JUST FOR VOLUNTEERS

Become the Best You Can Be

The new year offers a fresh start toward self-improvement.

By Emily G. Kelting

Thinking about what lies ahead for you in 2004? Why not consider learning new skills, taking on a challenge or exploring an avenue you've always wanted to discover?

"The mission of the Girl Scouts is to help girls and women achieve success and reach their fullest potential," says Marilyn Morgan-Muslim, the Volunteer and Diversity Resource Development Consultant at GSUSA. Though self-improvement continues year-round, the new year offers a fresh start. So how do you begin a self-improvement campaign?

1. Start with a vision of yourself one year from today.

How would you like to see yourself? How would you like others to see you? What accomplishments can you achieve by the end of the coming year? To help direct your actions, start with the end in mind. If you've always wanted to shoot great pictures of your troop, for example, then taking a photography workshop would be an excellent beginning.

2. The next step is to look at yourself and assess where you are right now.

How far are you from the vision you've determined? What steps do you need to take to reach your goal? Identify those key areas and determine your plan of action.

3. Once you define the actions needed, look at your personal network.

Is there a co-leader, co-worker or friend who might serve as a mentor to help in your quest for self-improvement? People can be inspirational as well as great resources for connecting you with others. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

4. Explore training opportunities.

Workshops are offered by your council or by GSUSA at the Edith Macy Conference Center in Briarcliff Manor, New York.

You can find out about these workshops from your council's volunteer development or adult development director. Workshops that improve skill-building can be applied towards the Leadership Development Pin. You can earn this pin by taking the appropriate leadership training from your council (leaves can be added to the pin for additional hours of training). Your local service area team or council Adult Recognitions Committee has more information about this earned award.

5. What tools might better serve you in your volunteer position or at your job?

Here are some ideas:

• If you are a troop leader, consider a course in youth development. After all, Daisy Girl Scouts have very different interests than Senior Girl Scouts.
• Diversity training is another area to consider. As America becomes increasingly diverse, girls need to appreciate and value a wide variety of perspectives. By taking diversity training, you can help broaden their views of the world as well as prepare them for their futures.
• Volunteers who serve in an administrative capacity, such as service unit managers, troop organizers or mentors, should consider courses in coaching, delegating or team building to enhance their management skills. Or perhaps select a course in time management to help balance all the things you do.
• If you are a council board member, consider taking a course in strategic planning, governance, fund development or organizational development.
• First-aid training is another useful course for all volunteers. Check with your council, the American Red Cross, local hospitals or community centers for offerings.

6. Remember to take time out for yourself.

Chances are if you are a busy volunteer, you are constantly multitasking. That means stress can build. "Stress management is key," says Marilyn Morgan-Muslim.

Stress management classes are available to teach you the best way to juggle all of your responsibilities. Take a course in tai chi, learn how to meditate, practice yoga or start an exercise regimen if you don't already have one. Even taking a short walk can lift worries and improve your outlook.

So, as the new year approaches, take stock of where you are and where you would like to be a year from now—and ask your Girl Scout friends and colleagues to support your self-improvement campaign.

Adapted from LEADER, Winter 2003. © Girl Scouts of the United States of America.