National Council Delegates

2026 National Council Session

July 20–22, 2026

Washington, DC

The application is now closed.

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At our council’s annual meeting in March of 2025, delegates were elected to represent our council at the national convention in July of 2026. The delegates engaged and gathered feedback from Girl Scout members in our council, learned about proposals, and took action to be the voice of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana during the national council session. They then brought back information to share locally.  These delegates continue to be authorized to vote on behalf of our council in the interim.

The National Council provides guidance to the National Board in two ways, through discussion topics and proposals.

Discussion Topics toggle arrow

A. Revolutionize Engagement: Girl Scouts Her Way
This discussion topic engages the delegate body in critical Movement conversations about “why and how” we need to evolve the ways girls and families can increase access to Girl Scouting for all girls. Councils originated multiple discussion topics and proposal ideas that addressed themes about how we attract and retain members. The board, with input from the NCSAT and GSUSA management, has incorporated these themes into a discussion topic, including themes from the following council-originated agenda items:

• Amending the Credentials Section to Allow Girls Age Five to be Members Discussion Topic
• Proposal to Establish a National Pilot for Daisy Sprouts

When delegates discussed our Movement strategy in the summer of 2024, they shared related feedback on supporting families, girls, and volunteers. This discussion topic will build from those sessions. During this discussion topic, we will share research findings on how current and prospective families want to see our offerings develop, discuss how we can make joining and staying in Girls Scouts easier, collect input to influence national pilot programs, and inform a robust discussion at NCS of how we revolutionize engagement to ensure a thriving future for our Movement.

B. Amplify Impact: Building Connections with Our Communities
The National Board and NCS Advisory Team agreed that the discussion topics and proposals suggested by councils raised important questions about inclusivity, how we live our Girl Scout values, and how we ensure that we are welcoming to all girls and their families. The National Board, working in collaboration with GSUSA management, crafted a discussion topic that allows delegates to address these topics holistically and comprehensively. Agenda item ideas submitted by councils that align to the Amplify Impact discussion topic include:

• Advancing Inclusivity Discussion Topic
• Inclusivity in Girl Scouting Discussion Topic
• Proposal to Amend the Preamble of the Constitution to Add ‘Inclusivity’ to ‘Diversity, Pluralism, and Anti-Racism’
• Proposal to Expand the Definition of Girl Scout in the Membership Requirements Section of the Credentials

At the same time, in response to delegate input into the Movement strategy discussions throughout 2024, we know that communicating the value of the Girl Scout experience to today’s families is a priority. This discussion topic will explore what we have learned families—including families already involved and those yet to join—are seeking from their experience with us and where consistency and flexibility enhance it; discuss how our Girl Scout values underpin that experience and where this may create unintended barriers; and what support our members need to promote and deliver the Girl Scout experience in their communities.

Proposals

A. Girl Scout Highest Awards Solicitation of Contributions
Submitted by Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

Proposal
To amend the Policies of GSUSA as follows: Update the first paragraph of the Solicitation of Contributions part of the Policies section of the Blue Book of Basic Documents on page 20 by inserting the bolded, green wording and deleting the strike-through text as follows:

Current Wording
Adult members in their Girl Scout capacities may not solicit financial contributions for purposes other than Girl Scouting. Adults may engage in combined fundraising efforts authorized by the Girl Scout council and in which the local council is a beneficiary. Girl members may not engage in any direct solicitation for money except for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, who may solicit philanthropic donations to their councils of cash or in-kind goods for Girl Scout Gold Award projects, provided they have secured prior written permission from their council's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Development Officer, or their designee.
In addition, girls must abide by their own council's policies and procedures with regard to this matter.

Proposed Amendment
Adult members in their Girl Scout capacities may not solicit financial contributions for purposes other than Girl Scouting. Adults may engage in combined fundraising efforts authorized by the Girl Scout council and in which the local council is a beneficiary. Girl members may not engage in any direct solicitation for money except girl members for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors who may solicit philanthropic donations to their councils of cash or in-kind goods for Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects, provided they have secured prior written permission from their council's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Development Officer, or their designee.
In addition, girls must abide by their own council's policies and procedures with regard to this matter.

If adopted, will read
Adult members in their Girl Scout capacities may not solicit financial contributions for purposes other than Girl Scouting. Adults may engage in combined fundraising efforts authorized by the Girl Scout council and in which the local council is a beneficiary. Girl members may not engage in any direct solicitation for money except girl members may solicit philanthropic donations to their councils of cash or in-kind goods for Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects, provided they have secured prior written permission from their council's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Development Officer, or their designee.
In addition, girls must abide by their own council's policies and procedures with regard to this matter

B. Membership Dues and Procedures for Registration
Submitted by Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana

Proposal:
To amend the Credentials Section of the Blue Book of Basic Documents, Membership Dues and Procedures for Registration as follows:

Current Wording:
The National Board of Directors must obtain approval from the National Council whenever a planned dues increase will result in dues increasing more than a total of 25% in any one triennium.

Proposed Amendment:
The National Board of Directors must obtain approval from the National Council whenever a planned dues increase will result in dues increasing more than a total of 25 15% in any one triennium.

If adopted, will read:
The National Board of Directors must obtain approval from the National Council whenever a planned dues increase will result in dues increasing more than a total of 15% in any one triennium.

C. Preservation of Girl Scout Leadership Experience Relating to the Entrepreneurship Program
Originated by Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland

Proposal
To amend the GIRL SCOUT TRADEMARK section of the Blue Book of Basic Documents as follows:
Policies of Girl Scouts of the United States of America
Endorsements/Trademark/ Marketing/Internet Sales

Current Wording:
GIRL SCOUT TRADEMARK
Every product sold in connection with a Girl Scout council-sponsored product sale shall bear the Girl Scout name and service mark, either on the product or on its packaging. Every item bearing any of the registered Girl Scout names, logos, or marks purchased or developed for resale,2 including items to be sold in council-sponsored product sales, shall be purchased (1) from a GSUSA-licensed vendor, (2) from Girl Scout Merchandise, or (3) produced with prior approval from GSUSA when items are not readily available from a licensed supplier. Every item bearing the Girl Scout name and service mark, including items for resale or non-resale3 by councils, shall conform to the Girl Scout Brand Standards published by GSUSA. Items used for both resale and non-resale shall adhere to the stipulations stated above for resale items.

2 “Resale” is defined as any item resold or given away in connection with an event for which a fee, price, or admission is paid.This includes, but is not limited to, product sales.
3 “Non-resale” is defined as any item provided, consumed, or used for the promotion and delivery of Girl Scouts program. This includes items given as donor recognitions.

Proposed Amendment:
GIRL SCOUT TRADEMARK
Every product sold in connection with a Girl Scout council-sponsored product sale shall bear the Girl Scout name and service mark, either on the product or on its packaging. Every item bearing any of the registered Girl Scout names, logos, or marks purchased or developed for resale,2 including items to be sold in council-sponsored product sales, shall be purchased (1) from a GSUSA-licensed vendor, (2) from Girl Scout Merchandise, or (3) produced with prior approval from GSUSA when items are not readily available from a licensed supplier. Every item bearing the Girl Scout name and service mark, including items for resale or non-resale3 by councils, shall conform to the Girl Scout Brand Standards published by GSUSA. Items used for both resale and non-resale shall adhere to the stipulations stated above for resale items.

GSUSA, along with its alliances and relationships with corporations and businesses, shall not sell, license or otherwise provide for sale any food product bearing the Girl Scout name or service mark when related to the flavors, branding, or likeness of Girl Scout Cookies during the designated entrepreneurship program sales period of any Girl Scout council.

If adopted, will read:
GIRL SCOUT TRADEMARK
Every product sold in connection with a Girl Scout council-sponsored product sale shall bear the Girl Scout name and service mark, either on the product or on its packaging. Every item bearing any of the registered Girl Scout names, logos, or marks purchased or developed for resale,2 including items to be sold in council-sponsored product sales, shall be purchased (1) from a GSUSA-licensed vendor, (2) from Girl Scout Merchandise, or (3) produced with prior approval from GSUSA when items are not readily available from a licensed supplier. Every item bearing the Girl Scout name and service mark, including items for resale or non-resale3 by councils, shall conform to the Girl Scout Brand Standards published by GSUSA. Items used for both resale and non-resale shall adhere to the stipulations stated above for resale items.
GSUSA, along with its alliances and relationships with corporations and businesses, shall not sell, license or otherwise provide for sale any food product bearing the Girl Scout name or service mark when related to the flavors, branding, or likeness of Girl Scout Cookies during the designated entrepreneurship program sales period of any Girl Scout council.

2 “Resale” is defined as any item resold or given away in connection with an event for which a fee, price, or admission is paid.
This includes, but is not limited to, product sales.
3 “Non-resale” is defined as any item provided, consumed, or used for the promotion and delivery of Girl Scouts program. This includes items given as donor recognitions.

PLEASE GIVE FEEDBACK HERE

Our Delegates toggle arrow

Elected Delegates

Susan Herbert-Haynes
Theresa Watson
Tammy Goldstein
Jo Biggers
Jade Maxwell
Lori Maxwell
Christine Woodward
Beth Floyd
Stephanie Smithey
Mary Callahan
Tai Dorsey
Jessica Oswalt

Elected Alternates

Kristyn Tomlinson
Ellen Winking

Every three years, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) holds a National Council Session—also known as NCS. During NCS, elected National Council delegates representing all 111 councils across the nation and USA Girl Scouts Overseas, and the National Board, gather to discuss, debate, and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement as well as elect national leaders for the next triennium.

Throughout their three-year term, delegates gather feedback from their council’s membership, learn about proposals, and act as their council’s voice by serving as voting members on the National Council. Delegates then share insights and report on actions taken by the National Council with their council’s membership at Annual Meetings and other council events.

NCS is part of GSUSA’s national convention, which is held every three years. The other part of the convention is a member-focused event with dynamic, interactive workshops for girls and adults. This event includes inspiring speakers, exciting adventures, and opportunities to meet Girl Scouts from around the United States and the world, sparking forever friendships. The next national convention is scheduled for July 20–25, 2026, and will take place in Washington, DC, our nation’s capital, which will be celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.

Every Girl Scout council is entitled to elect a delegation based on its girl membership. Our delegation includes National Council delegates and alternates. The duties of National Council delegates and alternates are to: 

represent our council as voting members of the National Council throughout the triennium (delegates only);
complete training, which includes self-paced online modules and virtual and in-person sessions;
participate in council-hosted preparatory meetings and input-gathering opportunities;
register for and regularly connect on the delegate website for news and updated communications;
consider the spectrum of opinions of adult and girl members from all parts of our council and across the Movement;
participate in delegate webinars sponsored by GSUSA and provide decision-influencing input, as requested, throughout the triennium;
attend all business meetings of the National Council and participate in the decision-making proceedings (delegates only);
become educated in Robert's Rules of Order and parliamentary procedure;
be fully prepared to vote on all business items, including proposals and the National Board of Directors slate; and
engage with other delegates, gather feedback from delegate webinars and the National Council Session, and share learnings and insights with council members.

Who can apply? toggle arrow

National Council delegates and alternates must:

be a citizen of the United States of America as set out in GSUSA’s Congressional Charter.
be a registered member of the Girl Scout Movement.
be able to consider a broad spectrum of the opinions of adult and older girl members from all parts of the council.
be willing to prepare thoroughly on the issues and business that will come before the National Council.

How do I apply to be a National Council delegate? toggle arrow

How are National Council delegates and alternates selected? toggle arrow

What is the role of an alternate delegate? toggle arrow

Alternate delegates are selected to ensure that councils are quickly and easily able to replace delegates who cannot complete their full term.
Alternate delegates must be prepared to assume the delegate role at any time and with little notice.
Alternate delegates should participate in all delegate training, education, and other preparation to ensure they are ready to conduct National Council business if called upon.

What is the time commitment? toggle arrow

The time commitment varies throughout the triennium.
Initial training in the role is approximately six hours, delivered through on-demand webinars.
Delegate education commitments increase in the months leading up to a National Council Session.
Delegate input-gathering activities take place throughout the triennium.

How much will this cost? toggle arrow

Additional Information for Girl Delegates: toggle arrow