Criterial for Gold and Silver Star Councils

Affiliated councils of National Council for the Social Studies that have met the following criteria will be recognized as Gold Star Councils:

1. Have democratic procedures for the election of officers.
2. Have demonstrated professional activity, such as workshops, conferences, and generally, programs that promote the social studies within their region.
3. Have actively participated in NCSS programs, such as brokering, nominations for the Programs of Excellence, attendance at the Summer Leadership Institute and contributions to the Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies Education (FASSE) or the Christa McAuliffe “Reach for the Stars” Award Fund.
4. Have 100% NCSS membership of council officers.
5. Have a specific plan for increasing NCSS membership in their state and underrepresented groups in their council.
6. Have shown an increase in the number of joint members.
7. Submit affiliation materials by deadline.

Councils meeting five of the seven listed criteria will be recognized as Silver Star Councils. The due date for applications is June 30 of each year. Guidelines for meeting the five criteria are provided within the application form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Recipients of gold and silver star awards will be announced in The Social Studies Professional. Also, councils will receive special recognition at the House of Delegates meeting each year.