Girl Scout troops/groups and service units may create a website or use social media to promote or communicate with members. When forming a troop/service unit Facebook, Twitter account, website or other form of social media you must have a GSKSMO registered adult member managing the account / content for the page.
Girl Scout troops/groups and service units using social media as an activity with girls must meet the age requirement established by social media channels. Leaders must first obtain caregiver permission and obtain a signed photo release form before proceeding with the activity.
Downloads:
Safety Activity Checkpoint - Computer Online
Photo Release Form
When representing Girl Scouts on social media channels make safety a priority. Make sure the privacy standards settings ensure the safety of girls. Practice diligence to ensure that groups you are joining or linking to have standards consistent with Girl Scouts. And make sure the messages you post do not conflict with Girl Scouts positions. Talk with your membership manager if you are unsure of what to say on a particular topic. Use good judgment and common sense - do not write or post anything that would embarrass or upset Girl Scout members and volunteers, or reflect badly on our organization.
Treat others as you want to be treated; do not use the internet to attack or abuse any group, race, gender, religion, political group. Careful monitoring of social media is important in maintaining a positive image of Girl Scouting. Remember that what you post online will be around for a long time, and remember that when you release something on-line, that's it can be released for the world to see. Use discretion and think twice before you post something. Respect others privacy and your own personal boundaries by using discretion when posting photos, comments, etc. When possible, please share articles/events from the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri website and social media sites.
Steps to Setting Up Your Site
- If you are setting up a Facebook page for your service unit or troop, the page name should be GSKSMO SU #____________ or Troop #_____________.
- All service unit and multi-service unit event Facebook pages must include (2) GSKSMO staff members as admins.
- You should set the privacy settings to “friends only” or have a password protected site. This way people must request to be your friend or have a secure sign-in.
- Be sure to review the Safety Activity Checkpoint – Computer Online
- Have signed permission forms in hand before posting photos
- Do not tag or attach full names of girls to photos and never post private information about girls including address, phone or e-mail address.
- Review graphic guidelines for use of the GSKSMO logo
- Don't violate copyright law by using designs, text from magazines or books, poetry, music, lyrics, videos, graphics or trademarked symbols without specific permission from the copyright or trademark.
- And last but not least, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and send us your photos/updates to spotlight.
Media Contact
We want to work in partnership with our service units and troops when it comes to bringing awareness to Girl Scouts. Should you be contacted by a reporter through your website or social media site, please contact Gina Garvin at (816) 759-3046 or by email. You may not contact the following media outlets without first contacting us: all television stations, Kansas City Star, St. Joseph News Press and the Topeka Capitol Journal. More than likely, we proceed on the great story but we want to promote together and build awareness for your great news. In working with other media partners, please use Girl Scout/council messaging and notify us so we may promote your good news on our council social media sites.
