Apply to represent our council as a National Delegate

National Delegates serve as representatives of their council on a national level. Becoming a National Delegate means that you have the opportunity to review proposals to amend GSUSA’s constitution and vote on behalf of GSEIWI. Delegates also have the opportunity to submit for review proposals to amend GSUSA’s constitution. For detailed information on this, see the Delegate Position Description. National Delegate applications are closed for the 2026 National Council Session.

National Council Session
July 20-22, 2026

National Convention
July 23-25, 2026

What do National Delegates do? toggle arrow

Attend trainings hosted by GSEIWI and GSUSA.
Attend periodic virtual meetings with GSEIWI Delegate Liaisons throughout the duration of your Delegate term (April 5, 2025 – GSEIWI’s Annual Meeting in 2028)
Attend 2-4 in person Delegate Meetings within GSEIWI council jurisdiction.
Attend GSEIWI’s Annual Meetings throughout the duration of your Delegate term.
Attend the 2026 National Council Session in Washington D.C. from July 20-25, 2026. (Transportation and registration costs are covered or reimbursed).

What are the qualities of a great National Delegate? toggle arrow

The ability to think strategically and focus on the future of the broader Girl Scout movement.
Willing to listen and take into consideration the thoughts and opinions of other Girl Scout members, even if they differ from their own opinions.
The ability to focus on issues from a council level as well as a national level. The decisions the delegation makes will impact the entire Girl Scout movement.
Willing to participate in volunteer meetings virtually and in-person to educate GSEIWI membership on issues that will be discussed at the 2026 National Council Session and gather feedback from members.

Why should I apply to be a National Delegate? toggle arrow

Delegates get to see Girl Scouts from a broader perspective than most volunteers and vote on issues that will have lasting impact on the entire Girl Scout movement.
Delegates get to attend the 2026 National Council session at no cost to them. Registration and most travel costs are covered by GSEIWI.
Most of all, the experience of serving as a National Delegate allows you to connect with Girl Scouts throughout the country, participate in nationwide decision-making, and gain friendships that will last a lifetime.

Can youth Girl Scouts be National Delegates? toggle arrow

In general, members in grades 8-10 are eligible to apply to be delegates. Girl Scouts must be at least 14 years of age by April 5, 2025.

Girl Scouts must be in high school at the time of national convention in July 2026. This ensures that girl delegates serve for a full year after the national convention.

National Delegates

Diane Nelson toggle arrow

Diane Nelson

Diane is the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. She is passionate about the Girl Scout Movement and works to ensure all girls have the opportunity to gain courage, confidence, and character through Girl Scouts programming. She will represent the voice of the council at the National kevel and ensure a positive future for Girl Scouts.

Tracy Schwind toggle arrow

Tracy Schwind

Tracy is a Lifetime Member of Girl Scouts, member of the GSEIWI Board of Directors, and board officer. She wants to represent Girl Scouts as a National Delegate to have the opportunity to use her experience and knowledge to impact GSEIWI, the national movement, and enhance the membership experience for future Girl Scouts.

Anne Ryerson toggle arrow

Anne Ryerson

Anne is a Gold Award recipient, lifetime member of Girl Scouts, and has been a member of the GSEIWI Board of Directors since 2013. She wants to meet Girl Scouts from across the country, advocate for GSEIWI girls and volunteers at the national level and be a part of the decision-making process of GSUSA.

Laura Zimmerman toggle arrow

Laura Zimmerman

Laura is a lifetime Girl Scout member and troop leader from Bettendorf, Iowa. Laura is honored to be a voice for our council at the national level. She is ready to share the amazing things Girl Scouts are doing, be inspired, and bring other fresh ideas and perspectives to the council area.

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Ruthane Weighton

Ruthane is from Central City, Iowa and has been a Girl Scout leader for 25 years. She is a Service Unit Director and American Red Cross Instructor. Ruthane want to represent GSEIWI because of her love for the Girl Scouts, leaders, council staff that make up the council. She can't think of a better way to serve the Girl Scout community than to go make sure the voices of GSEIWI members are heard.

Taunya McGee toggle arrow

Taunya McGee

Taunya McGee of Geneseo, Illinois has a combined total of 27 years of Girl Scouts experience. She was a Girl Scout for 12 years and has spent the last 15 years serving as a troop leader. Tanya wants to represent GSEIWI at the National Convention to take an active role in making positive changes in Girl Scouting. She has seen and experienced the impact of Girl Scouts programming first hand and is excited to support the council on a national level, assuring that the voice of the region is heard, considered and valued.

Isabelle Canney toggle arrow

Isabelle Canney

Isabelle is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has 20 years of Girl Scout experience. She is a lifetime member and plays an active leadership role in outdoor programming and day camps. She wants to represent GSEIWI because she believes she can help bring Girl Scout programs to low-income areas in the community, so every girl has an opportunity to be a Girl Scout!

Anna Bennett toggle arrow

Anna Bennett

Anna is a Girl Scout from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has been a member for 5 years. She wants to represent GSEIWI because she is passionate about issues that society faces today, and she believes that Girl Scouts are able to make a difference.

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Salina Gavin

Salina has been a member of Girl Scouts as a leader in Cedar Falls, Iowa for 7 years. She wants to represent Girl Scouts at the national level to help ensure all girls have a positive Girl Scout experience.

Stephanie Cobert toggle arrow

Stephanie Cobert

Stephanie is a Girl Scout member and leader from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has been a Girl Scout for 17 years. Stephanie wants to represent GSEIWI as a national delegate to gain perspective of the Girl Scouts program from all levels and help make decisions to benefit future Girl Scouts for years to come.

Sophie Cobert toggle arrow

Sophie Cobert

Sophie is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has been a Girl Scout for 12 years. She wants to represent GSEIWI to be able to help give a student perspective and bring ideas to the table that will have a positive impact on future Girl Scouts..

Divya Ramadugu toggle arrow

Divya Ramadugu

Divya is a Girl Scout from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and serves as a member of the Girl Board. She wants to represent GSEIWI at the National level because Girl Scouts has had a huge impact on her life, and she wants to give back to the community that has helped her grow. Divya believes in the power of leadership and service that Girl Scouts fosters, and as a delegate, she would help ensure that more girls have empowering experiences.