Council Policy Influencing

In October 2005, the National Council delegates took action to affirm the importance of the democratic process by approving, among other changes, the following revisions in the Preamble of the Girl Scout Constitution: “The ultimate responsibility for the Girl Scout Movement rests with its members” and “Members govern by an efficient and effective democratic process that demonstrates leadership in a fast-changing world.” Both these statements are a charge to strengthen the current decision-influencing system in Girl Scouting.

In Girl Scouting, the democratic process is defined as the various means or avenues through which the membership can influence decisions and activities in matters of governance (policy) or management (operations), and have access to those responsible for decision-making at the individual, troop/group, service unit, council or national level. The democratic process in the Girl Scout organization has three primary functions:

• Meeting the legal requirements of the corporation
• Providing effective ways to actively seek input from the membership and encourage the free exchange of concerns, issues, and ideas among all segments of the Girl Scout membership and the community.
• Ensuring that decisions affecting the membership are made in ways consistent with and in furtherance of the purpose of the organization

Two basic kinds of decisions- governance and management- are made through the democratic process, which encompass all levels of the Girl Scout organization. See also Responsibility Flow and Accountability Flow.

The Delegate Council

Annual Meeting Delegates

Council delegates influence decisions though their participation in the annual meeting of the corporation. These delegates, voting with other members of the corporation, have significant influence on governance decisions in the council because of their responsibility for electing the officers and board of directors and nominating committee, and amending the articles of incorporation and bylaws.

The process of electing those who will govern the council, set policy, and provide leadership to the council, and those who will make judgments about the best possible way to carry out these responsibilities, is one of the most crucial aspects of decision-making and influencing in a Girl Scout Council.

The Delegate Council is composed of delegates from Service Units, Senior Troops and Board Committee representatives; Chairs of Board Committees; members of the Board of Directors and the Council Nominating Committee.

The Delegate Council meets in April of each year to elect:

• Officers of the Council
• Members of the Board of Directors
• Members of the Council Nominating Committee
• Delegates and Alternates to the National Council Session of the Girl Scouts of the USA (in the year of the meeting)

The Council Nominating Committee

The Council Nominating Committee presents nominees for:

• Officers of the Council
• Members of the Board of Directors
• Members of the Council Nominating Committee
• Delegates and Alternates to the National Council Session of the Girl Scouts of the USA (in the year of the meeting)

Joe Calovini, Past Board President and Christine Smith, Current Board President

Key Council Board Roles

Board of Directors:

• Advance the mission
• Oversight body
• Partnership with CEO
• Board Composition
       − Strategic diversity
       − Connection to mission/strategy
       − High profile
       − Optimal size 15-25
• Board Committees:
       − Few standing committees
       − Use of ad hoc committees
       − Time-limited

Board Chair:

• Provides leadership to the board
• Works in partnership with the CEO
• Ensures that work of the board is being accomplished

Board Development Committee (formerly known as the Nominating Committee):

• Works in partnership with Board to recruit and orient new board
• Board Development Chair is a member of the Board
• Assesses board performance with Executive Committee
• Work with board leadership to assign board members to committees
• Assures Board education with Executive Committee
• CEO ex-officio member (without vote)
• Accountable to corporate membership

CEO:

• Partners with board
• Provides support to board’s work
• Ex officio member of the board (with or without vote)

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