Getting Ready for the National Council Session and applying to be a NCS Delegate

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 nationwide, USA Girl Scouts Overseas and the National Board gather to discuss, debate, and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement and 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, in Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital. This year, the convention will celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.

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 14 years or older by May 1, 2025.
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 for the issues and business that will come before the National Council.

Delegate duties toggle arrow

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.
Engage with other delegates, gather feedback from delegate webinars and the National Council Session, and share learnings and insights with council members.

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 are National Council delegates and alternates selected? toggle arrow

Apply using our council application by 11:59 pm on March 31, 2025.
Council leadership staff will reach out to potential delegates who qualify with a further conversation/interview.
A slate of delegates that represent our 47-county council will be finalized.
In May 2025, this delegate slate will be presented to the GSKSMO membership body for a vote.

What is the role of an alternate delegate? toggle arrow

Alternate delegates are selected to ensure that councils can quickly and easily 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.

How much will this cost? toggle arrow

GSKSMO will cover all expenses for its selected girl delegates, including airfare to NCS, hotel accommodations, registration fees, and food stipends.
For selected adult delegates, GSKSMO will cover the registration fees. If cost is a barrier for adult delegates, we can discuss options for additional financial assistance.
Overall fees are still to be determined.

Apply to be a National Council Delegate representing GSKSMO toggle arrow

Use the girl or adult application links below to apply. Be sure to apply by 11:59 pm on March 31, 2025.

Apply to be an Adult National Council Delegate

Apply to be a Girl National Council Delegate

Council Finder

National Council Delegates

Getting Ready for the National Council Session and applying to be a NCS Delegate

National Council delegates and alternates must:

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:

The time commitment varies throughout the triennium.