The Blue Book of Basic Documents, usually referred to as just the Blue Book, is Girl Scouts of the USA’s governance “bible.” It contains all of the basic documents which specify how Girl Scouting is governed. Contents include the GSUSA Constitution, Bylaws, Policies, Credentials, Criteria and Standards for an Effective Girl Scout Council, and the Congressional Charter for GSUSA. As such, it is the “go to” reference for many governance topics applicable to both the national organization and councils. The Blue Book gets revised as needed based on changes made by GSUSA’s governing bodies, the National Council and the National Board of Directors. The Congressional Charter can be changed only by the Congress of the United States of America.
The beginning of Girl Scouting in this country is unique in that it started as a national organization and then, a few years later, chartered Girl Scout councils. This relationship creates an interdependence between Girl Scout councils and the national organization (Girl Scouts of the USA or GSUSA).* Due to this relationship, councils have a degree of autonomy.
*Source: Interdependence: Councils & the National Organization (PDF)
In general terms, there are three main duties that a non-profit board of directors has to fulfill:
- Duty of care
- Duty of obedience
- Duty of loyalty
The duty of care describes the level of competence that is expected of a board member, and is commonly expressed as the duty of “care that an ordinary prudent person would exercise in a like position and under similar circumstances.” This means that a board member owes the duty to exercise reasonable care when he or she makes a decision as a steward of the organization.
The duty of obedience requires Board members to be faithful to the organization’s mission and the rules/laws of the Federal and State governments. They are not permitted to act in a way that is inconsistent with the central goals of the organization.
The duty of loyalty is a standard of faithfulness; a board member must give undivided allegiance when making decisions affecting the organization. This means that a board member can never use information obtained as a member for personal gain, but must act in the best interests of the organization.
Source: InPhilanthropy.com
The powers of the GSUSA National Board of Directors are found in Article X of the GSUSA Constitution and in the GSUSA Bylaws and Congressional Charter.
Related FAQ:
The National Board is authorized to:
- Determine time and place of National Council Session1
- Call a special meeting (majority of members required)2
- Create proposals to be acted upon by the National Council3
- Determine deadline for proposals4
- Determine what proposals submitted by councils can be acted upon (unless submitted by 15% of councils)4
- Administer the requirements for the credentials established by the National Council5
- Establish standards5
- Issue standards, procedures, and interpretations5
- Issue credentials6
- Revoke credentials6
- Manage affairs of the corporation between sessions of the National Council7
- Fill vacancies in its own membership until the next regular session of the National Council8
- Can act on behalf of the National Council in the event of an emergency that makes it impossible for the National Council to meet9
1 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE V/SESSIONS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL/Regular Sessions
2 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE V/SESSIONS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL/Special Sessions
3 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE VI/PROPOSALS TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL/Origin Of By National Board of Directors
4 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE VI/PROPOSALS TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL/Origin Of By Local Councils
5 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE VIII/CREDENTIALS/Administration
6 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE VIII/CREDENTIALS/Issuance Revocation
7 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE X/NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS/Management of Corporation
8 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE X/NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS/Vacancies
9 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE X/NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS/Emergency Powers
Related post:
Governance and Operations – What’s the Difference?
It’s very important to know the difference between these two things as a delegate.
A Girl Scout council charter is a credential issued by GSUSA and defines the relationship between a council and GSUSA. It binds the elements of Girl Scouting across the nation into one large and cohesive Girl Scout Movement and gives us a common purpose. It grants the right to develop, manage, and maintain Girl Scouting in a specified area of jurisdiction and to call itself a Girl Scout council.
Source: Credentials/GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL CHARTER
Additional info: Interdependence Between Councils and GSUSA