Governance

Meet Our Board of Directors

Service Unit Delegations

GSHNJ Service Unit Delegates are the conduit between the members of our service units and our Board of Directors. Delegates have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about the community they represent, actively engage with their constituents, and liaise with GSHNJ staff and Board of Directors to influence the strategic direction of our council.

Service Unit Delegates report to Service Unit Managers, and are voting members of the council. They serve a term of two years, and may serve for no more than three consecutive terms. Service units hold elections or select their Delegates in the fall, so they may begin their terms in January. Each service unit is entitled to two Delegates, at least one of whom must be 18 years or older.

Elected/selected Delegates must meet basic eligibility requirements and submit a Service Unit Delegate Agreement no later than December 16, 2019.

What to Expect as a SU Delegate | SU Delegate Agreement

National Council Delegates

National Council Delegates represent GSHNJ at GSUSA’s triennial National Council Session adjacent to the national convention, G.I.R.L. 2020. They also serve as delegates-at-large at GSHNJ’s Annual Meeting and are voting members of the council. National Council Delegates speak on behalf of GSHNJ’s entire membership, and therefore have a responsibility to engage with members across our footprint to understand the full diversity of our council.

National Council Delegates serve a term of three years, are selected by GSHNJ’s Board Development Committee, and are elected at the Annual Meeting prior to the National Council Session. The number of delegates allotted to each council is a function of the number of members registered in the council; GSUSA updates the selection process and formula triennially.

Elected Delegates must meet basic eligibility requirements and agree to serve throughout the triennium. They carry all of the responsibilities of Service Unit Delegates in addition to the duties required at the national level, and therefore may not simultaneously hold both positions.

Eligibility Requirements:

• 14 years or older by April 22, 2020
• Citizen of the United States of America
• Registered member of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey
• Able to commit to a three-year term, including attendance at G.I.R.L. 2020, Leadership Forums, GSHNJ’s Annual Meetings, and other council gatherings as necessary

Apply today to join GSHNJ’s National Council Delegation. GSHNJ covers all expenses associated with Delegates’ attendance at G.I.R.L. 2020. The application closes at midnight on November 17, 2019.

NCS First Timer | Delegation Selection Process | Application

Leadership Forums

Leadership Forums are hosted prior to Annual Meeting to facilitate an open dialogue with council leadership and service unit volunteers. They are the membership’s opportunity to talk with council leadership to share concerns from their community, understand council-wide strategic decisions, engage with other service units, and simply get to know the members of our Board of Directors and council executives.

Service Unit Delegates are expected to attend at least one Forum per year, but may attend as many as they like. Advance registration of attendance at a Leadership Forum is required so delegates have adequate time to review the agenda and prepare for discussions by reflecting with their communities.

Communities that would like to raise a point of discussion at a Leadership Forum should submit a Discussion Topic Form by the deadlines below. Delegates should review these guidelines prior to drafting their submission.

What to Expect at Leadership Forums | Discussion Topic Form | Discussion Topic Guidelines

Annual Meeting

GSHNJ’s Bylaws require an annual meeting of the Corporation Membership, which is comprised of our Board of Directors, Board Development Committee, Service Unit Delegates, and National Council Delegates. Any member of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey who is 14 years or older may attend as guests.

The next Annual Meeting will take place on April 22, 2020 at The Marigold: 315 Churchill Ave, Somerset, NJ. Online registration will open no later than March 1, 2020.

At the Annual Meeting we elect new members to the Board of Directors and Board Development Committee, elect Council Delegates to represent our council at the GSUSA National Convention, consider and vote upon any proposed amendments to the Bylaws, and consider any other business appropriate to come before the Corporation including input and key issues affecting GSHNJ and our membership. New in 2020, the business portion of Annual Meeting will follow our Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, where we celebrate and honor the invaluable work of our volunteers with Adult Achievement Awards.

As members of the Corporation, Service Unit Delegates and National Council Delegates are expected to attend and actively participate in Annual Meeting as representatives of the interests of their communities. They must register their attendance in advance to ensure that quorum is met. Quorum is required to advance the agenda and perform the business of the meeting. Online registration will open no later than March 1, 2020, and Delegates will be notified by email.