Delegates & Governance

The Governance Process of Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc. is defined by the council's Bylaws. Led by the Board President, the Board of Directors (the Board) exercises its ultimate authority and fulfills its responsibility for furthering and ensuring the Girl Scout Mission: for the care, custody, and oversight of Girl Scouting within its jurisdiction; and for providing strategic direction and leadership for the council.

Board Members

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Composed of members from across the council and spanning private and non-profit sectors, the Board guides the direction of the council. Board Officers and Directors at Large are volunteers and members of Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA).

Board Officers:

Kimberly Barnett, President
Patricia Allen, Vice President
Lori MacDonald, Treasurer
Lorraine O'Donnell, Secretary

Directors at Large:

Amanda Blackwood
Elissa Chessari
Gale Hauck
Trevis Hinds
Joseph Melito
Fanny Thompson
Jean Zappia

Girl Members at Large:

Anna Hayashi
Tanya Antony

Dr. Kari L. Rockwell - Chief Executive Officer, Ex-Officio

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Each year, Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson is proud to elect two girl members to the Board. Serving as a Girl Director on the Board offers girls a unique leadership opportunity to represent the girl membership across our council at the Board level. These girls play a critical role by providing the girl voice as they help to influence council policies.

Girl Directors participate in all Board functions and deliberations and are held to the same performance expectations as their adult Board colleagues (with the exception of financial giving).

If you have any questions about becoming a Girl Director, email delegates@girlscoutshh.org.

Girl Members at Large:

Anna Hayashi
Tanya Antony

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Board Development Committee

The Board Development Committee works to prepare a single slate of nominees for Board Officers, the Board, Board Development Committee, and National Delegates and their Alternates (every three years). The slate of nominees is considered for election at the Annual Meeting.

Members:

Patricia Allen, Board Member
Donna Egan, Community Member
Patricia Hauck, Community Member
Trevis Hinds, Board Member
Kathleen "Kit" Jones, Community Member
Christina Merriweather, Community Member
B. Kathleen Munguia, Community Member
Lorraine O'Donnell, Board Member
Jeri Wessberg, Community Member

What the Board Does

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Major Responsibilities

Establish organizational strategies.
Provide fiscal oversight and guidance, including adoption and oversight of the annual operating budget.
provide organizational leadership and advisement.
Participate on the Board and in Board Committees.
Formulate and oversee the Board's policies and procedures.
Promote the organization.
Participate in fundraising and outreach.

Length of Term

Directors at Large serve three (3) years. which may be renewed up to a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms. Girl directors serve for one year. The term commences at the close of the Annual Meeting.

Meetings and Time Commitment

New Board Director Orientation - Two-hour time commitment
Regular Board Meetings: The Board meets formally at least five (5) times per year virtually and in person.
Annual Meeting: Held in accordance with the time frame designated in the GSHH Bylaws.
Delegate Meetings: A minimum of two held in the fall and spring.
Board Committee Participation: Service as a member of (minimally) one (1) Board Committee, task group, or advisory group. Committees, task groups, and advisory groups meet an average of six (6) times per year, depending on work level, virtually and in person. Some, such as the Finance Committee, meet monthly throughout the year.
Council Girl Events: GSHH holds major girl events and ceremonies throughout the year. Board Directors are encouraged to support and attend these events and ceremonies as requested by the Board President.

Financial Expectations

Membership: Become a member of Girl Scouts of the USA
- Annually: $30 Adult - $45 Girl
- Lifetime: Currently $400 (encouraged) - $200 with 10+ years of volunteer service.
Board Giving: Financial supporter of GSHH of at least $2,500 as specified in the Board Giving Policy.
Council Fundraisers: GSHH sponsors fundraising events throughout the year. Board Directors are encouraged to support and assist with fundraising through sponsorships, underwriting, fundraising, and service with a minimum expectation that each Board Director will actively support one key event.

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Board Committees, Task Forces, and Advisory Groups

Board committees, task forces, and advisory groups (referred to as committees and groups from this point forward) contribute significantly to the success of the council. These committees and groups include Board Directors, council staff, and volunteers such as alumni and community members with particular expertise and a shared passion for the Girl Scout Mission. Some committees, such as the Board Executive Committee, include only Board Members.

These committees and groups are a practical way for the Board to structure and manage their work. Smaller groups are more focused and efficient in dealing with specific issues than a full Board. A committee or advisory group is created to provide counseling and advice for the Board or to handle a task on the Board's agenda. They are charged with specific and clearly defined scopes of work. Any recommendations made by a committee or advisory group must be approved by the Board.

In addition to the Executive Committee, our Board divides their work across the follow standing committees:

Audit
Board Development
Finance
Philanthropy
Governance
Investment
Property
Strategic Planning
4-Year Plan Task Force (Coming Soon)

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Executive Committee

Executive Committee Members

Name	Role	County of Residence
Chair, Kimberly Barnett	Board President	Dutchess
Pat Allen	Vice President	Westchester
Lori MacDonald	Treasurer	Westchester
Lorraine O'Donnell	Secretary	Ulster

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Board Development Committee

Members:

Name	Role	County of Residence
Chair, Pat Allen	Board Member	Westchester
Jeri Wessberg	Community Member	Ulster
Trevis Hinds	Board Member	Westchester
Lorarine O'Donnell	Board Member	Ulster
Donna Egan	Community Member	Ulster
Kathleen "Kit" Jones	Community Member	Westchester
Patricia Hauck	Community Member	Ulster
Christina Merriweather	Community Member	Rockland
B. Kathleen Munguia	Community Member	Westchester
Kari Rockwell	CEO	Staff

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Finance Committee

Name	Role	County of Residence
Chair, Lori MacDonald	Board Member	Westchester
Trevis Hinds	Board Member	Westchester
Jean Zappia	Board Member	Westchester
Sue Pulcare	Community Member	Dutchess
Carol Vergara	Community Member	Westchester
Kyra Chonoweth	Community Member	Orange
Dominika Glazewski	Community Member	Orange
Kari Rockwell	CEO	Westchester

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Philanthropy Committee

Name	Role	County of Residence
Chair, Jean Zappia	Board Member	Westchester
Amanda Blackwood	Board Member	Orange
Elissa Chessari	Board Member	Westchester
Victoria Halfpenny	Community Member	Orange
Sue Pulcare	Community Member	Dutchess
Maureen Delia Connolly	Community Member	Westchester
Gail Sullivan	Community Member	Putnam
Tanya Antony	Girl Board Member	Westchester
Kari Rockwell	CEO	Staff

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Property Committee

Properties Advisory Committee

Name	Role	County of Residence
Chair, Gale Hauck	Board Member	Knox
Joe Melito	Board Member	Ulster
Fanny Thompson	Board Member	Westchester
Liz Gagnon	Community Member	Putnam
Merrill McGarity	Community Member	Rockland
Kathy Maxcy	Community Member	Dutchess
Anna Hayashi	Girl Board Member	Westchester
Kari Rockwell	CEO	Staff
Roderick Robertson	VP of Property	Staff

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Audit Committee

Name	Role	County of Residence
Chair, Lori MacDonald	Board Member	Westchester
Kelly Sudol	Community Member	Westchester
Jamie Czirr-Mellema	Community Member	Sullivan
Kari Rockwell	CEO	Staff

Delegates

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National Delegates serve as voting members at the National Council Session (NCS), which is held every three years. As members of the National Council, National Delegates hold elections, amend the GSUSA Constitution, determine the general lines of policy for the Girl Scout Movement and program by considering and acting upon proposals directed toward fostering and improving Girl Scouts and receive and act upon reports of the National Board of Directors. National Delegates are the voice of our council membership to GSUSA and the National Board.

National Delegates for the 2026 58th NCS:

Girl members who are 14 years old as of December 31, 2024, and adult members of GSUSA who are eligible to apply to be a National Delegate to serve a three (3) year term (2025-2028). The 2026 NCS will be held in July 2026 in Washington, DC.

The GSHH National Delegates for the 58th National Council Session:

Kari L. Rockwell, CEO
Kimberly Barnett, Board President
Charlotte Stefano
Eliana Lieber
Lauren Johnson
Merrill McGarity
Molly McGarity
Maureen Delia Connolly
Noe Winter-Hamaoui
Fox North
Natasha Merritt
Gale Hauck

National Council Alternate Delegates:

Kate Pogge
Patricia Hauck
Patricia Allen
Isabella Bendick

The GSHH National Delegates for the 56th and 57th National Council Session:

Molly McGarity
Merrill McGarity
Noe Winter-Hamaoui
Jamie Winter
Kathleen Jones
Patricia Hauck
Helen Wronski, Interim CEO
Gale Hauck, Board President

National Council Alternate Delegates:

Patricia Allen
Andrea LaMantia
Maureen Delia Connolly
Julia Liucci
Joanne Casella

National Delegates for the 2020 NCS:

Patricia Allen: Larchmont, Westchester
Fay Casatuta: Wappingers Falls, Dutchess
Joanne Casella: Mahopac, Putnam
Maureen Delia Connolly: Cortlandt Manor, Westchester
Ritza Jolie Falcon-Santigo (G): New City, Rockland
Andrea LaMantia: New City, Rockland
Merrill McGarity: Pearl River, Rockland
Gina O'Shaughnessy (G): Peekskill, Westchester
Liz Poling-Hiraldo: Croton on Hudson, Westchester
Marie Reger (CEO): Tappan, Rockland
Robin Stoutenburg: Clintondale, Ulster
Nicole Zlotnikov (G): Scarsdale, Westchester

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Representing our council as a Delegate, Alternate Delegate, or a Juliette Delegate-at-Large (Delegates) for your Service Unit is an honor and a privilege. Your role is essential as a representative and voting member of our council membership. By serving as a Delegate, you are proudly stating your commitment to place the needs and desires of our council and your Service Unit above your own personal interests. Delegates serve as the primary communication link between our girl and adult members and our Board. As a Delegate, you have the opportunity to influence decisions that benefit all girls in our council. You will also gain knowledge about council governance and influence council policies.

As a Delegate, you will report directly to your Service Unit Manager and the Membership Team for Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson. You will receive support, guidance, and encouragement from the Membership Team, and have access to relevant learning opportunities and materials that prepare and support you in this role.

View Full Service Unit Delegate and Alternate Delegate Position Description

View Full Juliette Delegate Position Description

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Serve for a three (3) year term
Complete Delegate training
Perform duties outlined in the Delegate volunteer position description
Participate in the following meetings:
- Service Unit meetings
- Fall and Spring Delegate meetings
- Special meetings of the council
- Annual Meeting

In the absence of the Delegate, the Alternate Delegate will fulfill all responsibilities and duties.

Juliette Delegate-at-Large

Service for a one (1) year term
Be a girl member who is at least 16 years old
Complete Delegate training
Perform duties outlined in the Delegate volunteer position description
Participate in the following meetings:
- Service Unit meetings, if applicable
- Fall and SPring Delegate meetings
- Special meetings of the council
- Annual Meeting

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Qualifications and core competencies:

Must be a current registered and active member of Girl Scouts, 16 years of age or older, including Juliettes, and be willing to subscribe to and exemplify the principles expressed in the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Able to consider council action for the well-being of the organization including the seven-county council jurisdiction.
Knowledge of or a willingness to understand council Bylaws.
Previous Girl Scout volunteer experience preferred.
Express ideas and facts clearly and accurately.

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Each service unit shall be entitled to two (2) delegates and two (2) alternates.

Upon the nomination of the board development committee, the board of directors may appoint a maximum of seven (7) delegates-at-large if the board development committee determines that there is a segment of membership that is underrepresented by the service unit delegates and therefore would have no voice in the policy decisions of the corporation without such delegate-at-large representation.

Process:

Delegates-at-large and service unit delegates shall serve for a term of three (3) years or until their successors are appointed and assume office. Terms of office shall begin immediately upon appointment or at such other time as designated in writing by the appointing body.

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In 2020, the Board adopted a new recognition pin for Delegates. This pin represents the important and vital role Delegates play in the council and in the governance process. Click here for pin requirements.

Meetings

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Voting members of the council are:

Delegates are Alternate Delegates elected by their Service Unit
Board Directors
Board Development Committee members
National Delegates and Alternates of voting age

Collectively, this group is known as Council Delegates.

The Annual Meeting is the yearly business meeting of the council. The time, date, and place are determined by the Board in accordance with the council's Bylaws. The Annual Meeting provides a vital opportunity for Council Delegates to be part of the influencing body on matters of importance to our council.

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Delegate meetings are held twice a year, in the fall and spring (following the Annual Meeting). These meetings may have more than one purpose, however, the meetings, in general, should improve Delegate's understanding of the policy-influencing process, allow for networking among Delegates, create a forum in which changes to policy or the need for a policy can be identified and proposals to make those changes can be developed and evaluated, and provide feedback on the implementation of new policies.

Governance Information

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A group established by the Board of Directors has the charge to study a particular subject in a specific amount of time and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.

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A registered Girl Scout, 16 years of age or older, elected from within the Service Unit to represent their members at Delegate Meetings, Special meetings of the council, and the Annual Meeting. This person is prepared to serve as a Service Unit Delegate if the elected delegate cannot continue with their duties during their term. In addition, the Alternate Delegate may vote at the Annual Meeting if the Service Unit Delegate is unable to attend. The alternate Delegate shall perform all duties as specified in the Delegate volunteer position description.

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The yearly business meeting of the council is attended by all Council Delegates. The Annual Meeting provides a vital opportunity for Council Delegates to be part of the influencing body on matters of importance to our council.

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Review of services offered as well as income and expense financial statement distributed at the Annual Meeting.

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Contains the official basic documents of Girl Scouts of the USA: congressional charter; constitution; bylaws; policies' credentials of membership, registration, dues, and council charters. The Blue Book of Basic Documents is revised in accordance with action taken by the National Council and the National Board of Directors.

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Advise the Board of Directors on plans and policies as defined in their work scope and responsibilities. They serve as a resource to the Board of Directors, other committees, and council staff. Implement work plans as delegated.

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Elected by Council Delegates at the Annual Meeting. this committee prepares the slate of nominations for Board Officers, the Board of Directors, the Board Development Committee, and National Delegates and their Alternates (every three years). The slate of nominees is considered for election at the Annual Meeting. These volunteers are voting members of the council.

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The ultimate governing body of the council. Under the leadership of the Board President, the Board maintains the integrity and purpose of Girl Scouting within the council's jurisdiction. The Board's responsibilities include influencing policy regarding council goals, issues affecting girls, issues affecting the business of the organization, strategic planning, financial oversight, and fund development.

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A formal written expression of a firm stand adopted by the Board of Directors, with reference to a particular subject or issue.

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A formal written expression of important or complex will or intent approved by the Board of Directors.

Blue Book

The Blue Book of Basic Documents usually referred to as just the Blue Book, is the governance "bible" for Girl Scouts of the United States of America. It contains all the basic documents that indicate how Girl Scouting is governed. Contents include the Constitution, Bylaws, Policies, Credentials, Criteria, Standards, and the Congressional Charter.

Bylaws

A blueprint or the rules of how the corporation functions.

Charter

An agreement between a council and Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is paid staff hired by the Board of Directors to implement the strategic direction set by the Board.

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Established by the Board of Directors for a specific, ongoing purpose.

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Any situation where a decision made by an individual Board Director or staff member in an official capacity is likely to bring personal benefit.

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A description of the desired future that is possible and measurable and that provides direction for the total organization.

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A Girl Scout council is a corporation legally established as such in the state in which it carries on its operations. The council's corporate existence is legally established in the state when the council prepares and files with the state its original articles of incorporation. Simultaneously, the council (corporation) prepares bylaws, which are the rules and regulations established to govern the corporation.

Council

A corporation, chartered by Girl Scouts of the United States of America, organized for the purpose of developing, managing, and maintaining Girl Scouting within a defined geographic region.

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A group made up of Service Unit Delegate and Alternates, Board of Directors, Board Development Committee members, National Delegates and Alternates, and Juliette Delegates-at-Large. They are elected voting members of the council who are registered Girl Scouts 16 years of age or older who perform all duties as specified in their position volunteer agreement and/or council Bylaws.

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Governance volunteers with the responsibility of influencing the governance of the organization, without the responsibility for the final decision.

Delegate

See Council Delegates, Juliette Delegate-at-Large, Juliette Delegate-at-Large, National Delegate, Service Unit Delegate.

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A governance meeting is held twice yearly in the fall and spring, attended by Service Unit Delegates, National Delegates, and Board Directors.

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An individual who becomes a member of the Board of Directors or any other group operating under general parliamentary law by virtue of holding a key position is ex officio a member of that group for as long as they privileges, unless it states otherwise in the bylaws.

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The Executive Committee includes the Officers and may include up to two (2) Directors elected by the Board. The Chief Executive Officer shall serve ex-officio without the privilege of the vote. The Board President is the Chair.

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The Girl Scout fiscal year is from October 1 through September 30.

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A registered Girl Scout, 16 years of age or older, elected at the Council Annual Meeting, who serves on the Board of Directors for a one (1) year term. She represents the girl membership across the council at the Board level by providing the girl voice to help influence council strategy and policy.

GSUSA

Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Inc.

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The process by which the Board of Directors, led by the Board President, exercises its ultimate authority and fulfills its responsibility for furthering and ensuring the Girl Scout Mission; for the care, custody, and oversight of Girl Scouting within its jurisdiction; and for providing strategic direction and leadership for Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson.

GSHH

Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc.

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The geographic area established by the National Board of Directors for which a Girl Scout council is granted a charter.

Juliette Delegate-at-Large toggle arrow

A registered Juliette Girl Scout, 16 years of age or older, selected by the Board Development Committee to represent Juliette members at Delegate Meetings, special meetings of the council, and the Annual Meeting. This person acts as a link between Juliette membership and the Board of Directors in strategy and policy matters and is a voting member of the council.

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The process by which the Chief Executive Officer carries out the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors by providing leadership and direction to employees and volunteers.

Member

A registered member of Girl Scouts of the United States of America through Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson.

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October 1 through September 30.

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See Council Delegates

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A group of members, elected by the National Council, authorized to manage the affairs of the corporation between sessions of the National Council.

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Membership consists of delegates elected by the council, members of the National Board, and the National Nominating Committee past presidents of GSUSA, and other persons elected by the National Council.

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A triennial (every three years) meeting at which the National Council elects officers and other members of the National Board and National Nominating Committee and amends the constitution as needed. National Delegates also determine Girl Scout policy by considering and acting upon proposals and giving guidance to the National Board on the direction of Girl Scouting in the United States. The National Council Session's business meetings are held in conjunction with a gala opening, theme dinners, and other special events, and exhibits by GSUSA, companies, and nonprofit organizations that offer resources to support Girl Scouting. National Delegates are elected to represent GSHH and cast votes at the National Council Session.

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Elected at the council's Annual Meeting for a term of three (3) years to represent the council at the National Council Session. They are voting members of the council and the National Council Session.

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The day-to-day implementation of strategic decisions. Operational decisions usually have immediate (less than one year) results.

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A registered Girl Scout directly involved in the delivery and implementation of the Girl Scout program. Positions include but are not limited to Troop Leader, Troop Co-Leader/Assistant Leader, Service Unit Manager, Service Unit Treasurer, Service Unit Cookie Chair, Service Unit Annual Giving Chair, Service Unit Registrar, Service Unit Troop Consultant, Service Unit Product Sale Chair, Service Unit Delegate, Service Unit Alternate Delegate.

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Activities required to carry out the integrated operating objectives of the council and performed by operational volunteers and/or employees, who are ultimately accountable to the Chief Executive Officer.

Policy

An established, binding course of action to be followed and the guiding principle of council operations.

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The capacity to affect the determination of a definite course of action.

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Operational carrying out of the determined courses of action.

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Issues submitted by a Corporate Member for consideration by the Corporation at the Annual Meeting.

Quorum

A quorum is a minimum number of members of a deliberative assembly (a body that uses parliamentary procedure, such as a legislature) necessary to conduct the business of that group.

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The informal, short title of a book containing rules of order intended to be adopted for use by a deliberative assembly (such as a board or committee meeting).

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A geographic service delivery subdivision within the council.

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A registered Girl Scout, 16 years of age or older, elected from within the Service Unit to represent the members of their Service Unit at Delegate Meetings, Special Meetings of the council, and the Annual Meeting. This person acts as a link between the membership and the Board of Directors in strategy and policy matters and is a voting member of the council. Juliette Girl Scouts can also serve as Service Unit Delegates.

Slate

A list of nominees for elected governance positions.

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The fiduciary responsibility for safeguarding and managing money and/or principles, practices, and ideals for the benefit of others. For example, the Board of Directors is stewards (accountable for) safeguarding the delivery of the Girl Scout Program, as well as the council's property and other financial assets.

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The process of formulating and adopting corporate goals, policies, and guidelines that govern the acquisition and allocation of resources for achieving such goals.

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Usually have longer-term results (more than one year). The focus of the SU Delegates is at the strategy/policy level.

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General