On January 27, 2014, the Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Board of Directors approved a tobacco-free property policy.
Effective March 12, 2015, GSCP2P will be a tobacco-free organization and will prohibit all tobacco use on all GSCP2P property. This means that smoking and tobacco products, including but not limited to smoking devices (i.e., cigarettes, cigars and pipes), chewing tobacco, snuff and electronic/vapor cigarettes, will not be allowed to be used on any of the owned or rented council properties, including camp properties, service centers or vehicles, or any place while Girl Scout program is taking place. Events that are sponsored by GSCP2P where girls are present will also be required to be tobacco-free.
The Board of Directors believes this policy is important to 1) to promote a healthy lifestyle and model that to our Girl Scouts and 2) to provide a safe and healthy work environment. As Girl Scouts, it is our responsibility to model behavior that discourages tobacco usage.
This policy is being announced a year in advance in order to facilitate a smooth transition, with understanding that there will be challenges for employees, volunteers and visitors. GSCP2P will support employees, volunteers and visitors in the transition to a tobacco-free worksite through educational materials and tobacco cessation resources. Appropriate signage will be placed and our membership will be educated on the policy. It is expected that all employees, girls, volunteers and visitors will be aware of the policy and will help educate others when necessary.
This policy is not intended to be a punishment to tobacco users and should not be viewed in this way. Instead, it should be seen as a benefit to all employees in a safe, clean, healthful environment, and to our membership as we can begin to lead the way in healthy role modeling.
For those of you who want to quit using tobacco, QuitlineNC provides free cessation services to any North Carolina resident who needs help quitting tobacco use. Quit Coaching is available in different forms, which can be used separately or together, to help any tobacco user give up tobacco. You can visit quitlinenc or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to enroll or learn more.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation, understanding and support as we transition to a tobacco-free environment.
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