Foundational principles and tools of AHG to equip and partner with volunteers,
creating a culture for girls to walk in the authority of their calling in the Kingdom.
April 2021
What is an Area Team?
As the American Heritage Girls ministry has grown, AHG has seen a need to develop a local structure to best serve Troops and equip them to effectively build women of integrity. Therefore, the Area Team structure was developed to meet the goals of encouraging, equipping, growing, and building local Troops.
An Area Team is a team of volunteers that God has called to encourage and catalyze effective Troops throughout an area. Area Teams are developed with local volunteers who partner with AHG at a deeper level and are selected, trained, and supported by a dedicated Regional Manager. Some benefits of having an Area Team in your local community are:
- Girl and volunteer leadership events and training
- Face to face support through Hometown Mentors
- Networking with Troops and volunteers within the community
- Dedicated prayer team in the area praying for girls and volunteers
Area Teams currently serve over 150 Troops and over 9,000 members. To learn more about Area Teams, or how to be a part of a developing team, visit the Area Teams page on AHGresource.
“For by wise guidance you can wage your war and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 24:6, NIV
Level Awards
Through the Level Awards, girls will stretch themselves in leadership and cooperation with others. They will practice communicating ideas, commit to finishing tasks, and place the needs of others first. They will have a chance to share about AHG and experience more outdoor activities. The Level Awards can lead a girl to become a woman of integrity!
A Level Award is a special recognition earned due to the girl’s dedication to learning and participating in the AHG Program. It is not required for a girl to earn a Level Award. However, AHG encourages each girl to work towards this goal. As a Troop Ministry Team, it is important to work together and plan the Program Year, which incorporates Level Awards, for the girls. By completing the Level Award, a girl experiences progressive and well-rounded Programing.
To Learn more about Level Awards, visit the Advancement & Recognition, Girl Award & Advancement page on AHGresource. The 2020 AHG Girl Handbooks each provide a page of information for Level Awards and a tracking sheet. (TH/EX, Page 54 & 304/311; PI/PA, Page 62 & 312/316).
Conflict Resolution for Adults
“then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:2-4, NIV
Conflict is a normal and common part of working with one another, and serving as a volunteer in ministry is no exception. Conflict often occurs due to misunderstandings. The best way to resolve a misunderstanding or larger issue is to speak directly with the person you are in conflict with. Jesus teaches us to speak the truth in love with humility, and conflict is no exception to that. Often times this step creates resolution for the people in conflict and allows for relationships to be mended.
When emotions are high and misunderstandings have occurred, it can be helpful to have a mediator to assist in navigating a conflict resolution conversation. AHG offers resources that for both the mediator and those participating in the conversation so that both individuals can feel heard and walk through conflict to restore relationships. Charter Organizations may also have resources available or may provide a mediator to support the Troop in resolving conflict.
Troop Finances
Finances may not be the most talked about topic by the Troop however, healthy Troop finances ensure that the Troop can implement faith, service, and fun throughout the Program Year. Each Charter Organization owns the Troop and is responsible for Troop finances. It is crucial that the Troop Board works together with the Charter Organization to prayerfully develop healthy finances. Planning the Troop budget is pinnacle to a successful Program Year with your Troop.
Topics to discuss may include:
- Troop Budget
- Fundraising
- Program Support Fee
- Checking Account
- Tax Exemption
The Finance page on AHGresource offers tools and documents to assist the Troop and Charter Organization in developing a financial plan for the Program Year.
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:4-5, NIV
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