GSNI Volunteer Recognition

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois recognizes volunteers, Girl Scouts, and community partners in a variety of ways. Our members and communities change the world for Girl Scouts across our council. Because of them, our Girl Scouts are one step closer to their true potential.

Nominations are now closed. Please check back in December 2026 for next year's Adult Recognition nominations.

Adult Recognition

Every day, our volunteers provide Girl Scouts with the environment they need to pursue the interests, causes, and leadership roles that matter most to them. Girl Scouts are learning from them that being scientists, CEOs, and advocates for social change are paths they can take to make a difference in the world. Under their guidance, Girl Scouts are standing up, standing out, and standing tall in every aspect of their lives.

GSNI's Recognition Committee reviews every Adult Recognition Nomination that is submitted in mid-February. If you would like to join the Recognition Committee, email customercare@girlscoutsni.org with the email subject: Recognition Committee .

Those who receive one of our Adult Recognition Awards will be honored at GSNI's Annual Meeting & Recognition Event each year.

Annual Meeting & Recognition Event

The Annual Meeting and Recognition Event is held every April. All voting members are invited to attend to review council bylaws, elect board officers and directors and recognize outstanding volunteers, Girl Scouts and community partners.

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To nominate a volunteer for an Adult Recognition Award, complete the following steps when nominations open:

1. Review the criteria for each National Adult Volunteer Award in GSNI's Adult Recognition Handbook or the links below under each award.

2. Review the list of Past Recipients to ensure the volunteer has not received the award in the past.

3. Submit a nomination form for the National Adult Volunteer Award that best fits the volunteer.

General information about Adult Volunteer Recognitions, tips, questions for nominations can be found here.

Check out our Decision Tree to help you identify which award to nominate your nominee.

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Appreciation Award

The Appreciation Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This service, which has had measurable impact on one geographic area of service, helps reach and surpass the mission-delivery goals of the area.

Award Requirements:

The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout
The service the candidate performed was between the dates of October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025
The service performed by the candidate is above and beyond the expectations for the position held, and made an impact on a geographic area within the council’s jurisdiction

Nomination Instructions:

Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by the same person or by different people as long as the nominator is familiar with the candidate’s volunteer service.
You can submit a completed nomination form by February 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm. The nominations will be reviewed in mid-February by the Recognition Committee..
Incomplete form or weak nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination.
Adult Recognition Award frequently asked questions (FAQ) and Adult Recognition Award individual descriptions are available HERE.

List of past awardees

Appreciation Award Nomination Form

Please fill out the Appreciation Pin Form about the Girl Scout Volunteer you are nominating here.

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Belonging Award

The annual Belonging Award recognizes activities or projects performed by either an individual (Girl Scout youth or Girl Scout adult), troop/group, or service unit that has made significant contributions to advancing GSNI as a welcoming organization to our diverse members and potential members. This award is open to those who have made an exceptional dedication to advancing GSNI’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access goals and objectives.

Diversity refers to the presence of variety within the organization. It includes race, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disability, class, or age. Equity refers to concepts of fairness and justice. More specifically, equity usually also includes a focus on societal disparities and allocating resources and decision-making authority to groups that have historically been disadvantaged,and taking into consideration a person's unique circumstances, adjusting treatment accordingly so that the end result is equal. Finally, inclusion refers to creating an organizational culture that creates an experience where all members feel their voices will be heard, and a sense of belonging and integration.

All nominees will be recognized – letter through the mail notifying them if they were nominated and meet the criteria. The awardees will be announced at the Annual Meeting. Troop and Service Unit awardees will receive $100 in recognition for their work. Individuals will receive an ornamental award with their name etched on it.

Can be earned every two years for youth members as an individual awardee and troops.

Can be earned every 5 years for adult members as an individual awardee and Service Units.

Award requirements:

You may self-nominate.
Nominee(s) must be registered member of Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois
The nominee’s(s’) activity or project was completed between October 1, 2024 through September 30th, 2025. You can submit a completed nomination form by February 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
The activity or project was stand-alone, and not also used to earn a badge or other award.
Significance and Creativity – The project or activity must demonstrate inclusive leadership and commitment to the development and embedding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access with their troop/Community or school/Service Unit/council. The project or activity must be unique in addressing key issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
Impact – The nominee’s(s’) project or activity must have measurable outcomes that are specific, observable, and quantifiable results that can be used to assess the success of the project or activity. This project or activity must also be able to be replicated by others in the council.
Sustainability – The nominee’s(s’) project or activity must be sustainable and continue to make an influence after it is completed.

Nomination instructions:

Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by the same person or by different people as long as the nominator is familiar with the candidate’s volunteer service. Note that all nominee’s(s’) projects or activities will be printed in the Annual Meeting and Recognition Event booklet.
You can submit a completed nomination form by February 1, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. The nominations will be reviewed in mid-February by the Belonging Award Committee.
Incomplete form or weak nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination.
Complete the nomination form on the Adult Awards and Recognition webpage.

For Belonging Award eligibility, award requirements, and nomination instructions reference the Adult Recogintion Handbook.

List of Past Awardees

Belonging Award Nomination Form

Please fill out the Belonging Award Nomination Form about the Girl Scout Volunteer you are nominating here.

GSNI's Hall of Fame toggle arrow

Hall of Fame Award Nomination Form

The Hall of Fame Award recognizes a lifetime commitment to the Girl Scout Movement within Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI). The recipient has supported GSNI in variety of ways including advocating for Girl Scouts in the community, volunteering in a variety of rolls and financially supporting GSNI. No more than two individuals shall be inducted into the Hall of Fame each year. The Hall of Fame Award can be given posthumously.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are core values of Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois. We aim to empower every Girl Scout to make the world a better place. We acknowledge the impacts of systemic racism and oppression, and we are committed to working together to build an anti-oppressive society and continuing that journey within our own organization. Go to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for more information on Belonging at GSNI.

Award Requirements:

The candidate for this award has been a member for at least 20 years.
The nominee has delivered service that far exceeds the expectations of any position.
Has had long-lasting impact on the Girl Scout organization.
Has made a financial commitment to GSNI in the current or previous year.

Nominations Instructions:

Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by the same person or by different people as long as the nominator is familiar with the candidate’s volunteer service. Note that if the candidate is approved for an award, they will receive a copy of the nomination form.
You can submit a completed nomination form by February 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm. The nominations will be reviewed in mid-February by the Recognition Committee.
Incomplete form or weak nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination.
Adult Recognition Award frequently asked questions (FAQ) and Adult Recognition Award individual descriptions and forms can be found HERE.

List of past awardees

Hall of Fame Nomination Form & Letter of Endorsement Form

Please fill out the Hall of Fame Nomination Form about the Girl Scout Volunteer you are nominating here.

Hall of Fame Endorsement Form

Honor Pin

Honor Pin Nomination Form

The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This service, which has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.

Award Requirements:

The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout
The service the candidate performed was between the dates of October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025
The service performed by the candidate is above and beyond the expectations for the position held, and made an impact on two or more geographic areas within the council’s jurisdiction

Nomination Instructions:

Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by the same person or by different people as long as the nominator is familiar with the candidate’s volunteer service.
You can submit a completed nomination form by February 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm. The nominations will be reviewed in mid-February by the Recognition Committee..
Incomplete form or weak nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination.
Adult Recognition Award frequently asked questions (FAQ) and Adult Recognition Award individual descriptions and forms are available HERE.

Must be completed on a computer or tablet. Questions? Please contact Customer Care at customercare@girlscoutsni.org or 844-476-4463

List of past awardees

Honor Pin Nomination Form

Please fill out the Honor Pin Nomination Form about the Girl Scout Volunteer you are nominating here.

President's Award toggle arrow

President's Award

The President’s Award recognizes the efforts of a service delivery team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals. This award may be given only once every three years. The last award was given MY2024-2025.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are core values of Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois. We aim to empower every Girl Scout to make the world a better place. We acknowledge the impacts of systemic racism and oppression, and we are committed to working together to build an anti-oppressive society and continuing that journey within our own organization. Go to Diversity, Equitiy and Inclusion for more information on Belonging at GSNI.

Award Requirements:

All service-team or committee members are registered Girl Scouts.
The service the service-team or committee completed was between the dates of October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.
All service-team or committee members have met all requirements and expectations of the positions held.
The service-delivery team has significantly contributed to meeting one or more of the council’s mission-delivery goals
The service-delivery team reflects the diversity of the target audience or area it serves, in girl and adult membership, in all pathways offered.
The service-delivery team actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.

Nomination Instructions:

Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by the same person or by different people as long as the nominator is familiar with the candidate’s volunteer service. Note that if the candidate is approved for an award, they will receive a copy of the nomination form.
You can submit a completed nomination form by February 1, 2025 at 11:59 pm. The nominations will be reviewed in mid-February by the Recognition Committee..
Incomplete form or weak nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination.
Adult Recognition Award frequently asked questions (FAQ) and Adult Recognition Award individual descriptions and forms are available HERE.

List of past awardees

President's Award Nomination Form

Please fill out the President's Award Nomination Form about the Girl Scout Volunteer you are nominating here.

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Thanks Badge

The Thanks Badge honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.

Award Requirements:

The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout.
The service the candidate completed was between the dates of October 1, 2024 to September 30th, 2025.
The outstanding service performed by the candidate resulted in outcomes that benefitted the total council or the entire Girl Scout organization and is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate.

Nomination Instructions:

Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by the same person or by different people as long as the nominator is familiar with the candidate’s volunteer service. Note that if the candidate is approved for an award, they will receive a copy of the nomination form.
You can submit a completed nomination form by February 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm. The nominations will be reviewed in mid-February 15 by the Recognition Committee.
Incomplete form or weak nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination.
Adult Recognition Award frequently asked questions (FAQ) and Adult Recognition Award individual descriptions and forms are available HERE.

List of past awardees

Thanks Badge Award Nomination Form

Please fill out the Thanks Badge Award Nomination Form about the Girl Scout Volunteer you are nominating here.

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Thanks Badge II

The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout.
The service the candidate completed was between the dates of October 1, 2024 and September 30th, 2025.
The candidate has received the Thanks Badge Award.
The outstanding service performed by the candidate resulted in outcome(s) that benefitted the entire Girl Scout organization and is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate.

Nomination Instructions:

Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by the same person or by different people as long as the nominator is familiar with the candidate’s volunteer service. Note that if the candidate is approved for an award, they will receive a copy of the nomination form.
You can submit a completed nomination form by February 1, 2025 at 11:59 pm. The nominations will be reviewed in mid-February by the Recognition Committee.
Incomplete form or weak nominations may result in disqualification of the nomination.
Adult Recognition Award frequently asked questions (FAQ) and Adult Recognition Award individual descriptions and forms are HERE.

List of past awardees

Thanks Badge II Award Nomination Form

Please fill out the Thanks Badge II Award Nomination Form about the Girl Scout Volunteer you are nominating here.

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Volunteer of Excellence Award

The Volunteer of Excellence award recognizes those volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with Girl Scouts in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through use of the national program portfolio, or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the council’s mission delivery to Girl Scouts and adult members.

The candidate is an active, registered adult Girl Scout.
The service the candidate performed was between the dates of October 1, 2024 to September 30th, 2025.
The candidate has successfully completed a term of service and all requirements for the position.
The candidate has performed beyond expectations for the position to deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to youth using the national program portfolio, or
The candidate’s performance has been beyond the expectations of the position and has supported council’s mission-delivery goals in one or more of the following functional areas: Membership Development/Community Cultivation, Volunteer Relations and Support, Program, Leadership and Governance, Fund Development, and Council Support Service (such as IT, Customer Service, Merchandising, MarComm).
The candidate actively recognizes, understands, and practices the values of inclusive behavior.

Nomination Instructions:

Coordinate the completion of the required nomination form. This can be submitted by the same person or by different people as long as the nominator is familiar with the candidate’s volunteer service.
You can submit a completed nomination form by February 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm. The nominations will be reviewed in mid-February by the Recognition Committee.
Incomplete form or weak nomination may result in disqualification of the nomination.
Adult Recognition Award frequently asked questions (FAQ) and Adult Recognition Award individual descriptions and forms are available HERE.

List of past awardees

Volunteer of Excellence Award Nomination Form

Please fill out the Volunteer of Excellence Award Nomination Form about the Girl Scout Volunteer you are nominating here.

Community Recognition

GSNI's Board of Directors established the Community Partnership Award as a way to recognize special donors or organizations that have significantly supported GSNI to better serve our Girl Scouts and volunteers. Donors or organizations who receive this award are recognized at GSNI's Annual Meeting each year.

Nomination Form
Past Recipients

Service Unit Recognition

There are several ways service units can recognize their volunteers and Girl Scouts locally. Below you can find resources for Service Unit Recognition Chairs to share with their Service Unit Teams as they plan their recognition activities for the year.

If you have an idea on how to recognize volunteers and Girl Scouts at the service unit level, please submit ideas to customercare@girlscoutsni.org with the subject line: Service Unit Recognition Idea.

Service Unit Recognition Chair Training toggle arrow

Please contact your GSNI Membership Engagement Specialist for details about Recognition Chair Training.

If you are interested in becoming a Recognition Chair in your service unit, contact your Membership Engagement Specialist at customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Recognition Chair Position Description

Resources for Adult Recognition toggle arrow

For information on Adult Recognition, please refer to GSNI's Adult Recognition Handbook.

Resources for Girl Scout Recognition toggle arrow

Service Unit Recognition Ceremonies for Girl Scouts and Volunteers

Council Finder

Adult Awards & Recognition

GSNI Volunteer Recognition

Adult Recognition

Annual Meeting & Recognition Event

Appreciation Award

Appreciation Award Nomination Form

Belonging Award

Belonging Award Nomination Form

Hall of Fame Nomination Form & Letter of Endorsement Form

Honor Pin Nomination Form

Honor Pin Nomination Form

President's Award

President's Award Nomination Form

Thanks Badge

Thanks Badge Award Nomination Form

Thanks Badge II

Thanks Badge II Award Nomination Form

Volunteer of Excellence Award

Volunteer of Excellence Award Nomination Form

Community Recognition

Service Unit Recognition