Apply to be a 2026 National Council Delegate/Alternate
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) is pleased to announce the call for National Council Delegates/Alternates to represent our council at the 58th National Council Session (July 20-22, 2026) and multi-day national Girl Scouting event (July 23-25, 2026), in Washington, DC. National Council members assume one of the most significant responsibilities in Girl Scouting.
The National Council of Girl Scouts of the USA comes together every three years and consists of delegates elected by Girl Scout councils, USA Girl Scouts Overseas, members of the National Board of Directors, the National Nominating Committee, and past presidents of GSUSA. Delegates serve a three-year term and must be registered members of GSUSA, 14 years of age or older.
Making a Difference in Girl Scouting
National Council members assume one of the most significant responsibilities in Girl Scouting.
The National Council is responsible for giving broad policy direction to the Girl Scout Movement in the United States. Members of the National Council also elect the National Board of Directors and the National Nominating Committee for the upcoming triennium, act on proposals directed toward fostering the Girl Scout Movement, and receive a stewardship report from the National Board of Directors.
Through discussion and careful deliberation of issues that will impact the Girl Scout Movement, they reaffirm the partnership between Girl Scout councils and the national organization and are accountable for:
- Carefully preparing to participate in the democratic process at the National Council Session;
- Opening their minds to the diverse opinions and perspectives of others; and;
- Keeping in mind, first and foremost, the well-being and future development of the entire Girl Scout Movement and not of any one council or group of councils.
Benefits of National Council Session and Convention Participation
The National Council Session and Convention convenes every three years and is a gathering of thousands of Girl Scouts in one location. This movement-wide meeting is a unique opportunity for Girl Scouts to mark its progress and set its direction for the future. Participants at this event:
- Gain an appreciation for the size and scope of the Girl Scout Movement
- See and feel the passion for Girl Scouts and its mission through a variety of speakers, performers, learning and breakout sessions, and the girl members themselves who participate alongside the adults throughout the event
- Take part in and witness the governance of our organization in action using Parliamentary Procedure to ensure the governance of the organization is enacted with fairness and civility
- Build personal connections with their peers across the movement
- Explore an interactive EXPO tailored to Girl Scouting and girls’ interests
- Strengthen relationships within their council by planning for, attending, and reporting on the experience in their local Girl Scout communities
Duties of a National Council Delegate
National Council Delegates represent GSWISE at the National Council Session and Convention.
- In advance of the National Council Session, everyone elected by the council as a voting member/delegate to the National Council takes personal responsibility to
- Study all items on the agenda, including background information, and recommendations of the National Board of Directors.
- Attend briefing meetings conducted by the council; participate in council, board, and association meetings; and participate in council forums and focus groups, as requested.
- Obtain a broad array of the opinions of adult members and Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors from all parts of the council.
- Participate in teleconferences for voting members, sponsored by the national organization.
- Engage in opportunities to discuss, learn, and share ideas across the Movement.
- While attending the National Council Session, each voting member is responsible for:
- Attending all business meetings and participating in the proceedings.
- Being fully prepared to participate in discussion and vote on all business items.
- Upon returning from the National Council Session, each National Council voting member/delegate is prepared to:
- Report at the council’s fall annual meeting and/or spring forum, to the council board of directors, and the council’s constituency (if requested by council Board Chair/president and CEO) on the National Council decisions and the reasons for such decisions.
- Share insights on information gained at the National Council Session, if requested.
- Assist the council as it prepares to participate in the next National Council Session, if requested.
- Participate in teleconferences and other opportunities for voting members/delegates.
National Council Delegate Selection and Term
Each Girl Scout council elects delegates to the National Council based on a formula established by the National Board of Directors. The specific number of delegates allocated to each council is based on the September 30 membership figures for the year preceding the National Council Session. Delegates must be 14 years of age or older at the time of their election and, because of GSUSA’s Congressional Charter, must be citizens of the United States. The National Council Delegate Term runs October 1, 2025-September 30, 2029.
National Convention Logistics
Costs for elected National Council Delegates attending the National Convention will be paid for by GSWISE and will include the following:
- Registration fees
- Airfare
- Ground transportation to/from the hotel during the Convention
- Hotel accommodations during the Convention
- Meals during the Convention (not already covered by Registration fees)
