Getting Ready for the Conversation
Discussion Guide for Open Space Participants

About Governance
Girl Scouts was founded in 1912, and while 2012 might seem far away, the reality is that our 100th anniversary is just around the corner. Like all organizations facing this significant milestone, we are taking time to scrutinize how we do our work – how we serve girls, how we recruit and utilize the dedicated service of volunteers, how we attract donors, and how we govern ourselves.

Girl Scouts of the USA is committed to providing multiple opportunities for members at all levels in the organization to have input into this process and we will use the occasion of this year's National Convention in Atlanta to gather input from Delegates (or their substitutes) on the subject of governance.  

In Girl Scouts, the term “governance” refers to the many interdependent systems that help set direction, make policy, and provide oversight for the organization. This includes, but is not limited to, Boards of Directors, Board Committees, local input structures, Annual Meetings, and National Council Meetings. Governance structures give members a “voice” and provide them access to decision makers. Structures are generally defined by the bylaws and are tied together by the democratic process.

The Preparation
In preparation for the "Open Space" experience, we asked all participants to engage with others in honest conversation about the question. You might want to begin by thinking about the governance system in your council and how it works. Take time to talk with others who are familiar with Girl Scouts – and those who know how other nonprofits govern themselves. Gather all the ideas you can, and come prepared for creative dialogue that will help chart the future "governance" of Girl Scouts.

In preparation, some of the following questions were considered:

• How can governance at the national level be more connected to governance at the local level? 
• What are the time-wasters in your local/national governance model? How can local annual and delegate meetings and be more efficient and action oriented?
• Could technology make governance more efficient? If yes, how?
• Is the National Council Meeting necessary for efficient and effective governance?
• How critical is the democratic process to our work? Can it be used more effectively?
• If you could draw a picture of the perfect governance system, what would it look like?

For more details about the historic opportunity the Open Space process offered Girl Scouts at this year's convention, visit the Open Space Conversation page of the 2005 Girl Scout National Council Session/50th Convention website.