Step Four: Make a plan
Turn your project idea into a measurable plan by setting a clear goal, organizing tasks and roles around your group’s strengths, identifying needed supplies and resources, and sharing the plan with trusted adults and community partners for feedback and support.
If the scouts liked this one the best from the brainstorming list: Organize a Community Panel or Q&A – Invite autistic self-advocates, educators, or therapists to speak and answer questions…… this would be a sample project.
Project Title: Voices of Autism — A Community Q&A for Understanding and Inclusion
Project Goal
Host a panel or Q&A event where autistic self-advocates, educators, or therapists share their experiences and answer questions. The event will help peers, families, and community members learn directly from those with lived expertise.
What I Want My Project to Accomplish
- Give autistic individuals a platform to share their stories and insights.
- Help others understand autism through real-life experiences and respectful dialogue.
- Create a welcoming space for questions, learning, and reflection.
- Encourage ongoing inclusion and empathy in schools, troops, and neighborhoods.
How I’ll Measure Success
- Track how many people attend the panel or Q&A.
- Ask attendees to share one thing they learned or changed their thinking about.
- Optional: Use a short reflection sheet or comment board to gather feedback.
- Ask panelists how they felt about the experience and what impact they noticed.
Timeline & Task Plan
| Date | Action | Who Will Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Brainstorm who to invite (self-advocates, educators, therapists). Ask a trusted adult to help with outreach. Confirm availability before planning anything else. | Me |
| Week 2 | Once speakers are confirmed, choose a date and location that fits group size and audience. Ask a teacher, troop leader, or librarian to help reserve space. | Me |
| Week 3 | Research autism topics and write down 5–10 respectful questions or themes to guide the conversation. Share them with panelists so they can prepare. | Me |
| Week 4 | Create flyers, posters, or digital invites. Ask for help sharing the event through school, troop, or library networks. | Me |
| Week 5 | Finalize supplies: name tags, seating signs, welcome table, reflection forms, and thank-you notes or small gifts. | Me |
| Week 6 | Host the event! Welcome guests, introduce speakers, guide the Q&A, and collect feedback from attendees and panelists. | Me |
| Week 7 | Reflect on what worked well. Thank panelists, and (optionally) share a recap in a newsletter or troop meeting. | Me |
Materials & Budget
| Item | Estimated Cost | Sourcing |
|---|---|---|
| Flyers or posters | $5–$10 | School printer or donation |
| Name tags and signage | $3–$5 | Dollar store or classroom supply |
| Handouts or reflection sheets | $5–$10 | Printed at school or home |
| Thank-you cards or small gifts | $5–$10 | Troop or family support |
| Microphone or speaker (optional) | Free–$15 | Borrowed from school or library |
Resources, Support & Experts
- Teacher, Troop Leader, or Librarian: Help with scheduling, space, and promotion
- Panelists: Autistic self-advocates, educators, therapists, or family members
- Autism Advocacy Sources:
Sustainability Plan
- Record the event (with permission) and share quotes or takeaways with troop or school leaders
- Create a simple toolkit or guide so others can plan a panel in the future
- Suggest making the panel an annual event or part of Autism Acceptance Month
- Leave behind printed materials or a digital folder for future leaders
Optional Sharing
If I feel comfortable, I will:
- Share my experience in a troop meeting or school newsletter
- Create a recap video or slideshow with photos or quotes
- Submit the project to a local youth spotlight or community bulletin
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For More Fun Ideas and Plans
for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts
Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)
This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.
for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts
Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)
This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.
Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!
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- Return to the Daisy Badge List.
- Return to the Brownie Badge List.
- Return to the Junior Badge List.
- Return to the Cadette Badge List.
- Return to the Senior Badge List.
- Return to the Ambassador Badge List.
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Go back to the Action Plan – Autism Awareness page
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