SUBMITTED BY:
Girl Scouts of Connecticut
STATEMENT OF PROPOSAL (in the form of a motion):
That Article V (Sessions of the National Council), of the Constitution of Girl Scouts of the USA, §.2 “Responsibilities” be amended by inserting a new paragraph following the line ending in “direction of the Movement and program:”
“Members of the National Council shall each serve on an issue-driven working group during their term. The number, qualifications and focus of such working groups shall be determined by the National Board and Girl Scouts of the USA. The purpose of each National Delegate working group shall be to communicate with and seek input from local Girl Scout councils and National Council delegates on issues of Movement-wide importance, matters relating to current social issues relevant to membership and the Movement, proposed changes to the Girl Scout program, operational matters, and to provide information to the National Board and Girl Scouts of the USA that will guide their thinking in forming strategy or making decisions.”
If adopted the text would read as follows:
RESPONSIBILITIES
2. The National Council at its sessions shall hold elections, amend the Constitution, establish requirements for credentials, and shall determine the general lines of policy of the Girl Scout Movement and program by considering and acting upon proposals directed toward the fostering and improvement of Girl Scouting, by receiving and acting upon reports of its National Board of Directors, and by giving guidance to the National Board upon general lines of direction of the Movement and program.
Members of the National Council shall each serve on an issue-driven working group during their term. The number, qualifications and focus of such working groups shall be determined by the National Board and Girl Scouts of the USA. The purpose of each National Delegate working group shall be to communicate with and seek input from local Girl Scout councils and National Council delegates on issues of Movement-wide importance, matters relating to current social issues relevant to membership and the Movement, proposed changes to the Girl Scout program, operational matters, and to provide information to the National Board and Girl Scouts of the USA that will guide their thinking in forming strategy or making decisions.
REASONS: (Include answers to these two questions)
1.What makes this proposal important to the future of Girl Scouting across the country?
2.What is the Movement-wide benefit adoption of the proposal will provide?
In response to the ongoing discussion regarding the role and authority of the National Council and the national organization, including the National Board and Girl Scouts of the USA, it is time to re-examine the National Delegate role and to provide a pathway for how this group can work together more effectively throughout their term. How can GSUSA partner with the National Council to create a nimble governance structure? How can the National Council offer input on governance issues, operational matters, and substantive policy concerns, to better serve our girl members and the Movement?
National Delegate working groups would offer a forum to continue National Council conversations on a regular basis. Such groups would offer critical feedback to the National Board and GSUSA beyond the annual volunteer and member surveys and function with the goal of engaging in generative, forward- looking inquiries that delve into the many aspects of the modern Girl Scout program. Potential working group topics could include governance and board development, fund development, older girl programming, product sales, badge curriculum and journeys, traditions, travel, volunteer training, and subject matter-specific groups (such as STEM, outdoors and life skills).
The National Council is comprised of dedicated Girl Scout members at all levels–delegates elected by local Girl Scout councils and USA Girl Scouts Overseas including adult volunteers, council staff and older girl members, members of the National Board of Directors and National Board Development Committee, and Past Presidents of Girl Scouts of the USA. This membership represents a unique resource that the national organization should tap into on a regular basis. Providing an engagement structure that includes participation in National Delegate working groups will foster stronger ties between Girl Scout leadership and members and will promote an effort to use such resources wisely.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Indicate the projected expenditures and impact on resources for councils and the national organization, for a five (5) year period.
Projected expenditures to implement this proposal are minimal to none at both the GSUSA and council level. The expansion of the National Delegate website provides a reliable platform for engagement between the GSUSA National Board Office and National Delegates. Implementing the delegate working groups into the existing structure would be easily achieved. Projected expenditures to local Girl Scout councils and the National Board office would include staff and administrative support for the National Delegate working groups throughout their term.