At Girl Scouts of Northern California, we know the power of social media to inspire, connect, and share the amazing things our girls are doing. As a volunteer, you’re not just a role model in person—you’re also one online. Whether you’re celebrating troop adventures, promoting a cookie booth, or sharing leadership moments, this toolkit will help you use social media in a way that keeps our girls safe and aligns with Girl Scout values.
Girl Scout Guide for Using Social Media
Social media platform such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and other platforms make it easy to stay connected with your troop or service unit, and to broadcast your accomplishments to the world. We have created the guide for using these services safely and effectively. Read on for more!
Follow Girl Scouts of Northern California on Social Media!
Catch the creativity, courage, and cool stuff Girl Scouts are doing every day! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Share Your Story With Us!
Have a Girl Scout story or memory that you’d like to share with us? Fill out the Share Your Story form for a chance to potentially be featured on our official GSNorCal social media account!
What You’ll Find Here:
- General Safety and Privacy
- General Content Guidelines
- Photo Tips
- Downloadable Graphics
- Additional Resources
General Safety and Privacy
GSUSA has created tools aimed at increasing the safety and privacy of Girl Scouts using the internet. Please review the following resources so you have fun and stay safe while using social media.
- Before engaging in any activity online, Girl Scouts should understand and sign the Internet Safety Pledge with a parent or guardian.
- Girls and adults should also consider becoming familiar with these informative pages on GSUSA’s website:
- Video and photo release forms help keep Girl Scouts safe and respected by making sure we have permission to share photos and videos when submitting content to Girl Scouts of Northern California. It protects our members and builds trust with families.
General Content Guidelines
When you post Girl Scout information, stories, photographs, or videos online, your content reflects the organization as a whole. Be sure to post content that reflects the best quality of the organization. Review the following “Do and Do Not” list below to learn more ways to stay safe.
DO:
- Share troop adventures, badges, and community impact.
- Check grammar, spelling and accuracy of information before posting.
- Post original creative work.
- Use kind, inclusive, and girl-led language.
- Tag your council (@gsnorcal) and use Girl Scout hashtags (#GirlScouts, #gsnorcal, #GirlScoutsofNorthernCalifornia, #JoinGirlScouts).
- Use the Girl Scout logo with prior authorization from the marketing and Communications department at social@gsnorcal.org.
- Have fun and stay safe!
DO NOT:
- Post hateful or prejudicial speech.
- Post political views or any other content that endorses another product, service, or group including another non-profit organization.
- Share sell ad space, but using services that serve ads in exchange for the service is ok.
- Post without photo permissions.
- Share sensitive info (examples: last names, contact info, real time event locations, etc.).
- Use outdated or off-brand graphics.
- Use copyrighted content including music and movies.
Read the full Social Media Guidelines.
Photo Tips
- Get caregiver permission before posting girls’ photos.
- Capture moments that show fun, friendship, and leadership.
- When in doubt, share photos from behind or of hands-on activities.
Read our full Social Media Content Capture Guide.
Downloadable Graphics
Find all of our council downloadable brand assets here.
Questions?
Reach out to our marketing team at social@gsnorcal.org!
Social Media Resources
Last updated on April 21, 2026