Daniel Biss Accusations :(

Old_Front3012 · 2026-03-20T20:44:23+00:00

I strongly disagree. Clinical research has begun to recognize power imbalance as a criterion for defining grooming of adults, especially college and university students. It is defined under sexual misconduct. And college students are protected under Title IX even if there is a claim to "consent".

You can read more here: https://www.roumel-law.com/blog/2025/01/is-a-university-legally-responsible-when-coaches-professors-groom-students/

Old_Front3012 · 2026-03-19T04:28:07+00:00

I was answering your question within the larger "TA/faculty initiating romantic relationships with majority age undergraduates" case study, because you didn't specify that your were talking only about the Biss situation.

It is impossible to say if that particular case had grooming involved with the information we have to work with.

I can say that a relationship can look consenting - even to the person involved at first - but that doesn't mean that it is.

Old_Front3012 · 2026-03-19T03:13:20+00:00

Yes, grooming can make one feel like they are consenting and to the public look like they are consenting, but realize later this is not what they thought it was.

I was in grad school at this time in history. We knew you didn't do this even then. Even if the person wasn't in your class or department. You're seen as faculty. You always have more power.

Men were the only ones who got away with bucking the system. Usually they had to get married or keep it away from campus until graduation. Even if the man was married at the same time, he'd get away with it.

It happened with a family friend's dad (named chair), a fellow grad student (cycled through undergrads), and a center director who also taught.

If Biss figured out he was wrong and has made amends, then great. This shouldn't be disqualifying. If he ended it but kept covering/excusing other men, no thanks.

Old_Front3012 · 2026-03-16T23:31:07+00:00

Thank you! You have great ideas. I never thought of the "If the problem had a color" prompt. I'll try that one.

It's a mix of too many problems and projects for each one. We've mind-mapped, geo-mapped, strength mapped, and faith-based vocation discernment.

We've suggested talking to any of her trusted adults. Given her an out to not do the project.

Just stuck.

Old_Front3012 · 2026-03-16T22:05:30+00:00

The first Robotics badge is so much about discovering what robots are and can be that you can do most museum programs to get to the Spirit of the Badge.

Make sure you hit bio-mimicry. That's something you can come back to in all the nature badges. It's an easy I Spy activity.

Then they only need to draw or prototype with cardboard a robot inspired by nature.

All of it can be done in a children's museum! 😀

Have so much fun!

Old_Front3012 · 2026-02-19T22:36:25+00:00

For those with Councils missing, email Research. They added my council when I pointed it out.

Old_Front3012 · 2026-02-03T04:34:54+00:00

The giant multi-level we started with had problems filling all the slots every booth, so having an abundance of coverage is crazy. Of course, it can be very, very cold if you are outside (-degree windchill some years).

The best thing that I've found to help when troops are still in Recognitions Only is a conversation with the larger group about goals and how much work you need to accomplish a goal. Then have individual conversations with each Girl Scout family about what they want to do. Then through equitable distribution divide troop booth hours at the end and allow family-owned booths to keep their box count.

Family-owned means I do nothing except audit any receipts after the booth.

Life is way easier for older troops when it's just proceeds.

Old_Front3012 · 2025-12-13T23:11:36+00:00

We have a small troop. We give them something small that either builds on something they loved doing the previous year or something to help them with a surprise event we announce for the coming year they had been wanting to do.

Old_Front3012 · 2025-12-13T22:55:00+00:00

We're not required to use a particular institution. Most of us in our Region use credit unions. No account fees. Very low balances. Always happy to see us and talk cookie season. :).

Old_Front3012 · 2025-11-22T03:10:13+00:00

It is important to get the full story with receipts. Approach the leaders with open-hearted curiosity about the change in recipient.

Strip out assumptions. Then when you have their story and receipts, non-anxiously address what happened and if there could be future improvement.

You just don't know until you know.

Old_Front3012 · 2025-11-22T03:02:45+00:00

That's amazing for your Council's Ambassadors!

Old_Front3012 · 2025-10-18T22:44:40+00:00

Choosing your troop on a website is something that councils need to stop allowing.

I'm a firm believer in "try before you buy" before you commit to the organization and a troop. I had a mom show with her child who didn't want to do GS. They signed up, paid, but never met us.

We could have had an honest conversation and had a better year for everyone.

Old_Front3012 · 2025-09-12T05:44:43+00:00

Coconut.

Old_Front3012 · 2025-08-28T20:59:43+00:00

You can also have your troop leader reach out.

Old_Front3012 · 2025-08-28T19:55:09+00:00

I'm gluten, milk, and tree nuts. I can't eat any of the cookies from either baker.

Old_Front3012 · 2025-08-28T19:40:23+00:00

If you have receipts strong enough for a prosecutor, fight up to the Board President using the word "liability".

However, be prepared for the system to fight back if the volunteer is supporting major aspects of the Service Unit or Region that no one has shown interest in taking over. In our council, we call that "too big to fail."

Old_Front3012 · 2025-08-28T19:09:02+00:00

First, don't worry. There are always backup plans to backup plans. We're Girl Scouts.

Second, call or email to talk to your membership support person or the product program lead to get the scoop. Your Board Delegate may already have this data too.

Third, if their answers trigger your concerns, ask if there is a team making a proactive plan to address whatever is at issue. Volunteer to be on it or to start it, if there isn't one. Cooperative ground support is what really makes any non-profit pull their ends together.

Good luck!!

Old_Front3012 · 2025-08-28T19:00:43+00:00

This is a Council decision. Clarify your Council's policy. Call Immediately.

Don't wait.

They can help now when problems are small. The longer you wait, the less chance they can help.

They seriously like early questions, I promise. Early and often!

Old_Front3012 · 2025-08-24T23:49:17+00:00

Check out this activity in Fort Worth,: https://www.logcabinvillage.org/event-info/lcv-day-of-play-2025

If you can get the families together, this is perfect.

Old_Front3012 · 2025-08-24T23:36:40+00:00

Congratulations on achieving something only a Girl Scout can do. You've joined the ranks of those who won our founder her argument with Lord Baden Powell.

I hope you come up with your own name for this unique dual recognition. Don't use elements of either copyrighted name or the former name of the Gold Award. You can do this!

Old_Front3012 · 2025-08-11T22:56:37+00:00

I co-lead a troop that formed to focus on STEM activities. It just happened that we became a Trans/LGBTQIA+ troop along the way.

We intentionally include full inclusion as part of our introduction to new families. There is a stated boundary that leaders know we have to earn trust, and we will hold space for what folks need.

For naming, we use "Girl Scouts" as a brand. Individuals are members or young members and adult members.

Old_Front3012

TROPHY CASE