National Council Session Determines Dues Increase

During a special National Council Session on Saturday, October 19, delegates voted to approve the first national dues increase in eight years. The decision was made to set dues at $45 for youth members for the 2026 membership year and $65 for the 2027 membership year; adult membership dues will be set at $30. Lifetime membership fees will not change at this time.

Under the approved plan, GSUSA plans to return to local councils 25% of the total dues paid by youth members beginning in 2027 (when dues increase to $65) and over the next five years. In the past, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama has not retained any of the $25 fee for annual membership dues.

We understand the impact of a dues increase on Girl Scout families, but participating in Girl Scouts has invaluable benefits for girls. Developing leadership skills, exploring new interests, and discovering passions while making the world a better place goes well beyond the cost of annual membership dues.

GSUSA is committed to providing easy access to Girl Scout programs and will use the increase in membership dues to better serve Girl Scout families. Improved services from GSUSA will include new ways to engage girls and families, simplified tools for volunteers, enhanced programming for older girls, and updated technology.

Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama remains dedicated to ensuring that every girl who wants to participate in Girl Scouts can do so regardless of individual financial circumstances. In recent years, we have significantly grown partnerships with community stakeholders and increased giving to funded programs. In our local communities, we will continue our work to increase sources of revenue for Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.

Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama was represented very well during this special National Council Session by six dedicated and hardworking delegates. Their diligence and enthusiasm in representing our council is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for being part of our Girl Scout community and giving girls in North-Central Alabama the opportunity to discover their passion and grow as leaders. We appreciate your understanding as we work through how to best support our members, their families, and our volunteers through this change.