Blue Book FAQ

What is the Blue Book?

The Blue Book of Basic Documents, usually referred to as just the Blue Book, is Girl Scouts of the USA’s governance “bible.”  It contains all of the basic documents which specify how Girl Scouting is governed.  Contents include the GSUSA Constitution, Bylaws, Policies, Credentials, Criteria and Standards for an Effective Girl Scout Council, and the Congressional Charter for GSUSA.  As such, it is the “go to” reference for many governance topics applicable to both the national organization and councils.   The Blue Book gets revised as needed based on changes made by GSUSA’s governing bodies, the National Council and the National Board of Directors. The Congressional Charter can be changed only by the Congress of the United States of America.

 

Where can I find a copy of the Blue Book?

The latest edition of the Blue Book can be found on GSUSA’s website or in the menu of GSG under Reference.

What’s the purpose of the Congressional Charter?

A congressional charter is a law passed by Congress that states the mission, authority and activities of a group. Being chartered by Congress is like being incorporated at the federal level, and provides no assurance that the federal government will watch over the group.

Source: https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/article24452695.html

What’s the difference between the GSUSA Constitution and the Bylaws?

Think of the Constitution as the primary document while the Bylaws are secondary.  The Constitution establishes the overall framework of the organization and also establishes authority, while the Bylaws deal more with specifics.  For example, who is a member of what committees and what those committees can and can’t do would be found in the Bylaws, not the Constitution.  Authority that is stated in the Constitution trumps authority in the Bylaws.

What topics are covered in the GSUSA Constitution?

PREAMBLE

  • Promise
  • Law
  • Beliefs & Principles of the Girl Scout Movement in the USA
  • Founders’ Names
  • Mission
  • Spiritual Force
  • Open Membership
  • Patriotism, Citizenship, & Community Service
  • Diversity & Pluralism
  • Responsibility for Movement/Democratic Process
  • Girl/Adult Partnership
  • World Association
  • Community Partners
  • Voice for Girls

ARTICLE I/NAME OF THE CORPORATION

ARTICLE II/PURPOSE OF THE CORPORATION

  • Purpose/Jurisdiction

ARTICLE III/THE GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM

ARTICLE IV/THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

  1. Corporation Membership
  2. Powers
  3. Eligibility for Membership
  4. Membership
  5. Formula for Delegates
  6. Executive Staff Members
  7. Term for Delegates

ARTICLE V/SESSIONS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

  1. Regular Sessions
  2. Responsibilities
  3. Special Sessions
  4. Quorum
  5. Voting

ARTICLE VI/PROPOSALS TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

  1. Origin Of
  2. By National Board of Directors
  3. By Local Councils

ARTICLE VII/LOCAL GIRL SCOUT COUNCILS

ARTICLE VIII/CREDENTIALS

  1. Requirements
  2. Administration
  3. Issuance Revocation
  4. Duration

ARTICLE IX/MEMBERSHIP DUES

ARTICLE X/NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  1. Management of Corporation/Executive Committee
  2. Composition
  3. Election of Members Terms
  4. Number of Terms
  5. Non-Participating Members
  6. Vacancies
  7. Emergency Powers
  8. Term of Members in Emergency

ARTICLE XI/OFFICERS

  1. Of the Corporation
  2. Election Term
  3. Maximum Number of Terms
  4. Chief Executive Officer & Other Officers
  5. Vacancies
  6. Past Presidents
  7. Honorary Officers

ARTICLE XII/NATIONAL BOARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, NOMINATIONS, AND ELECTIONS

  1. Membership Relationship to National Board
  2. Composition
  3. Election
  4. Terms of Office
  5. Term Limits
  6. Appointment & Approval of Chair
  7. Vice Chair Election
  8. Vacancies
  9. Single Slate of Nominees
  10. Nominations From Floor
  11. Votes Required for Election
  12. Ballots
  13. Removal from Committee

ARTICLE XIII/PARTIAL TERMS

ARTICLE XIV/FINANCE

  1. Contributions
  2. Debts
  3. Limitations of Liability

ARTICLE XV/INSIGNIA

  • Trefoil, Badges, Insignia & Uniforms

ARTICLE XVI/BYLAWS

  • Adoption

ARTICLE XVII/AMENDMENTS

  • Vote by National Council
  • Recommendation by National Board
  • Amendment to an Amendment

Source:  Blue Book of Basic Documents

What topics are covered in the Bylaws?

ARTICLE I/MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  1. Regular Meetings
  2. Special Meetings
  3. Quorum

ARTICLE II/OFFICERS

  1. Duties of Officers
  2. President
  3. First Vice President
  4. Second Vice President
  5. Secretary
  6. Treasurer
  7. Chief Executive Officer

ARTICLE III/INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONER

ARTICLE IV/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

  1. Composition
  2. Duties
  3. Meetings
  4. Quorum

ARTICLE V/COMMITTEES

ARTICLE VI/FINANCE

  1. Fiscal Year
  2. Examination of Accounts
  3. Bonding
  4. Approved Signatures
  5. Access to Securities

ARTICLE VII/INDEMNIFICATION

ARTICLE VIII/BLUE BOOK OF BASIC DOCUMENTS

  • Distribution
  • Contents

ARTICLE IX/GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS

ARTICLE X PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

ARTICLE XI/AMENDMENTS

Source:  Blue Book of Basic Documents

How can the GSUSA Constitution be amended?

The Constitution can be amended by a 2/3rds majority vote of those national delegates present during a National Council Session.  The National Board has the discretion to decide whether the Constitutional amendment proposal is appropriate or not.

If during the Session, someone makes a motion to amend the proposed amendment, the modification will become the proposal with a majority vote in favor of the modification.  The delegates would then vote on the modified amendment, and it would need a 2/3rds majority in favor in order to pass.  However, the suggested amendment to the amendment has to stay within scope.

Source:  Constitution ARTICLE XVII/AMENDMENTS

Related FAQ:

Who can submit proposals?

Local councils and the National Board of Directors can submit proposals for NCS consideration.  Proposals by local councils require the approval of the council’s board of directors.

Source:  Constitution/ARTICLE VI PROPOSALS TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL/ORIGIN OF 1.

What does it mean to “stay within scope?”

In the case of a motion made to amend an amendment, to stay within scope means that the suggested change to the amendment cannot propose a change greater than what is currently being considered.  In other words, scope refers to a range of options that falls between the current situation (what is) and what is proposed (what will be if the proposal is adopted).  As an easy example, GSUSA is currently divided into 6 geographical regions.  A proposal is made to disband regions entirely.  Therefore the “range” between “what is” and “what is being proposed” is 6 regions (“what is”) and 0 regions (“what is proposed”).  An amendment to have 10 regions would be “out of scope” (and ruled out of order) because it does not fall within the current and proposed range.  An amendment to have 5 regions instead of 6 would be “within scope.”  Scope is easy when numbers are involved, but determining scope on other issues can be tricky – then it’s time to consult a parliamentarian!  Scope allows a delegation to study the implications of the range between “what is” and “what would be” if the proposal is adopted.  The idea of amendments having to be in scope is to protect the organization from making drastic changes that no one has had the opportunity to study at all.

Source:  Robert’s Rules, 11th edition pg. 307

Who can amend the GSUSA Constitution?

The Constitution can only be amended by the National Council.

Source:  Constitution ARTICLE XVII/AMENDMENTS

Who can amend the Congressional Charter?

Only Congress may amend the Congressional Charter.

Source:  Girl Scout National Governance System Overview (PDF)

Who can amend the GSUSA Bylaws?

Either the National Council or the National Board.

Source: Constitution/ARTICLE XVI/BYLAWS

What topics are covered in the Credentials section of the Blue Book?

CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP

  • Membership Requirements
  • Applicable Membership Standards

MEMBERSHIP DUES AND PROCEDURES FOR REGISTRATION

GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL CHARTER

REQUIREMENTS FOR A GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL CHARTER

CONDITIONS FOR A GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL CHARTER

PROCEDURES FOR REVIEWING AND ISSUING GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL CHARTERS

PROCEDURES FOR A CHARTER VIABILITY REVIEW

PROCEDURES FOR NON-ISSUANCE OR REVOCATION OF CHARTERS

STANDARDS FOR A GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL JURISDICTION

PROCEDURES FOR CHANGING A GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL JURISDICTION

PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING A GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL NAME

 

What topics are covered in the Policies section of the Blue Book?

ENDORSEMENTS/TRADEMARK/ MARKETING/INTERNET SALES

  1. Permission for Commercial Endorsements
  2. Authorization of Books, Plays, Motion Pictures, Radio and TV Programs About Girl Scouting
  3. Individual Testimonies
  4. Political and Legislative Activity
  5. Girl Scout Trademark
  6. Cause-Related Marketing
  7. Internet Sales

FUNDRAISING

  1. Fundraising Methods
  2. Fundraising By Girl Scouts of the United States of America and Girl Scout Councils
    1. Solicitation of Corporations and Foundations
  3. Ownership of Assets
  4. Family Solicitation
  5. Solicitation of Contributions
  6. Juliette Low World Friendship Fund

GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL/USAGSO

  1. Girl Scout Council Authority and Responsibility
  2. Troops and Communities Within a Girl Scout Council Jurisdiction
  3. Administration of Girl Scout Camping
  4. USA Girl Scouts Overseas Committee Responsibility

MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION/ SECURITY OF MEMBERSHIP DATA

  1. Membership Registration
  2. Security of Girl Scout Membership Data and Restricted Use of Membership and Mailing Lists
    1. Security of Membership Data

PLURALISM AND DIVERSITY/ HUMAN RESOURCES

  1. Pluralism and Diversity in Girl Membership
  2. Selection of Adults
  3. Affirmative Action for Volunteers
  4. EEO/Affirmative Action for Employed Staff
  5. Grievance/Separation of Employed Staff
  6. Health and Safety
  7. Selection of National Meeting Places

SPIRITUALITY/RELIGION

  1. Flexibility in Wording for Spiritual Beliefs in the Girl Scout Promise
  2. Place of Religion in the Girl Scout Program
  3. Respect for Religious Opinions and Practices
  4. Troops Sponsored by Religious Groups

Source:  Blue Book of Basic Documents

What are the defined geographical areas of GSUSA?

There are six geographical areas of GSUSA, and they are an important part of the governance structure in order to ensure that voices from all areas of the country are represented.  They are:

Geographical Area 1: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands

Geographical Area 2: Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia

Geographical Area 3: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee

Geographical Area 4: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

Geographical Area 5: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming

Geographical Area 6: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, American Samoa, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands

Source:  GSUSA Bylaws – ARTICLE IX/GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS

If you’re interested in what’s changed through the years, visit the Blue Book change log.

Related articles:

What is the Blue Book of Basic Documents?

Posted: December 28, 2019

You may have heard references to the Blue Book of Basic Documents – so what is it? It’s the collection of governance and policy documents for our national organization. This article about the Blue Book is designed to give you an overview of how our organization’s structure is set up within its governing documents.

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