The Very, Very, Very, Very Early Alert for the 2023 National Council Session

Look at what just came out!  Happy birthday to me!

THE VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY EARLY ALERT FOR THE 2023 NATIONAL COUNCIL SESSION

The democratic process is an integral part of our organization’s success, and in order to conduct the important business of our Movement, the National Council comes together every three years.  Here’s a sneak preview of what you’ll be seeing at the 56th National Council Session in July of 2023! 

Proposal A:  Elect Daisy Duck as a Member of the National Council

Originated by: 

The Entire State of Florida Girl Scout Council, on recommendation by the Subcommittee for Disney Affairs

Proposal:

THAT Daisy Duck be elected as a member of the National Council.

Recommendation of the National Board:

In cooperation with the city of Orlando, Walt Disney World, and the Entire State of Florida Girl Scout Council, the National Board recommends that Daisy Duck be elected as a member of the National Council as authorized in the GSUSA Constitution/Article IV/The National Council/Membership: “The membership of the National Council shall consist of … such other persons as may be elected by the National Council.”  In the event Daisy Duck cannot attend, Minnie Mouse will serve as an alternate.

Proposal B: Establishment of a Task Force to Study “What Do Girls Want?”

Originated by:

Girl Scouts of the Northeastern Southwest Council

Proposal:

THAT the National Council establishes a task force overseen by GSUSA to study girls of all levels to find out what they like and don’t like, and

THAT the task force presents its findings at the 2026 National Council Session.

Rationale Submitted by the Originating Council:

Girl Scouts offers the best leadership development experience for girls all over the world. Since 1912, girls have been an integral part of Girl Scouts, and it’s important to find out what they want to do.

Recommendation of the National Board:

The National Board recommends approval of this proposal.

Reason for the National Board’s Recommendation:

The National Board believes it would look really bad if we didn’t recommend this proposal. Plus, we won’t have to worry about actually following up because everybody will have forgotten about it by 2026.

Discussion Topic:  “What Does Girl Ambition Look Like?”

After lengthy consideration and consultation with three council CEOs that we like, two council Board Chairs who had their names drawn out of a hat, one National Volunteer who happened to be out in the hallway, two National Delegates who commented in a Facebook group, and one girl that we randomly called, the National Board has decided on “What Does Girl Ambition Look Like?” as the discussion topic.  However, for the session to run smoothly, we ask for girls to submit what they’re going to say at the microphone ahead of time.  In fact, if they could just record themselves speaking and forward it to our office about a month before the National Council Session, that would be even better.  We will choose the best ones and compile a video that will be shown during the lunch break in the place of live discussion in order to streamline business and finish in time to catch the fireworks display at the theme parks.

Proposal C:  Blue Book Amendment to Transfer All of the National Council’s Power to the National Board

Originated by:

The National Board

Proposal:

THAT the words “and the National Board” be added after every instance of “the National Council” in the Blue Book.

Rationale for the National Board’s Recommendation:

As stated in the GSUSA Constitution/Article X/Section 1:  “The affairs of the corporation between sessions of the National Council shall be managed by a National Board of Directors.”  Unfortunately, there is some language in the Constitution that limits the National Board’s authority, and our general counsel cannot find a way around these limitations.  Currently, those powers are in the National Council’s hands. It is critical that the National Board have the same authority as the National Council in order to nimbly react and adapt to changing market forces and conditions.  The title of this proposal states that power will be transferred from the National Council, but it should be pointed out that the National Council would still be able to bring its own proposals to a National Council Session.  However, the National Board will pivot quickly to overturn anything the National Council passes as soon as the National Council Session ends.

Proposal D:  Blue Book Amendment to Dissolve the National Council

Originated by:

The National Board

Proposal:

THAT all instances of “the National Council” be struck throughout the entire Blue Book.

Rationale for the National Board’s Recommendation:

Since Proposal C will pass with flying colors, the National Board recommends that the National Council dissolve itself since it will no longer serve a purpose.  If this proposal doesn’t pass, then in accordance with its newly authorized powers from the passage of Proposal C, the National Board will approve it after the National Council Session ends, so National Delegates might as well vote in favor of it anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do National Delegates have to be present to vote?

To be respectful of National Delegates’ time in Orlando, GSUSA is considering installing drop boxes inside of the convention center for National Delegates to submit printed ballots so that they do not have to enter the delegation area.  For those National Delegates who want to catch the early bus to the Magic Kingdom and won’t have time to come inside the convention center, we are working with hoteliers to allow ballots to be dropped off at their front desks.

Doesn’t the GSUSA Constitution state that voting must be in person?

Our general counsel has determined that “in person” doesn’t actually mean “in person,” and that it’s perfectly fine for National Delegates to drop off ballots on their way to the theme parks.  If a National Delegate loses a ballot, a hotel napkin can be used as a substitute.

Doesn’t the Congressional Charter establish the National Council which means an act of Congress would be needed in order to make amendments to it?

Our general counsel has concluded that nobody reads the Blue Book; therefore, the Congressional Charter doesn’t exist.

Can Proposals C and D be heard before the other proposals?

Yes, the order of the agenda can be rearranged so that Proposals C and D are heard before the other proposals and the discussion topic (hint hint, wink wink). This can be done when the National Council votes to approve the agenda at the beginning of the session.  Once Proposals C and D are approved, the other two proposals and the discussion topic are no longer relevant, and we can then adjourn for all of eternity.  At that point, National Delegates will cease to be National Delegates and can leave to go to the theme park of their choosing.

See you in Orlando!