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

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida is now welcoming applications for adult members and girl members (at least 14 years of age by February 15, 2025) who wish to be considered for service and representation as National Council Delegates to the 57th National Council Session to be held in July 20- 25, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Applications will be accepted here and must be emailed to [email protected] by OCTOBER 21, 2024, by 11:59PM.

How are National Council delegates and alternates selected? toggle arrow

Individual members who wish to apply and be considered by the GSSEF Board Development Committee as a National Council Delegate must meet the following initial requirements:

Be a citizen of the United States of America (Required by our Congressional Charter, not GSUSA policy)
Be a currently registered member of the Girl Scout Movement
Be a currently registered member of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, in good standing
Be 14 years of age or older, as of February 15, 2025
Are committed to continuous and uninterrupted organizational membership for the 23/24, 24/25, 25/26, and 26/27 Girl Scout membership years
Agree to attend the National Council Session in person in Washington DC in July 2026
Agree to seek out and represent the points of view of various groups
Agree to prepare for the business that will come before the National Council Session
Agree to a three (3) year term as a National Council Delegate.

For each elected National Council Delegate and at least two Alternate Delegates, GSSEF will:

Provide one dedicated staff member to serve as the official adult chaperone for elected girl members
Register and pay the registration fees to attend both the National Council Session and subsequent convention
Select carrier and pay for air travel, with intent to travel as a group, leaving from (and returning to) either the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Select hotel property, register, and pay for accommodations for at least four nights (based on double occupancy)
Design, order, and pay for one official shirt and name tag.

National Council Delegates and Alternate Delegates are responsible for providing/paying for their own meals; however, some meals during the National Council Session may be provided by GSUSA.

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

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

For each elected National Council Delegate and at least two Alternate Delegates, GSSEF will:

Provide one dedicated staff member to serve as the official adult chaperone for elected girl members
Register and pay the registration fees to attend both the National Council Session and subsequent convention
Select carrier and pay for air travel, with intent to travel as a group, leaving from (and returning to) either the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Select hotel property, register, and pay for accommodations for at least four nights (based on double occupancy)
Design, order, and pay for one official shirt and name tag.

National Council Delegates and Alternate Delegates are responsible for providing/paying for their own meals; however, some meals during the National Council Session may be provided by GSUSA.

If you seek more clarification or have additional questions about potential travel or registration expenses, email Anna Laoretti at [email protected].

Additional Information for Girl Delegates: toggle arrow

Our council has a proud and long-standing tradition of nominating girls to the role of elected National Delegate. This position is unique to our organization and exemplifies the girl-led commitment within our governance structure. GSSEF will provide one dedicated staff member to serve as the official adult chaperone for elected girl members who travel as part of our delegation to Washington, D.C. If girls wish to seek clarification about this opportunity or have additional questions, email Anna Laoretti at [email protected].