What powers does the National Council hold?

The National Council has the following powers:

  • Amend the Constitution1
  • Act on proposals1
  • Guide the National Board upon general lines of direction of the Movement and program1
  • Call a special session of the National Council (20% membership required that represent 25% of chartered councils)2
  • Establish requirements for certificates of membership, local council charters, and all other credentials3
  • Elect the National Board of Directors4
  • Elect the officers of the National Board of Directors5
  • Elect distinguished citizens as honorary officers of the National Council6
  • Elect the National Board Development Committee7
  • Authorize contributions for the purposes of GSUSA8
  • Adopt bylaws9

1 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE V/SESSIONS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL/Responsibilities
2 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE V/SESSIONS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL/Special Sessions
3 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE VIII/CREDENTIALS/Requirements
4 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE X/NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS/Election of Members
5 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE XI/OFFICERS/Election Term
6 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE XI/OFFICERS/Honorary Officers
7 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE XII/NATIONAL BOARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, NOMINATIONS, AND ELECTIONS/Election
8 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE XIV/FINANCE/Contributions
9 Defined in the Constitution under ARTICLE XVI/BYLAWS/Adoption