What is the GSUSA National Council Session/Convention?
Held once every three years, the business of the National Council Session is to “hold elections, amend the Constitution, establish requirements for credentials, and shall determine the general lines of policy of the Girl Scout Movement and program by considering and acting upon proposals directed toward the fostering and improvement of Girl Scouting, by receiving and acting upon reports of its National Board of Directors, and by giving guidance to the National Board upon general lines of direction of the Movement and program”. Blue Book of Basic Documents, 2003.
“National Convention” is the term used to describe all the activities and events that take place in conjunction with the National Council Session, such as the Hall of Exhibits, the National Equipment Service Superstore sales area, and special events, including a girl congress.
Where is the 2008 GSUSA National Council Session/Convention being held?
Indiana Convention Center
100 South Capital Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46225
What are the dates of the 2008 GSUSA National Council Session/Convention?
October 30-November 2, 2008
Do I need to be a member of the Girl Scouts to volunteer at the GSUSA National Council Session/Convention?
All volunteers must be registered Girl Scouts. Because the Girl Scout year begins Oct. 1, you must be registered for the 2008-09 Girl Scout year or be a lifetime member. Spring registration is encouraged for continuing volunteers who want to volunteer at the national convention.
Do I need to be a member of a certain council to volunteer?
All Indiana councils are eligible to send volunteers, including volunteers who live in another state but are part of one of the Indiana councils. Volunteer eligibility is restricted to Indiana councils.
What is the age requirement to volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities are open to Girl Scout adults and girl members 14 years old and older.
Do I need to have a uniform?
Uniform requirements will be available at a later date. Official uniforms will be acceptable. Comfortable shoes, like tennis shoes, are recommended.
Can accommodations be made for a volunteer with a disability?
Reasonable accommodations will be made for any volunteer who would like to participate. Although several volunteer tasks require extensive mobility, most are not physically challenging or are easily adaptable.
How long are the volunteer tasks?
Volunteers are asked to work 2 to 4-hour shifts and can volunteer for more than one shift over the course of the National Council Session/Convention.
Are volunteers able to attend the National Council Session/Convention for free?
All volunteers receive a free day pass to the National Council Session/Convention for each four-hour shift they work.
If I am a National Council Session delegate, can I be a volunteer also?
National Council Session delegates have a very important role and a full schedule during the National Council Session/Convention. They are not included in the general volunteer pool due to the demands upon their time during the convention.
When will we receive hotel information?
Hotel information and reservation procedures will be distributed to local councils in May 2008. Hotel reservations will not be accepted by any contracted hotel before June 1, 2008. Hotel information will not be available until spring of 2008. Please do not contact the hotel directly.
Registration Fees for Visitors/Delegates:
Early Bird registrations are due on July 1, 2008 to Tulip Trace. Tulip Trace will need to have all registrations for visitors and delegates to GSUSA on July 15, 2008. Adults early bird $245/on-time $275. Girls early bird $175/on-time $195. The number of council delegates is based on membership. Tulip Trace will have three.
What will the full-time registration fees be, and how many delegates and visitors are allowed per council?
This information will be available by the fall of 2007.
Who can attend the National Council Session/Convention?
Delegates and official visitors are determined by the local council. Both delegates and visitors must be registered members of GSUSA and be 14 years of age and older at the time of the convention.
Who can visit the Hall of Exhibits, and how do we obtain Hall of Exhibit passes or day passes?
All registered delegates and visitors will have access to the Hall of Exhibits. Individuals with Hall of Exhibit passes can access only the Hall of Exhibits on the day and time indicated on their passes. Day passes will admit individuals to the general session and Hall of Exhibits on the day indicated on the passes. Fees for these types of passes are as follows: information will posted as it is available.
Will there be special events for girls and adults?
There will be special events; however, the locations have not yet been decided upon. This information will be available in spring of 2008.
How do I apply?
or call (317) 924-6800 or email convention@girlscoutsindiana.org for more information or for an application by mail.
Where do I send my application?
Mail to: Convention Volunteer Coordinator, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, 1800 North Meridian Street, 3rd Floor, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Fax to: 317-931-3340, Attn: Convention Volunteer Coordinator
E-mail to: convention@girlscoutsindiana.org
Tulip Trace will provide a reference for each Tulip Trace volunteer in order to be accepted by Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are due by March 2008.
Do I get to choose my volunteer tasks on the application?
You will be asked to rank your preferences for days, times, and assignment options. Preferences will be noted in making assignments. Some positions may be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Do I need training for my volunteer position?
All volunteer positions require some orientation and training. Some volunteer positions will require training prior to convention and other positions will offer on-site training.
When will I learn my assignment(s)?
Appointment letters will be mailed spring of 2008.
