As a dedicated volunteer for the Girl Scouts, I pour my heart and soul into ensuring that our girls have meaningful experiences that will mold them into the leaders of tomorrow. Like so many others, the precious time I have available outside my full-time commitments is stretched thin. Yet, despite our collective efforts and sacrifices, we've been blindsided by a decision to move all Girl Scout Troop accounts to the new and “Crowded” online banking platform.

This change has far-reaching implications, and most concerningly, it wasn't discussed with us—the volunteers on the ground—before it was implemented. Our troop's ability to fundraise effectively, including the iconic cookie sales, is now being undermined by unexpected fees and increased administrative burdens. For instance, I'm now expected to spend valuable time obtaining money orders for large deposits and seek out ATMs to ensure funds are processed correctly. This added complexity detracts from the primary mission of the Girl Scouts, which is to enrich young girls' lives.

These funds are vital for creating transformative experiences—yet now they risk being diminished by unnecessary fees and logistical roadblocks imposed by this new digital platform. Many volunteers, like myself, juggle full-time jobs or manage household responsibilities alongside troop leadership. The additional task of managing complicated, tech-heavy bank accounts only adds another layer of stress.

This decision, it seems, disregards the countless hours volunteers invest, the personal vehicles and fuel we use, and the innovative ways our girls work to earn every dollar. Our input, local insights, and troop-specific needs were not considered in this decision-making process, suggesting that we, the volunteers, are not valued as the backbone of this extraordinary movement.

We understand the intentions behind streamlining financial processes, but it's clear this method won't work without the consultative process that includes those most affected. We urge Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michigan’s to suspend the integration of our troop accounts into this new online platform immediately. Let us revert to a system that doesn't impose undue financial burdens or logistical obstacles, allowing us to focus on our true purpose: empowering young girls.

Please sign this petition to voice your support for our beloved Girl Scouts and ensure volunteers are heard in decisions that impact their dedicated service.