National Delegates
Including and elevating member voice is an essential part of Girl Scouts River Valleys engagement strategy. As a member-led organization, we have many opportunities for members to participate in our governance. One opportunity is serving as a delegate. There are three types of delegates: community delegates (elected by local communities), national delegates (elected by Girl Scout River Valleys voting members), and delegates-at-large (appointed by the Board of Directors). Delegates serve as voting members of our council providing input to our Board of Directors and attend Girl Scouts River Valleys' annual meeting. Read on below for more information on our National Delegate program:
Special 57th National Council Session, October 19, 2024
On Saturday, October 19, representatives of Girl Scouts River Valleys participated in the Special 57th National Council Session, where over 800 delegates from across the country came together to vote on national membership dues proposals. After thoughtful consideration and debate, the national council approved that youth membership dues will increase to $45 for Membership Year 2026 and then increase to $65 for 2027. Adult dues will increase to $30 in 2026. All members received a communication about this outcome from GSUSA on Sunday afternoon.
This decision will help GSUSA invest in and sustain the national infrastructure and resources necessary to deliver impactful programming and will bring dues more in line with other comparable youth organizations. While our council does not currently receive funding from national dues, that may change under this new fee structure in future fiscal years.
For more information please visit the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. website.
Who are National Delegates?
National Delegates are elected representatives of Girl Scouts River Valleys and serve as voting members during Girl Scouts of the USA’s triennial National Council Session. The individuals in this role are responsible for engaging and gathering feedback from Girl Scout members in our council and determining the direction the Girl Scout Movement will take by debating issues and voting on proposals at the National Council Session. National Delegates can be adults or youth ages 14 + and must be members of Girl Scouts River Valleys throughout their entire three-year term.
How do I apply to be a National Delegate?
Applications to be a National Delegate are currently open. Please click here to complete an online application. Applications will remain open through November 29, 2024.
What support can I expect as a National Delegate?
All National Delegates will be supported by our Council Delegate Liaison, have access to the National Delegate website portal, and receive training and education. In the website portal, you will have access to webinars, training, and the ability to connect with peers across the movement. More information on financial assistance and council financial support will be shared soon.
What are the details on the next National Council Session?
The 57th National Council Session and National Convention will take place in Washington, D.C. July 20-25, 2026, hosted by Girl Scouts Nation's Capital. Girl Scouts and Adults from across the movement gather every three years to connect, raise voice to the issues most critical to Girl Scouting, and elect national leaders for the upcoming triennium. The National Convention is open for anyone to register.
If you have additional questions or want more information, contact Susan Andersson at girlscouts@girlscoutsrv.org
