When do you know if you are ready to. . .
Take the GSU101 Training? When you know you want to earn the
Gold Award (or maybe you are curious) and you have something you are
passionate about!
Submit your Project Proposal:
- You have identified the root cause of the issue you want to
work with
- You have a budget (estimates are great, you need
an idea of how much things will cost, even if they will be
donated)
- You have an idea of who your Project Advisor will
be
- When someone has proofread your proposal
All girls who want to earn their Gold Award are required to take
the GSU 101 Training
Tips and Tricks
- Complete the Gold Award Proposal word doc you receive from the
council (have someone proofread) then Turn it in, after approval and
interview, you can copy and paste your answers into the My Go Gold
System.
- When completing your final report, complete the
Gold Award Final Report (word doc, have someone proofread) then,
copy and paste your answers into My Go Gold
System.
- During your interview you will be asked about the
Journey you completed, be prepared to discuss what you learned and
what your Take Action Project was.
- Keep track of all of the
work that you have done, including who you are talking with and the
hours you are completing. Do not commit to anything until you have
been approved by the Gold Award Committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wait for until after my initial interview?
After your initial interview and your project is approved, then
tell everyone what you are doing for your Gold Award! Share it on
social media, get flyers out, secure space, and get your project going.
What does sustainability mean?
- Your Gold Award must be sustained beyond your
involvement!
- Your Gold Award IS a Take Action Project.
- A Take Action Project:
- Gives a long-term solution to the
root-cause of a need in a community
- Continues to make
an impact (sustainable)
- Solves a problem
- Addresses a root cause
- Measurable impact
NOTE: this VIDEO outlines how to Take Action
What is a root cause?
The root cause is the reason or
reasons there is an issue. Please
Note: there is more to a Gold then just addressing the root cause,
the examples below are only pertaining to understanding the meaning
of Root Cause.
Ex. Why does the shelter not have enough food? The root cause is not
that the shelter needs food, it’s that it doesn’t have a regular
donation of food.
- Addressing the root cause could include kicking off an annual
food donation drive then partnering with local organizations who
would continue the food donation drives.
Ex. Why are people homeless? The root cause is not that people are
homeless, it’s why are they homeless? Do they have access to
training? Interview clothing? Personal hygiene resources? Addiction
issues? Criminal records?
- Addressing the root cause could include partnering with a
homeless shelter to build a program that brings resources into the
shelter weekly to help residents overcome barriers.
Ex. Why does your high school have a low graduation rate? The root
cause may not be that people don’t want to graduate, there may be many
factors. After researching and learning more, you find out that
literacy rates are low at your school. Why?
- Addressing the root cause could include setting up a
literature club, which meets weekly to discuss and connect with the
English curriculum at your school. The club could also go into
elementary schools to help younger students learn to read.
How do I build a budget?
Think of all of the things that you will need:
- Does your team need snacks?
- How much will gas
cost?
- Where will you print your flyers?
- How will you
pay for your website domain?
- Is there a space rental
cost?
- Everything costs money, even if it gets donated.
- Have a Plan A and Plan B, if you don’t get things donated how
will you pay for them?
- Who should I ask to be my Project
Advisor?
Who should I ask to be my project advisor?
A Project Advisor should be an expert in some way with what your
project is focused on.
Be clear with your Project Advisor that you will need them to be a
resource for you as you work towards your goals. Someone you can ask
questions of, who can connect you with others in the field, or someone
who can help direct you when barriers come up (because barriers
will come up).
Think outside of your comfort zone, beyond friends and family and
Girl Scouts. Who can you network with? Who can help you meet new
people and learn new things?
