Appendix A

Betsy Woodford

Miscellaneous ideas that could enhance leader retention that I couldn't fit in elsewhere:

Topics for discussions

• Monthly review of one piece of leader job description
• Variety in troop program-any field trips troops went on last month
• Accurate record maintenance- how keep records for badges
• Implementing forms of troop government
• Sing, sing, sing- singing and telling stories have long been a way to pass on cultural values and establishing a group identity. Let's keep doing it!

Things councils can do:

• Remember that most leaders' basic goal is to provide a good program for her daughter. The more that Council can meet an individual's goals, the more likely the individuals are to help with Council's goals.
• Write a short training bulletin each month that can be read at SU meetings, or handed out. Highlight one area, and give the gems of ideas-don't flood it with information.
• Publish short description of recent Gold Award projects and a biography on the honoree.
• Collective establish a group identity by setting goals together
• Through visual means such as signs, T-shirts establish a logo or "graphics" identity. Don't forget to include the words "Girl Scouts!" (I can't tell you how many T-shirts I've gotten that don't even say "Girl Scouts.")
• Offer trainings in groups, by experienced leaders. Offer a way for class members to contact each other after class is over. (Start a network!)
• Design a comprehensive leader training program-like Boy Scouts' Woodbadge Program. The leader sets goals of taking certain courses, and being responsible for leadership tasks at SU or council level. It takes about two years.

Adult Recognition

• Recognize, recognize, recognize. Everyone needs a thank you now and then! The remembrance can be small, a thank you note will do.
• Don't always recognize achieve, recognize IMPROVEMENT. (If the goals for recognition are too impossibly high, no one will try.)
• Publicize carefully and clearly what each recognition pin is awarded for, and be SURE to never favor one group over another.