In the middle of July, on a very hot and humid day, the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) National Delegation descended on Washington, D.C. They weren’t alone, as thousands of other Girl Scouts from across the country, around the world, and within our own council were gathering for the National Council Session (NCS) and Girl Scout Convention.

Held once every three years, NCS is the business meeting of our Movement, where important issues and topics that affect the future of Girl Scouting are discussed, debated, and voted on by the National Council. NCS takes place during the first half of the week, followed by the Girl Scout Convention, known this year as Girl Scouts Unite. During Unite, Girl Scouts gather to attend programs and workshops, hear inspiring stories, and participate in traditions like trading SWAPS or singing.

National delegates make up the majority of the National Council and are elected by local councils to serve three-year terms. The GCNWI National Delegation is made up of adult members and Girl Scouts who are at least 14 years old at the time of election. They come from across our council and bring a variety of Girl Scout experiences, including some who have attended NCS before and others who are attending for the first time.

Since their election in April 2025, the National Delegation has shown incredible dedication to our council, members, and Movement, spending countless hours preparing for NCS by attending virtual and in-person meetings, reviewing materials, talking with members, and listening to each other. This year was especially busy, as GCNWI originated a proposal that was included on the NCS agenda, as well as another proposal on which action was taken before NCS.

The first day of NCS started bright and early with delegate education sessions. These sessions continued the preparation webinars that delegates had been participating in for months. They provided an opportunity for delegates to share their opinions on proposals in person before the official start of the meeting. Delegates also had the chance to meet candidates for the National Board of Directors.

After lunch, NCS officially began. Over three days, delegates participated in debates and discussions on issues affecting the future of our Movement. It was thrilling to be in a room with so many people who share a passion for Girl Scouting.

The opening ceremony literally brought tears to my eyes. Seeing so many cultures and places represented under the same organization really means a lot to me, especially during a time when the world outside the convention doors isn’t always so kind. Seeing the impact Girl Scouts has had on youth is incredibly moving, but I was also struck by the realization that Girl Scouts isn’t just for girls. It’s for adults, too. The number of older women in attendance really showed me how Girl Scouts has the potential to make a lifelong impact, and I want to make sure I provide that same opportunity for my daughter, my troop, and myself. -Delegate Rachel T.

It’s always breathtaking to see the sheer amount of people that come together for this event. Over a thousand people in the room that bleed green is truly a sight to see. -Delegate Rebecca

The NCS agenda included three proposals and two discussion topics. You can read the official proposal outcomes here.

The first proposal considered expanding the ability of Girl Scouts to participate in direct solicitation of funds for their Highest Awards projects. The Blue Book of Basic Documents, the governing document all councils must follow, has allowed Seniors and Ambassadors working toward their Gold Award to participate in direct solicitation, depending on local council policies and procedures.

The proposal sought to extend this opportunity to Juniors working toward their Bronze Award and Cadettes working toward their Silver Award. Following debate, delegates voted to approve the change.

The Blue Book requires Girl Scouts to follow their individual councils’ policies and procedures regarding solicitation. Girl Scouts should check with their council before soliciting funds, as additional requirements or restrictions may apply.

Seeing all the girls come together to make such high-level decisions and put the work in to make Girl Scouts better really inspired me and showed me that we girls can make not only Girl Scouts better, but the world a better place. -Youth Delegate Mariam

My favorite part of NCS was meeting Girl Scouts from across the country and from overseas. It was incredible to meet people with different backgrounds and perspectives who sharing the same goal: to better the Girl Scouts Movement. -Youth Delegate Elise

The second proposal on the agenda was brought forward by our own GCNWI delegation. This proposal sought to lower the percentage by which the National Board could increase national membership dues during a triennium without National Council approval.

The original limit was set at 25% during the 2020 NCS through the work of the GCNWI National Delegation, which introduced the original language. The adoption of this limit led to the Special National Council Session in 2024 to address an increase in national membership dues.

This year’s proposal sought to lower the limit from 25% to 15% during a triennium. Following debate, the proposal passed as written. Going forward, the National Board will be required to seek National Council approval for any membership dues increase exceeding 15% during a triennium.

I was inspired by our youth delegates. They were willing to put themselves out there and speak at a microphone. I know how great these young ladies are, and they make me want to continue to volunteer for Girl Scouts. -Delegate Karen

The third proposal addressed licensing and trademarks related to food products. Delegates voted to hold an hour-long discussion before opening debate on the proposal. Following the discussion, a point of order was raised regarding whether the proposal met the criteria for inclusion on the agenda. Ultimately, the proposal was removed from the agenda following a vote by delegates..

Although it was not on the NCS agenda, the GCNWI delegation also put forward a proposal to establish a task group to research equity in the distribution of Gold Award scholarships and explore other scholarship opportunities that could be available to Girl Scouts. The proposal did not appear on the agenda because it had already been acted upon before NCS, and GSUSA will establish the task group.

What stands out most about the National Council Session is how seamlessly and powerfully the youth delegates took command of the governance process. Seeing young leaders navigate complex parliamentary procedure, step up to the microphones before more than 1,000 attendees, and hold the floor with such complete poise, preparation, and passion was a masterclass in youth leadership. They didn’t just participate in the debate; they actively shaped national policy, proving that when girl delegates are given a real seat at the decision-making table, they lead with extraordinary clarity and strength. -Delegate and Chaperone Lindsay

While the National Delegation was focused on the business of the meetings, one of the highlights of having so many Girl Scouts gathered in one place was the opportunity to meet people you might not encounter elsewhere. From GSUSA CEO Bonnie Barczykowski to parliamentarian Sarah Merkle to Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, you never know who you might run into!

Meeting lifetime Girl Scout member and Congresswoman, Lauren Underwood was a highlight. She’s such an inspiring force and I loved hearing about her Girl Scout memories, including her Gold Award. -Delegate Rebecca

In addition to the proposals, delegates participated in discussions on two topics. The first, “Amplify Impact: Building Connections with Our Communities,” explored what members and their families are looking for in their Girl Scout experience; where consistency and flexibility enhance that experience; how our values underpin that experience and, at times, create unintended barriers; and what support our members need to promote and deliver the Girl Scout experience in their communities.

The second discussion topic, “Revolutionize Engagement: Girl Scouts Her Way,” focused on how the Movement can evolve to meet the needs of current and future members. Conversations included research findings, simplifying the path to joining and staying in Girl Scouts, and ways to inform pilot programs. We look forward to seeing how these discussions influence the future of our Movement.

During NCS, the GSUSA National Board was also elected. We were sad to say goodbye to outgoing GSUSA Board President Noorain Khan but excited to welcome Telva McGruder to the role.

But NCS isn’t where the week ended! During the second half of the week, delegation members got to enjoy Girl Scouts Unite, a fun-filled event open to Girl Scouts of all ages. Thousands more Girl Scouts descended on D.C., including GCNWI members. We were thrilled to run into some of our fellow GCNWI members while there.

My favorite part of NCS/Unite was all the conversations I had with people from all over as well as all the laughs I shared with my fellow youth delegates. What left me really inspired is seeing so many girls with their Gold Award and it inspired me to go for my Gold Award. -Youth Delegate Kenzee

Hosting council, Girl Scouts of Nations Capitol also hosted a Block Party down the street from the convention center during the week.

I was so surprised by the SWAPS culture at NCS and Girl Scouts Unite. The commitment to these whatchamacallits by everyone there shocked me. I met hundreds of people and learned personal things about their hometowns, their hobbies, and even their pets! I was amazed at how a seemingly simple exchange of items could lead to such meaningful connections. -Youth Delegate Elise

Members of our delegation also enjoyed the opportunity to take in some D.C. sights during the week. A highlight for everyone was seeing the famous painting of our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, at the Smithsonian. The delegation also visited various museums and, of course, the famous monuments.

I have never been surrounded by so many people passionate about the same thing before. It was such an amazing time to see all walks of life represented and partaking in the Girl Scout Movement. -Delegate Rachel T.

If you are interested in experiencing the next National Council Session and Girl Scout Convention, it’s not too early to save the date! The next event will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, in July 2029. To learn more, visit the GSUSA Convention page or sign up for the Convention Insider List.

If you are interested in serving as a national delegate, applications for the next class of delegates will open in fall 2027. Candidates must be at least 14 years old by the time of the election at the 2028 Annual Meeting, which is expected to take place in April. For more information, visit our Democratic Process page.

Unsure about applying? Here’s some advice from our delegates:

You’ll regret it if you don’t! It has been hands down one of the best experiences of my life. -Adult Delegate Rachel T.

I would say definitely apply to be a National Delegate/ attend convention. It has honestly been one of the best experiences and you will gain memories that will stick with you forever. -Youth Delegate Mariam

It the most insane experience you will ever have, and it’s the best one. -Youth Delegate Rachel T.

I have held pretty much every volunteer role there is in Girl Scouting, and this was one of my favorites! You get the opportunity to actually make change that will impact the entire movement while also getting to meet delegates from across the country. It was a lot of fun! -Adult Delegate Heather