Troop Website Guidelines

Is your troop creating its own Girl Scout website? Below are some guidelines.

• You must have a photo release form filled out for any recognizable persons in photos placed on the site. You can print out a photo release and keep on file at all times.
• Please keep graphics within a reasonable size. Visitors get frustrated if pages take too long to download. Have someone test your site out to see if things are taking too long.
• Usually, you should save graphics as .gif files and photos as .jpg files. Resolution for images should be set to 72-96 dpi.
• Avoid using trademarks, banner, icons, graphics, or logos from other sites. Any advertisements that appear on webpages (as on "free" website space) should have a disclaimer below it that states "Neither GSUSA nor its council is responsible for the content of any other site linked to this site. The inclusion of any link to such a site does not create or imply any approval or endorsement of that site by GSUSA or its council. GSUSA and its councils make no representations whatsoever as to any other website that you may access through this one." You can make this text very small. You can also use this text where other links to non-GS sites are posted.
• If you have links to other areas that you do not maintain personally, you should have a place for girls to take the online safety pledge before having access to these links. These links should be monitored closely for inappropriate messages, advertisements, etc. Do not include links blindly on your site without thoroughly browsing the site to which they refer.
• You should have a copyright notice on the bottom of each page that reads "Copyright 2006. Girl Scouts of the USA. All rights reserved."
• Of course, you should not alter the trefoil logo in any way other than changing the color or size (always size proportionally). The trefoil should never be represented without the "Girl Scouts" part underneath, and the words can not be added separately; they are part of the entire, original logo. If the tagline "Where Girls Grow Strong" is used, it should be attached to the logo originally. You cannot type it as a separate line. The logo should not be used as part of a design, i.e., tiled to form a background, rotating, or showing any designs behind it. You may make it any color and place it on any solid (or lightly patterned) background.
• Be very careful when listing event details. Remember, anyone can see this information.
• No phone numbers if possible. It is much safer to put email addresses on the site, but make sure you have the adult's permission to do so. No personal girl information at any time, including phone numbers, email addresses, addresses, etc.
• Never use a messaging system that allows anyone to post information without it first being reviewed. This includes guestbooks and chat rooms.
• Do not give troop numbers and individuals' names in the same place.
• Do not use last names of girls.
• Do not use names with photos, and make sure you blur out any names that may appear on nametags, swim caps, t-shirts, etc. in the photo.
• If you provide something on your website that requires a plug-in, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, always provide a link to obtain it. If you are not sure how to do this, let me know, and I'll help you.
• Try to avoid dead-end pages. Every page should at least have a "Back" link so visitors are able to get back to earlier pages.
• Please make sure you proofread your website text.
• Always include an email contact to whoever manages the site. Visitors like to be able to tell you if there are problems.
• Remember that underlining is reserved for hyperlinks. Use bold or large fonts for emphasis.
• Copyright code of conduct is the same with websites as it is for publications. A basic principle for graphics and other design is, "if it's not yours, don't use it," even if it is easily downloadable. If you would really like to use something that you did not create yourself, you must obtain written permission to do so from the owner. I suggest that you learn to use a graphic program, such as the paint program that comes with your computer, to create your own original graphics. You can also draw your own pictures and text on paper and then scan them in.
• Using music or sound on your site (or the printed words to songs) follows the same copyright rules. Make sure you have permission!
• Try to keep information current. Visitors will appreciate this!

If you have any questions about any of the above or need help with other website issues, feel free to contact LaDawn Krantz at 502-636-0900 ext. 241 or toll free at 888-771-5170 or send a message through our website.