VolunteerSpotlight: Meg Pickelhaupt, Girl Scout Leader, Winchester MA

When those of us without Scouts think of Girl Scouts, we think of of the wonderful organization that brings us S'mores and Girl Scout Cookies. But Girl Scouts is SO MUCH MORE than smiling girls and treats! Girl Scouts of the USA is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls - all girls - where girls build esteem, character and skills for success in the real world. Girl Scouting could not happen without the commitment and creativity of caring adults who serve girls as troop leaders, camp counselors, technology coaches, and a myriad of other volunteer roles. VolunteerSpot helps leaders coordinate parents and volunteers, saving time and better managing specific Girl Scout activities such as campouts, troop meetings and Girl Scout cookie booth sales.

Today our VolunteerSpotlight shines on Meg Pickelhaupt, Girl Scout leader in Winchester, MA who uses VolunteerSpot to keep track of activities for two Girl Scout Troops and other volunteer initiatives.

What's your role as a volunteer leader? I am the leader of two Girl Scout troops; one is Daisy level (first graders), the other is a Brownie/Junior troop (3rd and 4th graders). I also serve as the Service Unit Registrar and Volunteer Facilitator (aka trainer!). I have enjoyed helping the girls to become more independent with each year they are in Girl Scouts, and to take ownership of their troop as active participants and planners.  As registrar, I have helped new leaders through the maze of start up paperwork as well as helped get new troops started in town. And now as a Volunteer Facilitator, I will train the new leaders so they can have more fun and less stress as they get started on their adventure as a Girl Scout Leader!

How did you get interested in volunteering? I have always been interested in volunteering and fund raising from the time I was in 7th grade selling candy to help our sister school in Mexico!

What other activities are you involved in as a volunteer or volunteer leader?  I participate in, and sometimes manage, many volunteer initiatives through my company. I also volunteer with a local women's charity that raises funds for our local hospital.  I am the Technology Chairwoman of that organization and see VolunteerSpot as a great next step to help our group get more organized by leveraging easy to use technology.

What’s one piece of advice you have for parent volunteers out there? It is easier to get others to volunteer if you give them a list of specific tasks to pick from.  A generic request like "Can you help out?" seems far more overwhelming than a "Which of these simple tasks can you do?"  The specific requests can be creative -- e.g. "Can you host a playdate for the younger siblings so that other parents can help at a meeting?" -- is a great suggestion for a parent that may be uncomfortable assisting at a meeting. Making small targeted requests will result in more items coming off your to-do list.  Plus now you have this nifty site (VolunteerSpot) to help you keep track of it all!

Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?  It is free, very simple to use, and does a fantastic job of integrating tasks, RSVPs, and reminders in one calendar format.  Gone are the days of reading through email chains to decipher who volunteered for what!  Plus, I can access it from anywhere since it is web-based.  In the past I had to check two email addresses (work and home) to hunt down who was doing what. Now, I can see what my activities are across my different volunteer groups from one place.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know? Two things:  Every little bit helps, and it is never too early to encourage young children to volunteer!

-- Readers inspired to volunteer, donate, or learn more about Girl Scouts may do so here: Girl Scouts of the USA.  When it's cookie season, please buy a box (or a dozen) to help support Girl Scout camps, training and activities for girls in your local community.

We salute Meg Pickelhaupt and all the volunteer heroes out there supporting our kids!  If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].