Holy National Governance, Batman!

Happy New Year!  2019 is here – and that means this blog will be five years old in April.  We’ve come a long way, baby.  I noticed one of the posts from the first month is about my first meeting as a service unit delegate.  I knew absolutely nothing about governance at that time – and look at me now!  There are two categories dedicated to National Governance and Delegates!

Along these same lines, I received an email from Marty Woelfel from the Kentuckiana council here recently about a new website called Girl Scout Governance that’s dedicated to our Movement’s national governance system.  Here’s what she has to say about it:

I wanted to send you information about a new Girl Scout Governance website.  I’ve posted links on several Facebook pages, including Girl Scout Convention Chat, Greenblood Gab, and some others–so perhaps you’ve already seen them.  If you care to take a look, here is the website: www.girlscoutgovernance.com.

As you will see, we are interested in trying to slowly bend GSUSA back toward more responsiveness to the voice of members.  We are very encouraged by a lot that has happened under Sylvia Acevedo, so now seems to be the time to “make permanent” the idea that GSUSA must consult with National Delegates on a regular basis.  I was a national delegate twice and a national alternate twice in the period 1999-2011 (counting my full term that began in 2008), and during that entire time, I remember only once that GSUSA contacted national delegates and alternates about anything at all.  In my opinion, they are really missing out on “using resources wisely.”  You will see at the website that I have other ideas, too, and we are hearing now from others about things like girl representation, membership dues, and so forth.

Even if you don’t carry around a copy of the Blue Book in your back pocket or don’t even know what the Blue Book is in the first place, you should take a look at this website and spend some time browsing around.  It’s got everything you need to know about how our national governance system works plus helpful info for service unit delegates as well.  Some of its features include:

• a FAQ about a variety of subjects like the Blue Book, National Council Session, etc.
• a section dedicated to parliamentary procedure
• a log of everything that’s been updated in the Blue Book since 2006 (holy schnikes!)
• a reference section including National Council Session minutes, workbooks, and more
• a forum to discuss governance to your heart’s content

I’m in awe.

It looks like the emphasis right now will be on possible proposals for the 2020 National Council Session.  Read through this blog post if you’re not sure what proposals are all about.  The ones posted so far are about a national property strategy, reestablishing the National Council as the authority for setting membership dues amounts, engaging National Delegates throughout the triennium, and allowing for special sessions of the National Council Session to be held electronically.  It’s also been requested that you send in proposals that are being kicked around or already approved by your council’s board of directors.

GSWAC (Not a Council) gives its stamp of approval to Girl Scout Governance!  Thumbs up!