Policies
The Girls Friendly Society takes seriously its responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for all participants in all GFS activities. Please download and read our policy carefully.
All adult volunteers for GFS activities must complete training as required by their diocese and obtain a certificate of completion. Contact your diocesan office for information on how to register for training.
Policy on Inclusion
The Girls’ Friendly Society believes in the value of each human being and the richness of a diverse community. As an organization within the Episcopal Church, Girls’ Friendly Society abides with its policies of inclusion and respect for all.
Membership is open to girls of any race, religion and nationality. Our program is designed to foster positive and productive relationships among all.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
FAQs
My church has a youth group, why do I need a GFS branch?
Many churches have coed youth groups which offer wonderful opportunities for socialization and activities. Girls Friendly branches offer a noncompetitive atmosphere that allows girls to express themselves without male domination and to gain important traits such as self-confidence. In addition, the presence of female adult role models, the lack of male favoritism, and the absence of the expectations for girls to be nice, quiet, non-athletic, and passive leads to more successful adults and better students. When girls are grouped in a non-threatening environment that supports them they achieve more, become more confident and participate more often.
We don’t have any children in our parish, so why do we need GFS?
Too often churches with only a few children believe that they don’t need to have a Girls Friendly because there are not enough girls. This is a mistake! Many branches begin with one or two girls and grow through word of mouth. Girls Friendly will actually attract new children and with them will come their parents. Children go where they are valued and appreciated. A program like GFS shows them just that. They are engaged and active and they will want to come to church to attend meetings. Where children lead, adults will follow.
What is a GFS Diocese?
GFS branches group together for administrative purposes within a geographic area of the Episcopal Church.
Is there a GFS uniform?
The GFS uniform is a navy blue skirt and a white blouse. Accessories such as GFS scarves and vests are available. The uniform does not have to be worn to meetings, but it is required at certain special events.
There is no room in our budget, how can we afford a Girls’ Friendly Branch?
Girls Friendly is totally self-sustaining. Through an annual stipend from the National Office and various fund raising activities throughout the year, GFS put no burden on the parish budget. Many of our activities are of minimal cost and often the parents are willing to sponsor an activity or supplies.