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.

Be Part of History at Girl Scouts Unite 2026!

Join us as we celebrate all the ways that Girls Make History at the Girl Scouts Unite event from July 23–July 25, 2026. Whether you’re a Girl Scout or just looking to meet new friends and make a difference, this event is for YOU.

Hear from inspiring speakers like Space Gal Emily Calandrelli, meet Girl Scout book authors Sayantani DasGupta and Yamile Saied Méndez, and participate in interactive workshops, all while making memories and having a blast. Don’t miss the chance to feel a part of something bigger than yourself.

Every Girl Scout council is entitled to elect a delegation based on its girl membership. Our delegation includes National Council delegates and alternates. The duties of National Council delegates and alternates are to: 

represent our council as voting members of the National Council throughout the triennium (delegates only)
complete training, which includes self-paced online modules and virtual and live 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, over the next three years
attend all business meetings of the National Council and participate in the decision-making proceedings (delegates only)
attend any additional National Meetings called
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
engage with other delegates, gather feedback from delegate webinars and the National Council Session, and share learnings and insights with council members by providing a report at the Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA Annual Meeting
fulfill responsibilities as noted in the Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA By-Laws by attending and voting at the Annual Meetings during the term of Office as a National Delegate/Alternate
attend council Governance Meetings annually

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 in good standing and 14 years of age or older at the time of nomination (January 13, 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

Thank you to everyone who applied to be a Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania National Delegate. The application period is now closed. The National Delegate slate will be provided to membership no less than 30 days prior to the April 23, 2025 Annual Meeting.

How are National Council delegates and alternates selected? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA's delegate liaisons will be in contact with applicants to schedule virtual interviews in December. Then, the Board Development Committee will review applications in January 2025 and prepare a slate of selected nominees to be elected by council delegates at the Annual Meeting in April 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

Delegate Responsibilities Prior to NCS:

Attend all GSHPA & GSUSA orientation and preparation meetings, equal to approximately 30 hours, between the National Delegate election and the National Council Meeting.
Study and have a good understanding of the GSUSA National Bylaws.
Solicit feedback from GSHPA membership surrounding proposals, approximately 10 hours in 2026.

Delegate Responsibilities During NCS:

Attend and participate in all National Council sessions, over a period of three full days in Washington D.C. (Phenom programmatic portion is optional.)
Attend and professionally represent GSHPA at all GSUSA-sponsored events in official Girl Scout uniform.
Have good working knowledge of actions taken.

Delegate Responsibilities After NCS:

Debrief with GSHPA delegation.
Share experiences with GSHPA membership at Annual Meeting as well as through social media, blog, website, etc., approximately 10 hours.

Delegate Responsibilities Throughout Term of Service:

Engage with GSHPA membership
Serve as a National Council Delegate/Alternate for the next three years and attend any additional National Meetings and trainings as called.
Fulfill responsibilities as noted in GSHPA By-Laws by attending and voting at GSHPA Annual Meetings, approximately 2 hours per year, during the term of office as a National Delegate/Alternate.
Attend GSHPA Governance meetings, approximately 90 minutes, annually.

How much will this cost? toggle arrow

GSHPA will coordinate and pay for the following expenses of delegates: registration, transportation, and lodging. Alternate Delegates and visitors are welcome to attend but are responsible for their own expenses.

Additional Information for Girl Delegates: toggle arrow