IDEAS

Daughter's Friends	Many times we hear a young person say, "I'm bored!" Our own children, who happen to be Girl Scouts, say it also, on occasion, but it seems to be a chronic condition with some. Capitalize on the time, when you are near one of your daughter's friends, to ask if she has ever considered becoming a Girl Scout. Point out, in a friendly, conversational manner, how much fun your daughter has as a Girl Scout, and how bored she'd probably be if she didn't have Girl Scout activities to keep her busy.
Daughters of Friends	When visiting in a friend's home, strike up a conversation with the friend's child. Ask about her activities, etc. Ask if she's ever considered Girl Scouts. Relate how much your daughter enjoys the program. You might also get onto the subject if the friend happens to mention some particular problem she is having with her children being unruly, antagonistic, or whatever. Suggest that she might need another dimension to her life. Stress also the "togetherness" of the program, for mothers/grandmothers, fathers and daughters.
Chance Meeting in Public Places	Ever sit next to a young person in a doctor's office, at the pool, etc., and strike up a conversation with them? That is a wonderful opportunity to get onto the subject of Girl Scouting. Another way is to compliment a hair ornament, bracelet, or some other item that appears to be "handmade", and ask if she made the item at her Girl Scout troop meeting. If she isn't a Girl Scout, you can relate how many similarly "neat" things your daughter's troop has made. Encourage your daughter and other troop members to be openly enthusiastic about Girl Scouts, but don't push. You want spontaneous, animated talk, which can only occur if it is heartfelt. If you realize your daughter or troop loves Girl Scouting, but keeps it low-profile because of peer pressure, respect that. If she is willing to verbally promote Girl Scouting, open the subject for her as often as possible.
Be a Walking Billboard	Again, know the atmosphere. Any Girl Scout attire is unthinkable at some schools, so let it alone. If, however, the attitude is somewhat friendly at your particular school, encourage your daughter and other troop members to wear uniforms on occasion, an attractive Girl Scout T-shirt or jewelry, etc. Perhaps you can occasionally invest in a "just out" tee for your daughter, and encourage her to wear it. Wear your uniform and other Girl Scout "things". Don't make a point of going home first to change before stopping at the store for milk or bread. Often a conversation will begin after seeing the uniform - usually something like "Are you a Girl Scout leader? I used to be a Girl Scout". Use this opportunity to explain how this adult can again get involved in our program and how very much she is needed. Give her information of someone she can contact or get her name and phone number so someone can contact her at a later date.
Invite a friend to visit	If you are a leader/co-leader (or perhaps you can enlist the help of someone who is a leader), set aside one meeting as "Invite a Friend Day". The stipulation, of course, is that the friend is not already a Girl Scout. Make it a fun meeting, doing a littie bit of everything: badge work, craft, songs, game. Tell the girls how they can be Girl Scouts also. We sometimes do not think about the fact that it is not necessary for an adult to be a "mom" or "dad" in order to be a Girl Scout volunteer. Encourage your single, older, etc. friends to consider working with the Girl Scouts. Invite them to visit your troop or attend a function with you. Don't forget about dropping a personal note to a girl or an adult who "used to be a Girl Scout." Ask if they are ready to rejoin and point out some current pluses (could be day camp, Contemporary Issues, etc.).