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 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 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.

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.
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

There is an online application. Please reach out to Hannah Tobias at 304-345-7722 or Hannah.tobias@bdgsc.org if you need help completing the application.

The application deadline is November 15, 2024.

How are National Council delegates and alternates selected? toggle arrow

The Board Development Committee is responsible for creating a slate of delegates and alternates. The slate will be voted on during our Annual Meeting in April, 2025.

When selecting candidates to put on the slate, the Board Development Committee’s goal is to create a delegation that reflects the diversity of our council.

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

Some time will be required to attend service unit meetings to discuss issues before the National Convention and to report afterward.
A meeting of the Black Diamond delegation will be scheduled the day the National Convention opens. All delegates will be expected to attend.

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.

How much will this cost? toggle arrow

The council will pay the registration fee, travel to Washington, DC; and meals and lodging expense for delegates during the business meeting.
Hotel – Black Diamond will pay for double occupancy. You are welcome to cover the cost to have a room to yourself.
Meals – several meals are usually included as part of the registration fee. We will arrange for a group meal if there is a free evening. Each delegate will receive a cash advance for meals. Receipts are required! Meals are covered during the business meeting.
Transportation – transportation cost will be covered
Delegates will be expected to wear official Girl Scout uniform at business meetings
Some time will be required to attend service unit meetings to discuss issues before the National Convention and to report afterward.
A meeting of the Black Diamond delegation will be scheduled the day the National Convention opens. All delegates will be expected to attend.

Additional Information for Girl Delegates: toggle arrow

Girl delegates are encouraged to apply to be a National Delegate. We currently have two teen National Delegates who have really enjoyed their experience and have learned a lot.

You can read a full description of the postion here.