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Our GSNI Brand

Few brands are strong enough to be identified simply by a color or a shape, but we have both the unique shade of "Girl Scout green" and the singular Girl Scout Trefoil symbol working for us. These much-admired elements, combined with consistent and accurate language, ensure recognition of the Girl Scouts brand.

Help us solidify our identity by always using the tools below:

Brand FAQs

What is brand?

Our brand is not just a logo, a visual identify, or a product. It is the personal connection and experience that people associate with Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, including our programs, services, marketing, and reputation.

Why is it important to protect the brand?

It is critical to protect the brand for financial reasons and for the sake of our organization's recognition, reputation, and credibility.

What is copyright? ©

Copyright is a law that gives the owner of a work (like a photo, song, or written material) the right to say how other people can use it. With copyright, a work can be copied only if the owner gives permission. Copyright laws help Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois protect our marketing assets. The same laws protect the visual and linguistic property of other organizations/companies. Copyright infringement is the use, reproduction, distribution, display, or performance of works protected by copyright law without permission. Do not infringe on copyright!

What does trademark mean? ™

A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, and/or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others. Logos, photographs, symbols, designs, words, phrases, and even non-traditional elements like sounds, smells, and colors, can be trademarked. Trademarks protect the intellectual property and use of specific ideas and symbols, as well as the trademark owner's brand.

How is infringement reported to GSUSA?

If you, a volunteer, or community member, see copyright or trademark infringement of the Girl Scout brand, visit this site to report it to GSUSA.

https://www.girlscouts.org/en/contact-us/contact-us/report-infringement.html

What is a service mark or lockup?

The lockup, or service mark, is the final form of our logo, with all its elements. Only council names (e.g. Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois) and affinity groups (e.g. Cadettes) may be locked into the service mark. Only GSUSA can create lockups/service marks.

Do I need permission to use Girl Scout symbols on my materials, such as flyers and collateral?

Yes! The use of official insignia (all of which are trademarked) is highly restrictive.

Do volunteers need permission to use the Girl Scout logo on Girl Scout troop/group or service unit websites and social media?

Yes! Volunteers should work directly with staff for approval and assistance.

How do volunteers or community members request permission to use the Girl Scout logo on things like cakes or unusual items?

GSUSA does grant permission for logo use on a case-by-case basis. To request permission, anyone can visit the site below.

https://www.girlscouts.org/en/contact-us/contact-us/permission-request.html

Do volunteers need permission to use the logo on patches, T-shirts, banners, or promotional materials?

Yes! Contact GSNI’s Retail Team to learn more about how to work with an approved vendor for this type of merchandise. 

General Guidelines
Remember the Girl Scout Law

Always keep in mind the Girl Scout Promise and Law and our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

Representing Girl Scouts in the Community

Thank you for representing Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois at community events! These tips will help avoid confusion that may arise due to marketplace competition. See the Talking to the Media guidelines below for more information.

  • Use consistent language and correct Girl Scout branding, as outlined below. (Please share this information with the coordinators, spokesperson, or media representatives at events in which you participate.)
  • Wear the Girl Scout uniform or Girl Scout-branded clothing at community and school functions (e.g., parades, flag ceremonies, recruitment events, Girl Scout troop outings).
  • Ask event announcers to distinguish between the two separate youth organizations (i.e., use “Girl Scouts” or “GSUSA” and “Boy Scouts” or “BSA” rather than “Scouts” or “Scouting”).

We are happy to help if you have a question about a partnership opportunity or need assistance with a related situation. Contact us a 1-844-476-4463 or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Questions about branding? Email our Marketing and Communications team at stories@girlscoutsni.org.

Language and Wording

Here are some tips to help when referencing our brand:

CORRECT BRANDING

INCORRECT BRANDING

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)

Girl Scouts of America (GSA)

Girl Scout/Girl Scouts/Girl Scouting

Scout/Scouts/Scouting

Girl Scouts

The Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois

Girl Scouts Northern Illinois

Girl Scout Troop 1234

Troop 1234

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Boone Service Unit

Boone Girl Scouts

Girl Scout Cookie Program
Fall Product Program

Cookie sale, Fall Nut Sale

Earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, Girl Scout Silver Award, Girl Scout Bronze Award

Win the Gold Award

Gold Award Girl Scout, Silver Award Girl Scout, Bronze Award Girl Scout

Gold/Silver/Bronze Award winner, awardee, recipient

Colors and Fonts

Updates on new branding colors for GSNI are coming soon!

Stayed tuned for updates on new Girl Scout fonts and usage!

Logos and Graphics

Where can I find the new Girl Scout logos, and how should I use them?

Availability of the new brand GSNI logos and directions will be coming soon.

What is the GSNI Lockup?

The GSNI lockup is the final form of our logo, with all its elements. It should not be reassembled or reproportioned. Only GSUSA can create service marks/lockups. Whenever possible, the text should be black, and the Girl Scout Profiles should be kept green. If placed on a green background, the Profiles should reverse to white and all text should remain black. One-color marks are a last resort to be used only when budgets so demand.

What should I know about photography and other graphics?

Use only high-quality photos and graphics. Do not steal! Use artwork from sites that provide copyright-free materials or create your own. If asked to take photos at an event, please use a high-quality camera, as opposed to a cell phone. If you can only use a cell phone, make sure your cellphone camera is set at the highest possible quality.  Get as close to action as possible. Try not to have extraneous matter in the photo. Please make sure photos are in focus. Choose images that represent the mission, Promise, and Law of Girl Scouts.

T-Shirts, Patches, and Branded Items
General

To get started, talk to your service unit leader or contact Customer Care. Remember to check out our great selection at our GSNI Resource Centers!

When creating banners, T-shirts, patches, or other items for troops or service units, always include an identifier for our council. It is not necessary to use the official logo, but do include the words Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois or GSNI.

All use of the Girl Scout brand is subject to council approval. Please contact MarComm for approvals and questions at stories@girlscoutsni.org.

Social Media and GSNI

Is GSNI on social media?

Please follow Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Encourage your friends and other Girl Scouts (age 13 or older with parent permission) and volunteers to do so, as well. Like and share our posts.

How should I represent Girl Scouts?

Model good online behavior for the girls. Be professional and appropriate. Do not write anything that would reflect badly on our organization or embarrass our members or volunteers. Do not engage in online arguments. Proofread your posts.

Do I need to be sensitive about privacy?

Use girls' first names only. Never post phone numbers, addresses, or email addresses. Get photo permission before posting pictures of girls. Know the privacy settings of your accounts. Do not violate copyright laws. Do not use any images without permission. Bring any concerns to the attention of MarComm.

What are GSUSA's policies?

GSUSA is dedicated to serving ALL members. Girl Scouts families of all backgrounds deserve to feel seen—it's at the heart of creating a safe, inclusive space where every Girl Scout can thrive. We welcome healthy discussion but we ask that comments and posts are kept relevant and respectful. Check GSUSA's Social Media Community Guidelines here.

Talking to the Media

What if I’m approached by the media?

There are several scenarios in which you might have the opportunity to represent Girl Scouts to the media. You might:

  • Assist a service unit with an article for a community newspaper.
  • Be approached at an event.
  • Receive a request to be interviewed by a TV, radio, or print journalist.
  • Please reach out to our MarComm Team for support or guidance, especially if any sensitive issues are involved.