GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE HUDSON, INC.

Board of Directors Application and

Board Development Committee Application

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Girl Scouting was founded by Juliette Gordon Low on March 12, 1912 and she believed that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. Today, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has a membership of more than 2 million girls and adults. More than 60 million women in the U.S today are Girl Scout alumnae.

We believe that every girl has the potential for success and that Girl Scouting helps girls learn positive values, build self-confidence, and learn real-world leadership skills.

Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc., serves more than 20,000 girl and adult members across seven counties in the lower to mid-Hudson Valley – Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. We are chartered by GSUSA, the world’s largest leadership development organization for girls.

Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc., is led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers. The combined expertise of these individuals provides the leadership to set the direction of the Council and establish the governance that guides us.

The role of the Board of Directors is to oversee the corporate business and governance of the Council, such as:

• Working with the CEO to determine the vision of Girl Scouting and ensuring that appropriate resources exist to carry out strategic priorities.
• Establishing policies necessary for the development and advancement of Girl Scouting in the Council’s jurisdiction.
• Ensuring all governance documents are updated and maintained appropriately.
• Ensuring that the Council is positioned in the community to achieve the maximum benefit for all girls.
• Monitoring and evaluating the organization’s performance, directing resources in full support of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who will make the world a better place. Board Directors commit their time, talent, and treasure to Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc., in the following ways during their three-year term:

• Attend Board meetings, typically held virtually (five per year) and an annual in-person Board Retreat, along with special meetings as needed.  
• Attend Annual Meeting (March) either in-person or virtually. 
• Attend Delegate Meetings (May and November) either in-person or virtually. 
• Serve on at least one Board committee.
• Review all materials in preparation for discussion and decision-making critical to conducting the business of the Council.
• Serve and attend Council events and community events and/or activities, representing and promoting Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc.

• Keep current on trends and developments in the community to contribute fully to the thoughts and discussion of the subject matter.
• Advocate for the Girl Scout Movement and causes set by GSUSA.
• Listen to the opinions of others.
• Actively participate in the decision-making process.
• Accept and support majority Board decisions regardless of personal opinions.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality in the work of the Board.
• Support and contribute to the development of the Council’s strategic priorities.

• Register annually or as a Lifetime Member with the Girl Scout organization.
• Make or secure an annual financial contribution of at least $2,500 to Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc. as outlined in the Board Giving Policy, which will be provided prior to interviewing.
• Participate fully in developing the Council’s financial resources.
• Facilitate connections with businesses, organizations, and/or individuals who may be able to support GSHH.  

• The Board Development Committee is accountable to the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson Delegate body for nominating candidates for the:
  • Board of Directors
  • Board Development Committee
  • Girl Board Directors
  • Juliette (Girl) Delegate-at-Large
  • National Delegates to the triennial National Council Session
• Candidates selected for the Board Development Committee are elected at the Annual Meeting of the Delegate body to serve a 3-year term and must register annually or as a Lifetime Member with the Girl Scout organization.
• Board Development Committee members meet monthly or as determined necessary by the Committee Chair.
• Board Development committee members maintain confidentiality in all deliberations.
• The Board Development Committee collaborates with the Board of Directors to:
  • Identify the talent and leadership needed to fill vacancies for the Board of Directors, Board Development Committee, Juliette Delegate-at-Large, and National Delegates.
  • Solicit input on the appropriate skills and characteristics needed to anticipate the Council’s future leadership.
  • Seek nominations to ensure a balanced and diverse slate (racial/ethnic composition, geographic representation, age, religion, gender, etc to create a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences.
• Orientation, Development, and Board Evaluation:
  • Works in conjunction with key leadership of the Board to design and provide orientation to new Board members and ensures a continuing education program for all Board members.
  • In a working partnership with the board’s executive committee, the chair of the Board Development Committee assists the Board with its annual self-assessment and the Board Development Committee reviews the information in developing the next slate.

How to apply:

• Submit the following signed application by Midnight, Sunday, November 2, 2025.

If you are unable to submit your application electronically, please print and complete it by hand. Scan and email the completed application to delegates@girlscoutshh.org. Questions may also be directed to this email address. 

All applications are submitted to the Board Development Committee for review. Candidates not selected for The Board of Directors or Board Development Committee may also be considered for ad hoc committees or other volunteer positions.

Submit completed form by November 2, 2025. 

Thank you for taking the time to complete this application. You will be contacted by a member of the Board Development Committee to schedule an interview and/or advise you of the status of your application.