Woman Scouts could increase yearly dues by 240% amid declining membership

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The Woman Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) could increase yearly membership charges by 240%, from $25 to $85. 

“We have collectively acknowledged that a membership dues increase is needed which is greater than the 25 percent (or $6.25) the National Board has authority to approve in a single triennium,” Woman Scouts of the USA President Noorain Khan and CEO Bonnie Barczykowski wrote in a handbook for delegates who will vote on the potential enhance this weekend.

The vote comes as membership within the Woman Scouts has declined in recent times, due partially to the pandemic and different components. The Boy Scouts of America, now known as Scouting America, allowed ladies to affix its ranks in 2018.

The group ended the 2023 fiscal 12 months with a $4.4 million deficit, in accordance with the handbook, and it’s anticipated to extend to $5.6 million on the finish of the 2024 fiscal 12 months. 

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The Woman Scouts of the USA could increase yearly membership charges by 240%, from $25 to $85. (Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle through Getty Photos / Getty Photos)

“Over the past few years, costs have increased everywhere, and neither GSUSA nor our councils have been immune to this pressure,” the handbook mentioned, including that the Nationwide Board has been utilizing its monetary reserves to cowl prices. 

That included funding to begin the Gold Award Scholarship Fund, insurance coverage for members and the pilot program for the Woman Scout Expertise Field. 

“Operating at a deficit — spending more than we bring in — as we have been doing, is not sustainable. We can no longer afford to use our financial reserves, and we cannot pass through all escalating costs to our councils,” the management mentioned, including that they might, together with elevated membership charges, additionally give attention to partnerships and sturdy fundraising. 

The handbook famous that there’s “sufficient financial assistance to meet the needs of current and future members.”

“The additional revenue generated by national annual membership dues of $85 for girls and $45 for adults will enable all of us, together, to deliver our Movement strategy,” it mentioned. 

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However some, like Woman Scout troop chief Sally Bertram, suppose the dues enhance is approach an excessive amount of. 

“I just feel like a triple jump in numbers is going to dissolve the Girl Scouts in southeast Indiana,” Bertram informed WCPO-TV. “People out here do not pay that kind of money.”

Bertram mentioned that being a Woman Scout chief, which she’s carried out for greater than 30 years for her daughters, then her granddaughters, is vital to her. 

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“I think that these girls could lose a lifetime of experiences,” she mentioned of the potential membership enhance. 

The Woman Scouts informed FOX Enterprise in an announcement attributed to Loretta Graham, CEO of Woman Scouts of Southern Illinois: “Ensuring that Girl Scouts can be here for girls (now and in the future) requires financial resources. Girl Scouts has not raised membership dues in over 8 years. This is not a decision we take lightly, which is why 900 delegates representing Girl Scouts’ membership are coming together to weigh options and vote to ensure that Girl Scouts thrive and that, most importantly, every girl has access to the Girl Scout experience so desperately needed today.”

A Woman Scouts of the USA spokesperson added: “At Girl Scouts, we collectively make decisions that shape our future through our democratic process. On Saturday, October 19, Girl Scouts of the USA’s National Council will convene to discuss changes to membership dues that would allow us to further invest in our program and provide financial aid to reduce barriers for any girl who wants to be a Girl Scout. While the proposal from the National Board is for $85, it is our delegates who will discuss, debate, and vote on the final decision. These 900 delegates from around the country are Girl Scouts, volunteers, and members who are nominated by their peers to collectively make these decisions. We will communicate the outcome of the special session to our members following its conclusion.”

The spokesperson continued: “Our commitment to providing an experience that is impactful and engaging to the members we currently serve—and those we will serve in the future—is unwavering. We look forward to building on our strong history, delivering new ways to ensure a sustainable and thriving future, and remaining relevant to girls now and in the future.”