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?
Resources
