In partnership with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee’s Teen Leadership Council (TLC) prepares Seniors and Ambassadors for their futures by training, guiding, and cultivating their professional skills. We seek to connect the TLC to local businesses, non-profits, successful women, and Girl Scout alumnae that will enable its members to seek out challenges, engage with all levels of their community through networking, and develop transferrable skills that prepare them to solve real-world problems and to make the world of better place.  As part of the TLC, Girl Scouts are encouraged to advocate for their needs, and the needs of all Girl Scouts in policy, programming, and image.

Important Dates:

  • Applications Due: May 15, 2025
  • Acceptance Status Notification: June 18, 2025
  • Virtual onboarding: July 2025
  • TLC begins: August 2025

Apply Now!

Curriculum and Schedule:

  • August - Introductions

    Council members will work as a team to better understand group dynamics, individual strengths and weaknesses, and the value of constructive debriefs. At the end of the day, the TLC will meet and begin working with a mentor in a group setting – this relationship will continue throughout the course of the TLC.

  • September - Self Identity

    Council members will identify their own personal branding and identity, use this information to create and practice an elevator pitch, and learn to use social media as a way to responsibly further their personal branding. 

  • October - Self Care

    Council members will learn the importance of self-care and how it applies to their everyday lives, work through strategies to bolster their mental health strategies and learn to set boundaries and balance work, school, friends, family, and other things important to them.

  • November - Nonprofit Spotlight

    Council members will participate in learning about a local nonprofit. They will enjoy behind-the-scenes insight on the mission, vision, and internal operations of their non-profit, and explore how their strengths and goals would apply to working at or running a non-profit of their own.

  • December - Public Speaking and Communication

    Council members will learn about executive presence and public speaking, both in formal speeches and informal settings. The practicum portion of this meeting will consist of TLC members speaking on a topic that is important to them, and will also identify committee members chosen to speak at upcoming council events. 

  • January - Financial Literacy

    Council members will learn strategies for personal finance management and business operations.

  • February - Being part of a Board

    Council members will build on the non-profit spotlight from November to better understand the role and scope of a nonprofit, the types of boards in the nonprofit world and the dynamic between board and staff members, and those they serve.

  • March - Civic Engagement

    Council members will participate in Girl Scouts Day on the Hill, meet representatives and other members of government from their communities, and start an advocacy campaign for their own local government on an issue that is important to them.

  • April - Adulting 101

    Council members will participate in workshops to learn skills that will serve them in the real world. Changing a tire, balancing a bank account, planning a weekly menu, are some examples of what to expect. 

  • May - Networking and Wrap Up

    Council members will network with important pillars of their communities including but not limited to: nonprofit members, board members, business owners, partners, government officials, and school representatives, and celebrate a full 10 months of learning and growing.  

More Information: 

  • Senior Council

     For Girl Scouts in grades 9 and 10, the Senior Council sill focus on learning new skills, making connections, and building confidence. Their programming will focus on meeting leaders, taking tours, and honing real-world skills as they prepare for higher awards or other leadership positions within Girl Scouts and beyond. 

  • Ambassador Council

     For Girl Scouts in grades 11 and 12, the Ambassador Council will focus on both learning and applying skills by actively engaging in and planning field trips, advocating for change within their local and state governments, and making connections that focus on next steps for employment, post-secondary education, or opening a business. 

  • Progression

    After TLC members complete this program, they will be eligible for further leadership opportunities with GSMIDTN and/or GSUSA: 

    • Join our non-profit board as a girl advisor (AC) 
    • Act as a Girl Chair for a separate GSMIDTN marquee program (SC) 
    • Apply to serve on a GSUSA Girl committee (SC/AC) 
    • Coach a younger troop earn a Bronze Award (SC) 
    • Speak as a Girl representative at GS Luncheon/other donor events (AC) 
    • Serve as an Advisor for the GSMIDTN Communications team to help coordinate communication strategy to maximize youth recruitment and retention (SC/AC)
    • Professional job shadowing supported and coordinated by GSMIDTN (AC)
    • Serve in leadership capacities with outside organizations coordinated by GSMIDTN (AC) 
    • Speaking at GSMIDTN events such as the adult/girl leadership conference (AC) 
    • Approval committee for large GSMIDTN programming (SC) 

  • Expectations

    Participation in the TLC is a an honor and a commitment. We require that TLC members attend all ten scheduled meetings. TLC meetings and site-visits mostly happen on Saturdays in a central location in Nashville, and the dates and locations will be released prior to your commitment. Committee members represent GSMIDTN and are asked to follow a business dress code at all meetings and site visits, and may be asked to wear a formal Girl Scout uniform at some meetings.