations, and will be able to provide new offerings that give girls the opportunity to meet more friends.
The realigning councils manage properties that are available for troop camping and many other activities throughout the year. Each camp has a number of unique features, and we anticipate that troops will now have the opportunity to enjoy a greater variety of camping experiences. Because our first priority will be the smooth transition of members and operations, all properties will be reviewed at a later time to determine the most appropriate use of resources. Factors such as the conditions of the facilities, finances, location, and program options are used to make property decisions.
Where will meetings and trainings be held?
The practice of conducting trainings at various locations throughout the council jurisdiction will continue. New opportunities in different locations, online workshops and services, and more, will be enhanced.
In preparation for the realignment, our Girl Scout councils have been meeting to determine the best practices we currently have and to think even more broadly to create the optimal services and programs for our new council. Every aspect of service to girl and adult members is being examined and discussed. All input from girls, volunteers, and staff is being considered. Decisions will be made in the best interest of all concerned. The new council will depend on the valued contributions of adult volunteers.
Where do we go to purchase Girl Scout items once the jurisdiction boundary changes?
Until the councils are combined and realignment is complete, the current Girl Scout Shop locations will remain the same. Many decisions are in the planning stages, and the good news is we anticipate that there will be multiple revitalized Girl Scout Shops throughout the jurisdiction.
How will the Girl Scout cookie sales change?
The Girl Scout Cookie Program will remain the premier Business and Economic Literacy Program for girls. All Girls Scouts who want to participate will be able to take part. In fact, for the first time, Daisy Girl Scouts will be able to take part in some cookie activities.
Why are the Girl Scouts restructuring?
The council realignment will strengthen our organization’s infrastructure and resources at all levels of the organization including fundraising, public relations, property, staffing, and volunteer support. There is already a high level of cooperation between our councils because we draw upon many of the same resources. This realignment will help us develop our resources more effectively and decrease duplicating efforts.
On a national level, change is perhaps the oldest tradition in Girl Scouts. Ever since Juliette Gordon Low returned from England in 1912 and changed “Guide” to “Scout” in response to the preference of American girls, those in the Girl Scout Movement have prided themselves on their ability to make periodic adjustments to meet the needs of girls. A renewed focus on leadership nationwide will ensure that Girl Scouting maintains the values that have been at our core for 95 years, while being a relevant experience to girls today.
What can girls and their parents expect as a result of the changes?
Girls have asked for unique experiences that reflect their current needs and interests. Parents can expect Girl Scouting to utilize a new approach that is girl-led and girl-driven. This approach will offer girls a unique leadership development opportunity that will provide skills they need for a lifetime of personal and civic achievement. Girls can expect new and exciting activities at each new age level.
Is the restructuring due to a lack of funding?
While the Girl Scouts need to increase funding, as do all nonprofits, our realignment is about joining all our local resources to create a premium, revitalized council from which to serve Girl Scouts in our area. Our realignment and restructuring, and our updated Program Model, will make it easier for potential donors to see just how relevant and critical Girl Scouting is to today’s girls.
Are the Girl Scouts restructuring due to a lack of girls joining and/or a lack of volunteers?
Girl Scouting is restructuring to create high-capacity councils in every region, including ours. Similar to other youth serving organizations, we too want to serve as many girls and have them served by the best volunteers possible. The Girl Scouts are confident that as we move into our 95th year of serving communities with a premier leadership development program for girls, our revitalized structure and program will allow us to welcome more girls, and enable our current and new volunteers to create a more impactful and flexible experience.
What would an incentive be for a person to consider volunteering with the Girl Scouts?
People who are looking for new places to volunteer should look to the new volunteer systems and the enhanced Girl Scout program. As new support materials are created, the Girl Scout organization will improve the volunteer experience by making it easier to join, offering more flexible volunteer timetables and roles suited to their abilities and interests. Girl Scouts will also provide user-friendly resources so that adults and girls have a fun and impact-driven Girl Scout experience.
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