Girl Scouts of Colorado - Forever Green

About Forever Green

Girl Scouts of all ages are engaging in a nationwide, annual, signature community action project called Girl Scouts Forever Green. The project will grow as we near the celebration of 100 years of Girl Scouting in the United States in 2012.

Girl Scouts of Colorado was selected as a pilot council for this national initiative. Long-time advocates for the environment, Girl Scouts envision being at the forefront of environmental sustainability, leading schools and communities in using resources wisely. This Web site, designed to be the hub for this exciting project, was funded by a generous grant from the Walmart Foundation. Thank you to the Walmart Foundation for its generous support of this program and this Web site.

Small changes; big impact monthly challenge

Each month we are issuing an environmental challenge to get everyone thinking green even outside of their Forever Green projects. Small changes add up to a big impact. So do your part , tell your friends and family and take another step toward a world that's Forever Green.

This month, we're asking you not to collect another plastic grocery bag. Remember to bring your cloth bags or other reusable grocery bags into the store. Chat about how you're doing on the Girl Scouts of Colorado message boards.

Project Focus Areas

(these are just a very few, check out the Girl Scouts of Colorado Forever Green Guide for more ideas and tips to get started.)

Air Quality:


Creating no-idling zones, replacing toxic art supplies and cleansers, planting trees and adding indoor plants.
 

Waste Management:


Composting, recycling, implementing waste-free lunches, eliminating junk mail.
 

Water Conservation:


Installing rain barrels, monitoring local water bodies, installing low flow faucets and toilets.
 

Energy Conservation:


Turning off lights, unplugging electronics when not in use, changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
 

Green Space:


Creating, improving and/or integrating green space into school/community.
 

Contact:

Marty Lockhart, project manager,
marty.lockhart@gscolorado.org
719-597-8603, ext. 30
fax: 719-597-5986

Funding support:

Troops can request small amounts of seed money to help implement their project. If you would like to request a seed money grant, please submit the attached Funding Request to Marty Lockhart. Troops may request up to $200. Granting of this money will be at the discretion of the GSCO Project Manager.

Funding Request

Project Name:
Contact Name:
Phone:
Email Address:
Amount of money requested:
Describe what the money will be used for: Please be specific. For example, if the money will be used to purchase supplies, please list the different materials instead of writing "supplies":
Please describe your reasons for requesting seed money:

By mail or e-mail to:

Marty Lockhart
Girl Scouts of Colorado
3535 Parkmoor Village Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80917 marty.lockhart@gscolorado.org

Frequently Asked Questions
  1. How can I get involved?
  2. When do I have to finish my project?
  3. Is there financial support available?
  4. Do I have to be a registered Girl Scout to participate?
  5. Is there an age limit or a limit to the number of girls who can participate on one project?
  6. How do we track our progress?
  7. Why do I have to have a project advisor?
  8. Can more than one troop do a project together?
  9. Can my Forever Green project also be my Gold/Silver/Bronze Award project?
  10. Will I receive a badge or patch for participating?

1. How can I get involved?

It’s easy to get involved. Just follow the 4R’s

Review: Download the Forever Green Project Resource Guide and learn about our five focus areas.

Register: Go to www.gsforevergreen.org and follow the online registration process and set up your project blog

Recruit: Talk to your friends and family about your project and get moving on making a difference.

Report: Return to your blog page frequently and report your success.

2. When do I have to finish my project?

All projects for the pilot must be completed and results reported by May 15, 2010.

3. Is there financial support available?

GSCO has a limited amount of funds available to help registered Forever Green projects. Click here for more information. Girls may also designate troop funds, request community in-kind donation or use personal funds for their projects. You may also request funding from the organization your project will be benefiting.

4. Do I have to be a registered Girl Scout to participate?

Some Forever Green activities are limited to registered Girl Scouts. However, we will have a variety of opportunities open to the community, including events and projects. For more information, check out our available events or jump in and register as a Girl Scout.

5. Is there an age limit or a limit to the number of girls who can participate on one project?

Girl Scouts Forever Green is open to all age levels. This project impacts everyone and we want everyone to be a part of it. There is no limit to the number of girls who may participate. However, if your project is a collaboration of multiple troops and levels, please let us know.

6. How do we track our progress?

GSCO has a fantastic website, designed just for this pilot. All approved registered projects will be given a blog page at www.gsforevergreen.org to record their progress and the impact of their projects. Participants will be requested to provide updates at least monthly and track what they do through a series of metric questions, provided by GSUSA.

7. Why do I have to have a project advisor?

We want Girl Scouts Forever Green to be a major success. Part of that success is ensuring that the projects we do have the support of the community. The Project Advisor is a person, who works for your chosen organization. He/she will be able to provide support, guidance and assistance for your project. Plus, by involving him or her at the very beginning, you are working to see that your project is sustainable and continued. By connecting with your group at the beginning and recruiting a project advisor, you are ensuring your project's success.

8. Can more than one troop do a project together?

There is power in numbers! We love for troops to work together on Forever Green projects. It is a wonderful opportunity for older and younger girls to work together and to also make a larger impact. Remember to gather everyone’s thoughts and ideas so it represents everyone!

9. Can my Forever Green project also be my Gold/Silver/Bronze Award project?

Absolutely! Be sure to follow the guidelines and pre-requisites for your specific recognition and go for it!

10. Will I receive a badge or patch for participating?

All participants will receive a special Girl Scouts Forever Green patch for participating in this pilot. These patches are still in the design stage and will be available from GSUSA soon.

In addition, girls may earn additional Girl Scout recognitions related to their project topic area through extra activities. This may include badges or Journey requirements. Please refer to the Forever Green Project Resource Guide for a list of potential earned recognitions.