Board of Directors Application

Board of Directors Application

For Girl Scouts entering 9th - 11th grade in Fall 2026 and who are at least 14 years old
Do you want to be part of making decisions for Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails? Do you want to share your opinion on issues important to you? Do you want to be an advocate for all Girl Scouts?

If your answers are “YES!” then we have a great opportunity for you!

Our current bylaws allow two older Girl Scout representatives to be nominated and serve on the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails Board of Directors. Girls elected will participate with an equal voice in the discussion and debate during board of directors’ meetings.

Our girl members’ opinions are important. We want to hear what you have to say.

Being a girl member of the Board of Directors will allow you to:
- Interact with an adult board member(s) in a mentoring relationship
- Help you to build your leadership skills to a new level
- Look great on your college application
The Board Development Committee is currently seeking one Girl member to serve on the Board of Directors from November 2026 - November 2028. Read the packet of materials in this application, and if they look good to you, then GO FOR IT!

The application must be filled out completely, and you will need to include the names and contact information from two references, preferably one from an adult who knows you (e.g., teacher, pastor, but not a relative) and one from your Troop Leader, Assistant Troop Leader, or Service Unit Manager. The deadline to apply is September 18, at 5:00 p.m.

Attending board meetings is important, so read the requirement on attendance carefully.

NOTE: Applicant may not be a child or dependent of a staff member.

Council Board Functions

Responsibility and Authority

The corporate Board of Directors is a fiduciary body, responsible for the governance of the council and stewardship of its assets. It is the only council body empowered to institute or change council policies, although it normally seeks operational input when doing so. The Board is accountable to those bodies from which it derives its authority: the membership, the National Board of Girl Scouts of the USA, State, and local government, and the federal government. The Board utilizes the council bylaws and the council articles of incorporation as a legal framework that guides their work.

Key Board Functions

The Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails is a strategic Board. The Board is mission-driven and future-focused. The Board partners with the CEO by aligning goals and priorities and defining successful achievement of those goals and priorities. The Board focuses on fund development and assuring that the council has the resources it needs to achieve the goals and priorities set by the board of directors.

The Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails engages in policy development and oversight. The Board is the steward of all assets of the council and has fiduciary responsibility for oversight of council assets. The Board operates with legal and ethical integrity and places the interest of the council, as a whole, above personal interests. The Board links strategy with financial support and ensures infrastructure and internal organizational capacity can support goals and priorities.

The Board of Directors of the Girls Scouts of New Mexico Trails is knowledgeable and generative. Within a culture of mutual respect, the Board utilizes and gathers relevant data, uses reflective learning through robust dialogue, debate, and the questioning of assumptions to make quality decisions.

The Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails promotes a culture of trust within the community that fosters transparency with donors, constituents, and members, provides opportunities for members to give voice, and seeks input before major policy decisions are made.

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Girl Member of the Board of Directors
ELECTED BY: New Mexico Trails Council
TERM OF OFFICE: Two (2) years. Term begins upon appointment at the annual meeting in November and ends in November two years later.
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails
MAINTAINS CONTACT WITH: Board Chair, CEO and other board members

GIRL MEMBER’S PRINCIPAL DUTIES
1. Accept the basic beliefs and principles that support the organization and maintain current membership registration with Girl Scouts of the USA.
2. Attend orientation and training events provided for board members.
3. Attend and participate in all board meetings and the Annual Meeting. Generally there are five meetings per year lasting an average of three hours per meeting. If you miss meetings, you can be voted off of the Board of Directors.
4. Participate in the work of at least one committee or task group. Hours of commitment depend on the committee or task group.
5. Be able to attend board meetings at different locations across the jurisdiction.
6. Notify the appropriate individual when unable to attend a meeting or task group.
7. Be well prepared and read the material in board packets prior to meetings.
8. Actively participate in discussions and debates at board meetings.
9. Publicly support decisions of the board, regardless of one’s personal point of view.
10. Understand parliamentary procedure.
11. Maintain confidentiality.
12. Support the development of the council’s financial resources by being a spokesperson on behalf of Girl Scouting and encouraging adults to make thoughtful financial contributions.

Application
Name

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth
Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Girl Email
example@example.com
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Cell Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Entering Grade in Fall 2026
Name of School / Homeschool
Number of Years as a Girl Scout

Give a brief description of your Girl Scout career (include major awards or journeys completed, older girl activities, etc.).
What leadership experiences have you had (include Girl Scouts, school, church, community, clubs, and camp)?
What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
Why do you wish to serve as a Girl Member of the Board of Directors?
What do you see as your role on the Board of Directors?

Please provide two references who are not members of your family who are able to tell us about your character and leadership ability.
Reference #1

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Reference #2

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Please upload the two letter of references here. Documents may be in Word or PDF.

Cancelof

STATEMENT OF APPLICANT

I have read the job description of Girl Member of the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails. I understand the expectations for this position. If selected, I will fulfill those expectations to the best of my ability.
Signature
Should be Empty:

Board of Directors Application

Council Board Functions

Job Description

Application