Volunteer Spotlight - May24
Congratulations to Michelle Shakespeare-Funfsinn who has been awarded GSNI’s Volunteer Spotlight for May 2024!
Growing up in Maine, Michelle participated in a Girl Scout troop of Brownies and Juniors. In 2012, Michelle began volunteering with Girl Scouts as an adult with her oldest daughter. Then in 2014, she started a multi-level troop in DeKalb with six girls. Michelle shared that—at its peak—the troop had 38 members!
Michelle continues to co-lead Troop 1533 and as Wynonwy Service Unit’s Cookie Coordinator has been a huge help in supporting troops through the cookie program. GSNI honored Michelle in 2018 as a recipient of GSUSA’s Appreciation Pin Award and again in 2024 as a recipient of GSUSA’s Volunteer of Excellence Award.
Michelle was co-nominated for this Volunteer Spotlight Award by GSNI’s Director of Product Program Anna Jarrett and GSNI Recruitment Specialist Kim French. Anna commented, “Michelle’s attention to detail is such a huge asset, and she is very knowledgeable. She is always willing to help cookie volunteers and answers their questions in a timely manner. During her role as Service Unit Cookie Coordinator, I know she has sat down with volunteers for as long as it takes to walk them through their questions and help them use both of our cookie platforms: eBudde and Digital Cookie. Michelle’s enthusiasm and positive attitude certainly ensures that new cookie volunteers feel comfortable and supported!”
When planning last fall’s DeKalb area recruitments, Kim reached out to the Wynonwy Service Unit Team for information on back-to-school events and recruitment opportunities. Michelle responded, offering to gladly assist in spreading the word and reserve the library for a fall event. Her assistance didn’t stop there! Since last fall, Michelle has found numerous businesses and facilities within the community who are willing to display Girl Scout flyers for their customers.
She also coordinated with other Girl Scout volunteers to post Girl Scout yard signs on their property (as she proudly does). She has provided recruitment advice to get to know the DeKalb community better and helped locate preschools willing to send Girl Scout flyers home. Michelle’s passion for Girl Scouts and membership growth shines! She is truly a tremendous and valuable recruitment asset in her community, and Kim is especially grateful for her help.
When asked about Michelle’s favorite Girl Scout moments, she replied, “As a Girl Scout in Maine, our troop leader was always taking us on outdoor excursions and teaching us life skills—leaf identification, sewing, tying knots, etc. Besides great memories, the thing that made a huge impact on me throughout my life was her insistence that ‘You can do anything and everything you put your mind to, girls.’ That became my quote for my high school yearbook—to reach for the stars—and it has resonated with me throughout my life and career.”
In reference to The Three Processes in Girl Scouts (girl-led, learning by doing, and cooperative learning), Michelle explained, “The older girls (in our troop) determine at the beginning of the year what they want to work on and their agenda for the year. It’s amazing to me how creative and outside-the-box they think during that process. They are cognizant of the budget and create presentations for the younger girls about how budgeting works and how important it is to sell products in order to enjoy activities and other philanthropic events.”
“I volunteer with Girl Scouts to make a positive impact upon the girls,” Michelle continued. “Watching the joy in their eyes when they experience something new that they may not have had the chance to do and to see their world open up. Also, to watch the girls build their confidence and determination, grow stronger and braver, and develop life skills, all in a safe environment, and while making memories to last a lifetime. It means a lot.”
Michelle said, “Girl Scouts is a ‘sisterhood’ unlike any other, and so many of these girls develop lifelong friendships and bonds which is incredibly rewarding to see. Watching the joy on their faces as they partake in activities, whether it be camping, horseback riding, robotics, floral arranging, or other activities, it is yet another reason that Girl Scouting keeps me motivated.”
What advice might she offer to other Girl Scout volunteers or parents? Michelle shared, “For volunteers, I always tell my leadership team that there is no ‘I’ in team. Everyone brings something to the group, whether it’s different talents or perspectives, and everyone makes the team successful. I’ve been fortunate through the years to have incredible people join our leadership team and make a huge difference to the girls. For parents, I always say, ‘we need you’ and don’t be afraid to talk to your Girl Scout troop leadership team and offer your time and talents. It will be most appreciated!”
Thank you, Michelle! It’s so rewarding to have wonderful volunteers like you supporting GSNI!
GSNI wants to thank Patty Donahue and Image Awards Engraving and Creative Keepsakes in Geneva, IL for providing the beautiful tile trivet awards for our Volunteer Spotlight Program.
