I know I am speaking to the converted but how GREAT is Guiding! The friendships, the fun, the adventures and for Leaders the opportunity to provide an environment for girls and young women to enjoy all that Guiding offers. How rewarding! I love reading the reports of all that is happening In Guiding across Australia. And thanks to social media we get regular updates, lots of photos and a share of the excitement.
It has been great to see so many girls enjoying the outdoors – camping, hiking, canoeing, sailing, high ropes and so much more. Keep including these opportunities in your Guiding program as outdoor activities provide an excellent foundation for girls to grow and build confidence.
It is always so encouraging to see the amount of service that Guiding gives to the community. The service given is so varied – environmental initiatives, collections, fundraising activities – to name just a few and the service is always given so willingly and from the heart.
Last month saw 224 units across Australia participate In Clean Up Australia Day. This was a 7% increase from the number that helped Clean Up last year. Girl Guides Australia has been supporters of Clean Up Australia Day since the program commenced in 1990. Well done to all those who worked to make Australia cleaner.
Did you take action for the planet by switching off your lights for an hour on 24 March? If you didn’t, don’t worry as every hour is Earth Hour, so you can participate at any convenient time. Additionally, this year Guide Units can participate in the Earth Hour Solar Lights Challenge, giving Guides the opportunity to learn about renewable technology and energy poverty.
April brings more opportunities for service in the community. What is your Unit going to do to make a difference? The staff at National Office of Girl Guides Australia will be doing their part as the office will be a collection point for donations to the Share the Dignity Project.
It is Annual General Meeting time so please share all Guiding has done in your community with your supporters, your local media and your local, State and Federal members of Parliament.
April will also see the Commonwealth Games in full swing on the Gold Coast. Lots of Units are enjoying the Commonwealth Games Challenge. Did your Unit weave a star for the One Million Stars to End Violence project? One Million Stars was founded by Samoan artist Maryann Talia Pau, who says “every star is a commitment to resist violence and revenge, to believe in forgiveness and healing”. The One Million Stars installation will be shown in King George Square in Brisbane from 29 March to 15 April 2018 in conjunction with the Commonwealth Games.
Ensure your star continues to shine and enjoy this great game of Guiding.
Rosemary Derwin
Acting Chief Commissioner.
