2026 58th National Council Conference Session Proposal Feedback

The GSUSA 58th National Council will be held July 20-22, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This conference, which only happens once every three years (called a triennium), brings delegates from councils around the country and overseas to gather to vote on and discuss issues important to our Movement and elect leaders for the next triennium.

We encourage you to review the proposals and discussions and make your voice be heard. You can find the full proposals and discussion here. Once you have read them, please submit your feedback.

 

Proposal from Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana

Title of Proposal for Discussion Topic: Membership Dues & Procedures for Registration

State of Proposal of Discussion Topic, Question, or Issue:
A motion that the Credentials Section of the Blue Book of Documents, Membership Dues and Procedures for Registration be revised as follows: The National Board of Directors must obtain approval from National Council whenever a planned dues increase will result in dues increasing more than a total of 25% 15% in any one triennium.

Proposal from Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland

Title of Proposal for Discussion Topic: Preservation of Girl Scout Leadership Experience Relating to the Entrepreneurship Program

State of Proposal of Discussion Topic, Question, or Issue:
A motion to amend the Girl Scout Trademark section of the Blue Book of Documents by adding the following: "GSUSA, alond with its alliances and relationships with corporations and businesses, shall not sell, license or otherwise provide for sale any food product bearing the Girl Scout name or service mark when related to flavors, branding, or likeness of Girl Scout Cookies during the designated entrepreneurship program sales period of any Girl Scout council."

Proposal from Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

Title of Proposal for Discussion Topic: Girl Scout Highest Award Solicitation of Contributions

State of Proposal of Discussion Topic, Question, or Issue:
A motion to amend the Policies of GSUSA as follows: (Proposed Amendment) Adult members in their Girl Scout capacities may not solicit financial contributions for purposes other than Girl Scouting. Adults may engage in combined fundraising efforts authorized by the Girl Scout council and in which the local council is a beneficiary. Girl members may not engage in any direct soliciation for money except girl members for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, who may solicit philanthropic donations to their councils of cash or in-kind goods for Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects, provided they have secured prior written permission from their council's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Development Officer, or their designee. In addition, girls must abide by their own council's policies and procedures with regard to this matter.

Note: the changes bolded in green are the proposed changes.

Discussion Item: Amplify Impact – Building Connection with Our Communities 

The National Board and NCS Advisory Team agreed that the discussion topics and proposals suggested by councils raised important questions about inclusivity, how we live our Girl Scout values, and how we ensure that we are welcoming to all girls and their families. The National Board, working in collaboration with GSUSA management, crafted a discussion topic that allows delegates to address these topics holistically and comprehensively.

At the same time, in response to delegate input into the Movement strategy discussions throughout 2024, we know that communicating the value of the Girl Scout experience to today’s families is a priority. The goals of this discussion topic are: to explore what we have learned from families – including families already involved and those yet to join – are seeking from their experience with us and where consistency and flexibility enhance it; where our values underpin that experience and where they can create unintended barriers; and what support our members need to promote and deliver the Girl Scout experience in their communities.

Discussion Item: Revolutionize Engagement - Girl Scouts Her Way

This discussion topic engages the delegate body in critical conversations about why and how, as a Movement, we need to evolve the ways girls and families can connect with our mission and increase access to Girl Scouting for all girls. Councils originated multiple discussion topics and proposal ideas that addressed themes about how we attract and retain members.

The goals of this discussion topic are to share research findings on how current and prospective families want to see our offerings develop, to explore how we can make the path to joining and staying in Girls Scouts easier, and to inform GSUSA pilot programs. Over the course of this discussion topic, delegates will shape how we revolutionize engagement to ensure a thriving future for our Movement.