November/December 2004 Volume 30 Issue 10  

Operating Committee report

The Operating Committee is responsible for coordinating day to day operations of the Membership and Membership Services divisions, which include the following departments: Adult Development, Communications, Facilities Management, Membership, Product Sales, and Program. The Operating Committee consists of the vice chairs and vice presidents of Membership and Membership Services, and it reports to the chair of the board and the chief executive officer. The Operating Committee also initiates and oversees task groups for specific issues, as needed.

The committee meets regularly to discuss issues and approve recommendations pertaining to topics impacting volunteers and staff in the Membership and Membership Services divisions, and interacts with Brand Management, Fund Development, Finance and Administration, and Information Technology.

Specific responsibilities of the Operating Committee include the Operating Plan, appointment of key volunteers, consideration of task group recommendations, and approval of operational procedures and Council adult recognitions.

  • Operating Committee members are available to listen to comments and concerns.
  • Issues may be brought to the attention of the Operating Committee by any volunteer or staff member. Proposals should be submitted in writing, either letter or e-mail.
  • Occasionally, the Operating Committee will initiate topics for discussion and alert all departments for the need for feedback.
  • When additional information is needed, representatives are invited to attend the Operating Committee meeting.

The Operating Committee is adopting a new way of work to improve communications from the committee to volunteers and staff by:

  • Preparing and distributing a quarterly report to directors and department coordinators
  • Posting pertinent information in the What’s New in Membership Newsletter on the CIN
  • Writing articles for The Golden Link at least four times a year
  • Posting information on CIN for administrators

Operating Committee Ways of Work

The Operating Committee approves and circulates written Ways of Work for Council implementation. They are printed in the Operations Manual and can also be accessed on the CIN in the Service Unit Administrator folder. At this time the committee would like to announce the addition of Operating Committee Way of Work #7 “Guidelines for Council Level Committees/Task Groups in Membership and Membership Services” and Operating
Committee Way of Work #8 “Solicitations and Donations.”

How to contact the Operating Committee

Joanne Williams
Vice Chair of Membership
713-292-0402, jwilliams@sjgs.org

Carole Lowenkron
Vice Chair of Membership Services
713-292-0401, clowenkron@sjgs.org

Carolyn Johnson
Vice President of Membership
713-292-0267, cjohnson@sjgs.org

Jo Monday
Vice President of Membership Services
713-292-0209, jmonday@sjgs.org

Task Groups

The following task groups have been initiated by the Operating Committee and are in progress:

Medical Form/Permission
Slip Task Group
Chair: Susan Shirley
Staff Advisor: Larry Loop

Charge:

  • Review all current GSSJC permission slips and medical forms.
    Consider similar documents from other councils, from GScoutmate, and from other youth-serving organizations. Also consider local laws, HIPAA requirements, and Council risk management factors.
  • Submit task group report and recommendations/rationale for any needed changes to the Operating Committee.

Day Camp Task Group
Chair: Paula Arnold
Staff Advisor: Shannon Riley

Charge:

  • Review the current status of day/ twilight camps in GSSJC including attendance, availability, staffing, etc.
  • In the course of this review, consult other Girl Scout councils and day camp providers.
  • Discuss ways to extend the day camp experience to more girls and in more areas in the Council.
  • Submit report and recommendations to the Operating Committee.

Studio 2B Task Group
Chair: Linda Loop
Staff Advisor: Linda Pau

Charge:

  • Review the current resources, materials and information on STUDIO 2B.
  • Determine how the STUDIO 2B philosophy will be implemented in GSSJC.
  • Submit report and recommendations to the Operating Committee.