Juliette Gordon Low established the first national Girl Scout office in Washington, DC, in 1913. She hired two women to run the office but found that, as the movement spread across the United States, the work became too demanding. So she organized an advisory panel to monitor the expansion of the organization with monthly meetings in Washington. However, if the Girl Scouts were to be a truly national organization, its leadership should reflect the broad national interest. Therefore, Juliette Low organized the first Girl Scout National Convention, which took place June 10–12, 1915, at the prestigious Raleigh Hotel in Washington, DC.

At the first convention, 51 delegates were tasked with giving Girl Scouting a firm legal footing and consistent practices, without sacrificing local autonomy. They adopted a constitution and bylaws and elected national officers. Delegates endorsed a federal structure whereby the national organization would serve as an umbrella for multiple, independent councils. Delegates also agreed to create the National Council as the primary decision-making body for the Movement.

“Convention” is a broad name for what happens at these gatherings. There are guest speakers, an exhibition hall, spontaneous singing, organized singing, and forums on a range of enriching topics. The most important component is the formal meeting of the National Council, the Girl Scout legislature. Each local council sends delegates to vote on proposals that will have a significant impact on the Girl Scout Movement.

National Council meetings have shaped many of the most significant policies in Girl Scout history. Starting with the 1915 decision to set annual dues at 25 cents, subsequent increases went through the National Council. That pattern continued until 2012, when the National Board of Directors raised dues without taking the matter to the National Council.

In 1927, Girl Scouts shared that khaki uniforms looked too much like military uniforms, so a new silver-gray fabric was adopted. In 1960, delegates voted to divide the Intermediate level program (ages 10–13) into Juniors (ages 9–11) and Cadettes (ages 12–14). Then, in 1969, it was decided that Girl Scouts would remain a uniformed organization, but the uniforms would be updated to more contemporary styles. In 1975, a motion to admit boys into the organization was defeated; they also passed a constitutional amendment dedicated to diversity, pluralism, and anti-racism. Another interesting motion that was raised at the 1987 convention was to establish a plan to preserve our history. As a result, a National Historic Preservation Center was established at National Headquarters, a museum was created, and the reference handbook The Girl Scout Collector’s Guide was published in 1987 (revised in 2005).

As the organization grew, the frequency of conventions changed to accommodate its expanding membership. From 1915 to 1939, conventions were held annually. Beginning in 1941, they were held every two years. Since 1957, National Conventions have been held every three years.

During 2020, the in-person event was canceled, but delegates still gathered virtually for the National Council Session. Delegates Alonda and Leah shared photos of themselves participating in the meetings from home.

2026 Girl Scout National Convention

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of our country, the Girl Scout National Convention was held in Washington, DC, in July.

The GCNWI National Delegation recently returned from attending. They had spent countless hours preparing, and were thrilled to represent our council with the future of our Movement in mind. Thank you to the 2026 GCNWI National Delegation for being an essential part of our Girl Scout community and our Movement.