This is a possible amendment for Proposal 2 which has been discussed in our unofficial town halls. We’re publishing them here so delegations will be able to consider them ahead of time. Remember that any delegate can propose any amendment, so if this is one is that you support, you are welcome to get into a queue and introduce it. Be sure to check that the motion is within scope. The proposal’s original wording is in green while the added words are in blue.
To amend Article IX (Membership Dues) of the Constitution as follows:
Every person accepting the principles of the Girl Scout Movement and desiring to be a member of the Girl Scout Movement in the United States of America shall pay annual, lifetime, or other applicable membership dues to Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Dues are set by the National Council or the National Board.
The National Board shall implement procedures for communicating with and seeking input from Girl Scout councils and National Council delegates prior to any membership dues change by the National Board.
Rationale: This amendment would make it clear that the National Council would be the only body with the authority to amend membership dues amounts or structures. The National Board would have to bring any proposed membership dues raises or changes in structure to a National Council Session, and the National Council would vote whether to approve it or not. This was the procedure that was always followed through Girl Scouting’s history before the National Board and GSUSA claimed authority in 2008.
If this proposal passes as amended, Proposals 3 and 4 would no longer be in order and would be dropped from the agenda.