Volunteer Spotlight: Tannis Golebiewski

This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate Tannis Golebiewski (she/her) as our August Volunteer Spotlight! Twenty years of service, countless volunteer roles, and an immeasurable impact—Tannis has dedicated herself to supporting Girl Scouts as a troop product manager, troop leader, service unit encamporee director, board member, and much more!

Inspired by her own time as a Girl Scout Junior, Tannis has found even greater purpose in mentoring youth as they grow into confident leaders year after year.

Thank you, Tannis, for your unwavering commitment to the Girl Scout mission and for the incredible impact you've made across our council. We’re so grateful for your leadership and service. Learn more about Tannis below!

How long have you been a Girl Scout volunteer?

20 years.

Are you a Girl Scout alum (i.e. did you participate in Girl Scouting in K-12)?

Yes—I was a Girl Scout Junior in 4th and 5th grade.

What types of volunteer roles have you filled as a Girl Scout volunteer?

I am a troop product manager, troop leader, SU volunteer, SU product manager, SU encamporee director, Board member, and planning committee chair for the Trailblazers Ball.

What is your favorite part about being a Girl Scout volunteer?

My favorite part of being a Girl Scout volunteer is watching the Girl Scouts that I know learn and grow through this program: I am blessed to have known so many of them for several years, and it is amazing to be able to watch the magic happen!

Is there anything surprising or less known about being a Girl Scout volunteer that you want to share with others?

I think a lot of people would be surprised at how much fun we have!

What makes the Girl Scout Leadership Experience such an important program for Girl Scouts to participate in today?

Now more than ever, girls* need a place to try new things, learn from their mistakes, and grow without judgement. We need to give them all of the tools they need to take out into a world that needs them so much. There are so many problems in our world today: we need strong and capable leaders who are willing to work together to solve them. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is the best way for them to prepare to make the world a better place!

What does Girl Scouting mean to you and why?

Girl Scouting is the future. I really believe in the mission: that we are creating girls of courage, confidence, and character, and that they will make the world a better place. We are creating the future.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Girl Scout volunteer?

Do it! Find a mentor, ask lots of questions, and jump right in. It is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

What has been one of your most memorable moments as a Girl Scout volunteer?

Singing and dancing to 1980's music with my 17-year-olds on our Alaska cruise last year: they chose to spend their evening with us moms and celebrate our excitement and success at 1980s music trivia, and they knew most of the words too.

If you had to describe what it means to be a Girl Scout volunteer in one word, what word would you choose and why?

Life-affirming: every step of the way, I see that we are making progress; every year, I see the growth in the girls I work with.

Is there anything else about being a Girl Scout volunteer or Girl Scouting in general that you'd like to share with us?

I wish the broader community would acknowledge the value of what we do and what these girls will bring to their future.

*Girl Scouts of Western Washington uses the term girl inclusively to speak to everyone who identifies with the Girl Scout experience, including cisgender girls, gender-expansive youth, transgender youth, non-binary youth, gender nonconforming youth, genderqueer youth, and any girl-identifying human.