GSUSA Special National Council Session

GSUSA informed Movement members of the National Board’s decision to hold a virtual special session of the National Council on October 19, 2024. During this session, the National Council will discuss, debate, and vote on a proposal(s) from the National Board to increase membership dues

An increase of more than 25% within a triennium requires a Special Session and a vote by National Delegates.

For the first time in Girl Scout history, there will be a Special 57^th National Council taking place virtually on October 19, 2024. A livestream for all members will be available and we will share information on how to join that livestream as soon as it’s available.

Below is a link to a survey to provide your feedback to GSSJC’s National Council Session delegates to consider as they convene prior to the special National Council Session.

Thank you for everything you do for Girl Scouting. We will keep you informed as any new developments arise.

Why is GSUSA proposing a dues increase? toggle arrow

GSUSA is proposing a dues increase to address the rising costs of operating girl programming across the Movement. With a dues increase, GSUSA will have the opportunity to expand girl programming and enhance their experience.

They are also proposing an increase to combat rising costs, particularly around technology, they have absorbed over the past eight years, relieving council’s of an added cost. After months of gathering input from local councils and delegates, the National Board determined that increasing dues is necessary to sustain and support for current and future members while continuing to invest in the Movement.

When was the last membership dues increase? toggle arrow

It has been 8 years since the last increase in membership dues.

Is the Movement in danger? toggle arrow

In the proposal, GSUSA states that staying at our current $25 membership dues will require dramatic cuts in services, passing technology costs on to councils, decreasing marketing investments, and delaying enhancements of the systems used daily to serve girls and councils. The dues opportunity that our National Council will consider is important because it will help us continue to deliver the quality programing Girl Scouts need, and families expect, at a national level.

Our movement is nearly 2 million Girl Scouts strong, including over 58,000 from our Council. And we are all united in our commitment to attracting and retaining youth and adults, ensuring the public understands the value of Girl Scouting. Together, we’re engaging and serving more girls, families, and volunteers who help make the world a better place.

How will increased dues help support Girl Scouting? toggle arrow

Increased dues will:

make programs easier to deliver for volunteers,
make technology easier to use, with more integration between platforms, including integrating technology tools that some volunteers already use at your council,
ensure that processes are easier, faster, and better streamlined, including more ‘turnkey’ training, recruitment tools, and programs,
clarify and amplify for families and communities the value and impact of the Girl Scout experience and why girls should join and donors should invest,
eliminate barriers so that every girl who wants to join Girl Scouts can do so and engage in all that Girl Scouting offers, and
create new experiences, including opportunities to explore new places and better connect with our global sisterhood.

What are the proposed membership increase amounts? toggle arrow

The national board of Girl Scouts USA (GSUSA) has recommended a national dues increase to take effect for Membership Year 2026. There are two proposals - one for girl membership and one for adult membership. There are varied options of price points and the approach could include a staggered increase and an opportunity for the first time ever to share some of these dues with the council.

For girl membership, the GSUSA National Board of Directors recommends a proposal for $85 to be incrementally increased over membership years 2026, 2027 and 2028.

The second proposal is for adult membership. The National Board of Directors recommends a $45 membership fee to implement for 2026.

It is important to note that this proposal is NOT set to a "yes or no" vote, but delegates will have the option to propose amendments and vote for other amounts, including ones with less of an increase.

How will delegates vote? toggle arrow

Delegates, including ours representing Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, will cast their votes at the Special 57th National Council Session after extensive preparation, including proposal reviews and understanding parliamentary procedures. During the session, they will participate in informed and respectful debates, ensuring that decisions reflect the values of the Girl Scout Law and Promise while shaping the future of our movement.

What financial resources are available to members and future members? toggle arrow

Our priority is to make sure every member—and future members— can participate fully in Girl Scouts. We currently offer a variety of financial resources and assistance programs to include financial assistance towards membership dues, troop dues, camperships, programming grants and more.

Further information about our financial assistance programs can be found on our Financial Assistance page.

Delegate Feedback

Would you like to provide feedback for our delegates to consider ahead of this Special Council Session? Share your thoughts here.

SUBMIT FEEDBACK