National Council Delegates

2026 National Council Session

July 20–22, 2026

Washington, DC

Every three years, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) holds a National Council Session—also known as NCS. During NCS, elected National Council delegates representing all 111 councils across the nation and USA Girl Scouts Overseas, and the National Board, gather to discuss, debate, and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement as well as elect national leaders for the next triennium.

Throughout their three-year term, delegates gather feedback from their council’s membership, learn about proposals, and act as their council’s voice by serving as voting members on the National Council. Delegates then share insights and report on actions taken by the National Council with their council’s membership at Annual Meetings and other council events.

NCS is part of GSUSA’s national convention, which is held every three years. The other part of the convention is a member-focused event with dynamic, interactive workshops for girls and adults. This event includes inspiring speakers, exciting adventures, and opportunities to meet Girl Scouts from around the United States and the world, sparking forever friendships. The next national convention is scheduled for July 20–25, 2026, and will take place in Washington, DC, our nation’s capital, which will be celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.

Every Girl Scout council is entitled to elect a delegation based on its girl membership. Our delegation includes four (4) National Council delegates and up to (4) alternates. Our GSNI-M CEO and Board Chair are automatically selected as National Council Delegates. The duties of National Council delegates and alternates are to: 

represent our council as voting members of the National Council throughout the next three (3) year triennium (delegates only);
complete training, which includes self-paced online modules and virtual and in-person sessions;
participate in council-hosted preparatory meetings and input-gathering opportunities;
register for and regularly connect on the delegate website for news and updated communications;
consider the spectrum of opinions of adult and girl members from all parts of our council and across the Movement;
participate in delegate webinars sponsored by GSUSA and provide decision-influencing input, as requested, throughout the triennium;
attend all business meetings of the National Council and participate in the decision-making proceedings (delegates only);
become educated in Robert's Rules of Order and parliamentary procedure;
be fully prepared to vote on all business items, including proposals and the National Board of Directors slate; and
engage with other delegates, gather feedback from delegate webinars and the National Council Session, and share learnings and insights with council members.

Apply to be a Delegate

Interested in becoming a National Council Delegate? Complete the application to get started.

APPLY NOW

Who can apply? toggle arrow

National Council delegates and alternates must:

be a citizen of the United States of America as set out in GSUSA’s Congressional Charter.
be a registered member of the Girl Scout Movement and be fourteen (14) years of age or older by April 26, 2025.
be able to consider a broad spectrum of the opinions of adult and older girl members from all parts of the council.
be willing to prepare thoroughly on the issues and business that will come before the National Council.

How do I apply to be a National Council delegate? toggle arrow

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on JANUARY 15, 2025. To be considered, all applications must be completed and submitted by this deadline.

To view a PDF version of this form with all questions displayed, click here. Please note: the form must still be completed electronically.

For questions about eligibility or to request accommodations for completing this form, email Theresa Brady at theresa.brady@gsnim.org.

How are National Council delegates and alternates selected? toggle arrow

The Board Development Committee (BDC) will review applications and conduct follow-up interviews if needed to select a slate of delegates and alternates. National Council Session (NCS) Delegates are elected at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025. 

What is the role of an alternate delegate? toggle arrow

Alternate delegates are selected to ensure that councils are quickly and easily able to replace delegates who cannot complete their full term.
Alternate delegates must be prepared to assume the delegate role at any time and with little notice.
Alternate delegates should participate in all delegate training, education, and other preparation to ensure they are ready to conduct National Council business if called upon.

What is the time commitment? toggle arrow

The time commitment varies throughout the triennium.
Initial training in the role is approximately six hours, delivered through on-demand webinars.
Delegate education commitments increase in the months leading up to a National Council Session.
Delegate input-gathering activities take place throughout the triennium.
GSNI-M delegates must be prepared to present the 2026 NCS proposals to the council membership, including, but not limited to, at the 2026 GSNI-M Annual Celebration. Additionally, delegates must be prepared to report back to the council membership, including, but not limited to, at the 2027 GSNI-M Annual Celebration.

How much will this cost? toggle arrow

GSNI-M will pay the National Council Session/Convention registration fee, transportation fee, shared hotel fee for three (3) nights, and meals during NCS for elected delegates.

Individuals may incur additional costs relative to attending council training meetings, official insignia, and uniforms.

If you seek more clarification or have additional questions about potential travel or registration expenses, email Theresa Brady at theresa.brady@gsnim.org.

Additional Information for Girl Delegates: toggle arrow

GSNI-M will provide one dedicated staff member to serve as the official adult chaperone for elected girl members who travel as part of our delegation to Washington, D.C. If girls wish to seek clarification about this opportunity or have additional questions, email Theresa Brady at theresa.brady@gsnim.org.

If you wish to seek clarification about this opportunity or have additional questions, email Theresa Brady at theresa.brady@gsnim.org.