Girl Scouts of Nassau County National Delegate Prospectus 2025-2027
Marie Bynum Chief Executive Officer
Murphy Delegate Liaison
Dear Prospective Delegate,
Thank you for your interest in becoming a national delegate for Girl Scouts of Nassau County. The democratic process is at the heart of Girl Scouting and ensures that our Movement is responsive to the views and needs of its membership. As stated in GSUSA’s Blue Book of Basic Documents, “The ultimate responsibility for the Girl Scout Movement rests with its members. We govern by an efficient and effective democratic process that demonstrates our leadership in a fast-changing world.”
As you review this prospectus and learn more about the National Council Session (NCS) experience, we ask that you give careful consideration to becoming a national delegate. The time, energy, and focus invested by our national delegates ensures that the voice of our local Girl Scout community influences the direction of the Movement. It is a significant commitment, a vital governance role, and an unforgettable Girl Scout experience. If you are interested, please review this guide to learn more and send any questions you may have to customercare@gsnc.org.
Rande Bynum Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts of Nassau County
Liz Murphy Delegate Liaison Girl Scouts of Nassau County
Elizabeth
Girl Scouts of Nassau County
Randell
Girl Scouts of Nassau County
About the National Council
Every three years, delegates from every council across the nation and Girl Scouts Overseas—our National Council—meet to discuss, debate, and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement and elect national leaders for the next triennium (or three-year period).
The National Council Session convenes every three years, in conjunction with the Girl Scout Convention, to elect the National Board of Directors and National Board Development Committee, amend the organization’s constitution, and vote on proposals brought forth by the members and/or national leadership. The 57th National Council Session and Girl Scout Convention will take place in Washington, DC, from Monday, July 20, through Saturday, July 25, 2026.
In addition to our convention, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the USA. What better place to hold convention than the capital of our nation—a symbolic and literal representation of people who live in every corner of the United States? Similarly, National Council Session is where delegates representing every corner of the Girl Scout Movement come together to discuss, debate, and make Girl Scout history.
Requirements
In order to be elected as a national delegate, a candidate must be:
l A U.S. citizen
l A registered member of Girl Scouts
l At least 14 years of age as of May 14, 2025
Responsibilities of the National Delegate
National delegates serve a term of three (3) YEARS. In this role, you will represent GSNC at the national level throughout the next triennium: leading up to, including, and after the convening of the 2026 National Council Session (NCS). The duties of a delegate include:
1. 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:
l Study all items on the agenda, including background information, and recommendations of the National Board of Directors.
l Attend briefing meetings conducted by the council; participate in council, board, and association meetings; and participate in council forums and focus groups, as requested.
l Consider a broad spectrum of the opinions of adult and older girl members from all parts of the council.
l Participate in teleconferences/webinars for voting members sponsored by GSUSA.
l Engage in opportunities to discuss, learn, and share ideas across the Movement.
2. While attending the National Council Session, each voting member is responsible for:
l Attending all business meetings and participating in the proceedings.
l Being fully prepared to participate in discussions and vote on all business items.
3. Upon returning from the National Council Session, each National Council voting member/delegate is prepared to:
l Report at the council’s annual meeting 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.
l Share insights on information gained at the National Council Session, if requested.
l Assist the council as it prepares to participate in the next National Council Session, if requested.
National Delegate Election Process
The ideal national delegate will demonstrate the following attributes:
l Ability to think strategically and focus on the future of the Girl Scout Movement.
l Experience and/or interest in policy-influencing and policy-making positions.
l Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the workings of Girl Scout councils and the Movement.
l Ability to analyze issues from a national as well as a council perspective. National Council actions and decisions have Movement-wide implications.
l Commitment to attending council and GSUSA training sessions to be as informed as possible about the issues and democratic process utilized at the National Council Session.
l Willingness to support all the decisions of the National Council and to educate council members about the decisions made.
GSNC’s Board Development Committee (BDC) manages the national delegate selection process. The BDC is charged with recruiting potential candidates, reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and forming the final slate of nominees who will be elected at GSNC’s 60th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2024.
Key Dates
l August 20, 2024:
National Delegate Virtual Information Session #1 | Register
l September 23, 2024:
National Delegate Virtual Information Session #2 | Register
l October 1, 2024:
National Delegate application opens
l October 23, 2024:
National Delegate Open House | Register
l January 15, 2025: National Delegate application submission deadline
l February 2025: Interviews conducted for selected candidates
l April 2025: Applicants selected for the slate notified
l May 2025: National delegates elected at GSNC’s 60th Annual Meeting
FAQs
How many delegate positions are available?
The number of delegates allotted to our council is calculated based on a formula set forth in GSUSA’s Blue Book and corresponds to the total number of girl members registered in our council’s jurisdiction as of two years before NCS. The formula is as follows:
Each local council to which a charter has been issued and remains in force shall be entitled to the following delegates based on the number of girls under its jurisdiction who are members of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America as of September 30, two years preceding the regular session of the National Council:
a) two (2) delegates;
b) one (1) additional delegate for up to 3,500 girls;
c) one (1) additional delegate for every 3,500 girls thereafter.
GSUSA will determine the number of delegates allotted to GSNC in the fall of 2024. For reference, in the last triennium, GSNC was allotted a total of nine (9) delegates. Alternate delegates will also be selected to serve in the event of a delegate vacancy; alternates are expected participate fully in the delegate education process leading up to NCS.
What is the cost?
The following costs for elected National Delegates attending the GSUSA National Convention will be covered by GSNC:
l NCS/Convention registration fee
l Hotel accommodations during the event
l Round-trip ground transportation
Elected delegates will be responsible for potential out-ofpocket expenses, such as meals that are not provided by GSUSA or GSNC.
National delegates are expected to adhere to uniform requirements for National Council Session. This includes a Girl Scout scarf and pin, worn with navy attire. Costs associated with these uniform requirements are not covered by GSNC and are the personal responsibility of the elected delegate.
What is the time commitment?
In the first year of the delegate term, GSNC will conduct monthly education sessions to train delegates and alternates to participate as voting members of the National Council. These may be held virtually or in person and are commonly an hour and a half in length. Additional time in between these sessions may be needed to familiarize oneself with the content, background information, and national board recommendations for all NCS agenda items, and fully prepare to participate in discussion and debate.
The trip to National Council Session in July 2026 requires attendance at three full days of business meetings, and additional travel days to and from the convention.
While National Council Session is considered the “main event” for national delegates, duties extend beyond the triennial session. In the second two years of the term, national delegates stay connected in their role through GSUSA’s delegate website, where national governance information is shared. Periodic webinars conducted by GSUSA keep delegates informed about issues in the Movement and engaged in topics that may require action via special session if needed before NCS 2029.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM. bit.ly/gsnc-national-delegate-referral-2024
