Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) is seeking applications for National Council Delegates for the National Council Session/56th Convention, July 2023 (Dates TBD), in Orlando, Florida!
This is a very exciting opportunity for Girl Scouts and volunteers to share their voices and make change in our national community. National Delegates play a vital role in providing strategic direction to the Girl Scout Movement, and last year, two proposals authored and presented by GSGCNWI were passed, so your input is especially important. No experience is necessary!
To be a National Delegate for GCNWI, you must:
- Be available to attend the National Council Session/56th National Convention in Orlando, Florida, July 2023* (at no expense to the Delegate)
- Be a citizen of the United States (this is based on our Congressional Charter, not GSUSA policy)
- Be a registered member of the Girl Scout Movement
- Be 14 years of age or older at the time of election (GSGCNWI Annual Meeting April 7, 2022)
- Be committed to participating in National Delegate training and preparation sessions offered by the council
- Be committed to a three (3) year tenure as a National Council Delegate (April 7, 2022 – April 2025)
- Be committed to participating in National Council Session follow-up activities sponsored by the council
- Be committed to participating in GSGCNWI Delegate Meetings, including Delegate Quarterly Meetings and the GSGCNWI Annual Meeting while a National Delegate
*Exact dates of the National Council Session will be announced soon. Historically, it takes place over three days.
Applications are being accepted through November 3, 2021!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to be a National Delegate?
Any registered member of GSGCNWI (youth or adult) who is 14 years of age or older by time of election (April 7, 2022).
What is the application process?
National Delegate Applications will be open online between September 1 and November 3 2021. National Delegate Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be asked to attend a virtual interview in November or December. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application in early 2022.
Do I need any previous experience to be a National Delegate?
No previous experience is required. Training will be provided to all National Delegates on Robert’s Rules of order, parliamentary procedures and items of business prior to the National Council Session.
What is the time commitment?
National Delegates and Alternates serve a 3-year term, from April 2022-April 2025 and must be able to attend the National Council Session (NCS) in Orlando, Florida, July 2023 (Exact dates TBD). Typically, the National Council Session takes place over 3 days. Prior to NCS, National Delegates and Alternates will be expected to attend training and webinars offered by GSGCNWI and GSUSA to prepare for NCS. They will also be asked to read and review materials on their own to be informed on important topics related to NCS.
In addition to NCS related meetings, National Delegates are asked to attend and vote at the GSGCNWI Annual Meeting and Delegate Quarterly Meetings. Many of these meetings happen virtually via Zoom or other webinar/conference call methods. National Delegates and Alternates should expect robust engagement in the 6 months leading up to the National Council Session, with occasional engagement outside of that time frame.
I am graduating high school between April 2022- April 2025. Can I still apply?
Yes! If you are graduating during the 3-year term, you are still welcome to apply! We just ask that all Delegates keep an active registration with our council.
Is there a cost to being a National Delegate?
GSGCNWI will cover many of the costs associated with travel and attendance of the 56th National Council Session. There may be additional minimal costs for Delegates. For example, Girl Scout Uniform is typically worn at certain National Council Session meetings, which is the responsibility of the National Delegate (Financial Aid is available to assist with certain uniform needs).
What is an Alternate National Delegate?
Each council is allotted a certain number of Delegates based on their membership numbers the year before NCS. GSGCNWI always selects multiple Alternate Delegates in case a National Delegate is no longer able to serve in their role. Alternates will be called up to replace National Delegates as needed and are an important part of our democratic process and making sure the voice of GSGCNWI is heard.
Due to changes in when the National Delegate Application process happens, councils will be electing their delegates before they know the exact number of delegates they are allotted. For this reason, GSGCNWI will be bringing on additional Alternates with the hope that they will be able to move up to National Delegate once the allotment is received. Alternates will participate in training and meetings to be informed on the process and prepared to step into the role should they be pulled up. Alternates are not allowed to vote on council or national issues until they are pulled up and they do not attend the National Council Session unless they are pulled up as National Delegates. In the case an Alternate is not pulled up, they may attend the National Council Session at their own expense.
Alternates are welcome to attend local governance meetings, such as the Annual Meeting and Delegate Quarterly Meeting.
Questions or further information needed? Please email Alaina Greene, Delegate Liaison, at nationaldelegate@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
Meet the Girl Scout Delegates from last year, and read about the monumental 55th Session.
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