Chief Commissioner's Message

Then earlier this month, it was my pleasure to MC the handover of the Victorian State team. At the end of these proceedings I welcomed my new Assistant Chief Commissioner, the former Victorian State Commissioner, Noella Kershaw. Together we are looking forward to an exciting term of office.

Noella and I are committed to driving the strategic goals, building a strong team at a national level and increasing coordination across states. By 2015 we want Guiding to be the leading organisation for girls and young women in leadership and personal development with growing membership and sustainable income streams.

Translated - we want more people to enjoy the fun and friendship of Guiding while learning the skills that will help them into the future. On a personal note, I would like to introduce myself and Noella with a few comments about our background and experience.

In 2005, I was appointed to Board of Girl Guides Tasmania as the Communications Advisor and became the State Commissioner in 2007. Prior to these roles, I was a Unit Helper/Leader and active participant in many camps and events.

I work part-time for the Southern Midlands Council as a Landcare / Natural Resource Management facilitator assisting farmers to implement environmental projects on their properties. I also spend time volunteering for other organisations including Lifeline and the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (Hobart Show).

Noella was the Girl Guides Victoria State Commissioner between 2008 and January 2011. She trained as a teacher and has a great interest in education of girls and young women. Noella's teaching career focused on independent schools in Victoria. She has also held numerous leadership and management roles and her last position was as Director of Reggio Emilia Australia.

In 2005, she was employed part-time at Girl Guides Victoria as the Membership and Development co-ordinator and in 2007 as the Events Manager. Noella recently completed a PhD in educational leadership at Deakin University, focusing on women and leadership in the independent education sector in Victoria.

Finally we would like to acknowledge and thank Lynne Price, Miriam Holmes and Tash Hendrick for their leadership, dedication and skills. We believe Guiding has an exciting future because of what has already been accomplished in the last 100 years.

Helen Geard
Chief Commissioner

The Guides Say 2010 survey results were officially launched on 15 February 2011 at Sydney's Royal Botanical Gardens by the Minister for the Status of Women, Kate Ellis, journalist and author, Mia Freedman, Chief Commissioner, Helen Geard and Guide volunteer/NSW/ACT Board Member Renee Bianchi. In launching the findings, we ran an extremely successful PR campaign, reaching over 3 million viewers and listeners around Australia.

As the only Australian survey of its kind, Guides Say is committed to empowering girls and young women to speak out on issues of importance and highlight areas where they believe action is needed, in order to make a difference.

The new findings have highlighted the views of young Australian women and address key issues such as gender inequality, personal safety, illegal immigration, the environment, politics and more.

For more information on the report go to the Girl Guides Australia website or download the full report here.

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At the end of November 2010, I was lucky enough to be one of 15 Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from 11 countries chosen to represent WAGGGS as youth delegates at the annual conference for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Cancun, Mexico. Every year, world leaders meet to make decisions about how to tackle the challenge of climate change. Our aim was to help WAGGGS raise awareness of the fact that girls and young women are disproportionately affected by climate change and need to be at the heart of any solution.

At the conference I met a lot of people; other Youth delegates from every continent, officials from other countries, inspirational individuals who were on a crusade to get action on climate change, and many wonderful WAGGGS youth delegates - who now are some of my very close friends! We were interviewed by overseas and Australian media including Triple J radio and FOX News. We're also international superstars on YouTube doing the Climate Action Dance! Bronwyn (the other WAGGGS delegate from Australia) and I even got to meet and speak with the Australian Climate Change Ambassador, Louise Hand who had been a Brownie herself and was so excited to see Girl Guides at the conference! Everywhere we could we talked about Girl Guides, what we do and why we think girls and young women need to be more involved in climate change action.

The most exciting part of the conference for me was the real impact that I had on negotiations for climate change education. WAGGGS is really passionate about improving educational opportunities for young people about climate change, especially in developing counties. I was part of the team of young people that lobbied to make sure that all countries agreed that climate change education needs more attention and funding and that organisations like Girl Guides should play a vital role in helping to provide that education. The negotiator in charge didn't think we would succeed in reaching an agreement, but we did. Many countries are now committed to improving climate change education. He was so impressed that he gave out gold stars! It was empowering to make a real difference.

I was incredibly lucky to have this opportunity to attend a United Nations convention, as it was fantastic to see how the international process works and just what progress is being made. Too often people feel disconnected to the international process - what impact could I possibly have on such a HUGE endeavour? However being a youth delegate as part of WAGGGS showed me that even an ordinary Guide Leader like me can make a difference to the decisions that our governments make!

Being in Mexico was awesome. It has really boosted my capacity as a Girl Guide and Leader. I will now work with other Guide Leaders and girls, to make sure that Climate Change issues and sustainability is an important part of our program and that together we can be the change that we want to see in the world.

Christine MacRae
NSW/ACT

PS - Check out our YouTube clips here

The WAGGGS Centenary celebrations started last year and will continue on until the end of 2012, so that we can encompass the three-year period of the commencement of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world. If you did not participate in the Centenary Celebration Day or Party Time last year (held on or around 10 April) now is the time to prepare for this year. Your state may be planning an activity that you could attend. If not, it could be at a Region, District or Unit level.

Last year it was wonderful being a part of 10 million girls and young women in 145 countries around the world all celebrating at about the same time, so make sure you are a part of it this year and next. There is a different theme for each year (Plant for 2010, Grow in 2011 and Share for 2012) and a set of four elements (International, Good Deed, Party and 100) to be included into each year's celebrations to make it a truly memorable occasion. We need to build on everything that was planted last year. We need to grow as an organisation, here in Australia as well as worldwide. Contribute and share your ideas and stories with others.

Update on the International Service Challenge 
For Guides of all ages - who want to help change the world

As you are aware, as part of the Centenary Celebrations, Girl Guides Australia signed an agreement with UNICEF Australia to support them in helping to provide free and accessible education for girls in the Eastern Highlands region of Papua New Guinea.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is the leading global organisation working on development and emergency relief for children. One of their goals is to ensure that by 2015 all children will have access to, and be able to complete, primary education that is free, compulsory and of good quality (Millennium Development Goal 2, Achieve Universal Primary Education).

In supporting UNICEF Australia, GGA made a commitment to raise a minimum of $60,000 in our Centenary Year through the International Service Challenge. As at the end of 2010 we had only raised approximately half the amount. $60,000 is only $2 per member - for which UNICEF can provide four children with a pencil and exercise book each - a very small amount to help other young children in a neighbouring country to have the opportunity to also learn to read and write. This challenge has therefore been extended to 30 June 2011. Let us all make a concerted effort to fulfil our obligations, and raise these much needed funds. All monies raised in Units are to be sent to Finance Administrator, Girl Guides Australia, PO Box 6, Strawberry Hills NSW 2010. Please state on the cheques that the funds are for UNICEF/International Service Challenge and include and explanation of where the money originates.

This International Service Challenge though is not just about raising funds. We want all Guides to learn about how important it is that girls all over the world have equal access to education. We want Guides to understand that education is a basic human right and to learn about what UNICEF does to improve the lives of children.

So if you haven't already started the International Service Challenge, dust off your International Service Challenge Activity Pack or visit the GGA web site at www.girlguides.org.au where you will find exciting and different challenges for your Guides to take part in. Together you can learn about children's rights, girls' education, what it is like to go to school in other countries and how your money will make a difference!

Centenary Challenges
Did you know that these can be worked on right up until the end of 2012?

Last year was absolutely packed with celebrations and many of us didn't get the chance to breathe, let alone achieve all the great things we wanted to in our Unit programs. If you are one of the many Leaders across Australia who didn't fully use the Centenary Challenge Activity Packs, grab them from the back of the cupboard, take off the plastic wrap and open them up! These fantastic activity packs and the challenges they contain can be used as a valuable program resource over the next two years (and probably beyond).

So... when planning the Unit program with your Guides this year start by looking at what you can incorporate from the packs. Everything is set out ready to go and in developmental age ranges. Take up the challenge!

The Centenary Challenge can be worked on right up until the end of 2012, though once the stocks of badges are sold no more will be ordered. Make things easy for yourself and let the activity packs run the program for you!

Please note that only those girls who completed the Centenary Gold Challenge by 31 December 2010 will be eligible to attend a Centenary Gold Challenge event. The Centenary Gold Challenge event booklet is available on the Centenary website.

If your girls are struggling to find a copy of 'All Things Uncertain' to complete the Centenary Challenge 'Learning Guiding Skills', using a copy of 'Guides Can Do Anything' by Nancy Eastick will be just as useful. If you can't find a copy of this, an electronic copy can be requested by emailing admin@girlguides.org.au

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Postbox

Are you wondering how to encourage Guides to find out about life in another country? Why not suggest that they apply for a Guiding pen friend? You can apply to correspond via email or snail mail with another Girl Guide/Scout Unit as a group. Contact your State International Adviser or email Sandra Herbert onpenpal@girlguides.org.au who looks after Post Box contacts for Girl Guides Australia.

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Our Four World Centres (Pax Lodge, Our Chalet, Our Cabana, Sangam) thrive because of the contributions received from member organisations. You can become a member of the Australian Friends of the Four World Centres and find out how you can support the work of the centres. You will receive regular newsletters about events and projects and know that you are contributing to the future of these special places. To find out more, contact your State International Adviser or Judy Harris on judylharris@bigpond.com

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Camping made simple

Get Camping

The State Outdoor Managers/Advisers are trying to instil a love of camping and encourage Leaders to obtain their qualifications by running more campcraft trainings. To simplify obtaining and maintaining camping qualifications the following are requirements from Guide Lines and AALP Assessment methods.

Camping Qualification Assessment 
5.2 Camping Requirements Guide Lines

The Leader-in-charge (LIC) of a camp must:

• Be a qualified Leader in Guides Australia
• Hold a Senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent
• Hold the appropriate Further Development module in the Australian Adult Leadership Program for the conduct of the camp
• Be currently competent

A Leader is currently competent if:

1. She achieved the Further Development module in the three years before the planned camp; or
2. She achieved the Further Development module more than three years before the planned camp and has been in charge of a camp within the past three years.

Note: A Leader's Camping Certificate will remain current for a further three years after each time she camps as a LiC and meets the other requirements. If a Leader has been inactive for a period of three years or more it may be possible to show current competency through discussion of the relevant Outdoor modules with a GP camping assessor.

AALP Assessment Strategy

Assessment method - Assessment will be through discussion with the participant as she prepares for camp, an informal visit to a camp conducted by the participant, and written and verbal reports on the camp.

Conditions of assessment - The participant will work with a Guiding Partner approved by the State Training and Outdoor Activities Advisers. The Guiding Partner should preferably have already completed this module or will work with others with the relevant competencies.

Maintaining current competence - This module must be endorsed as current every three years by an approved Guiding Partner.

The adult member maintains current competence in this module by demonstrating that:

• She meets the entry competencies
• She maintains a current Senior First Aid certificate or equivalent
• She has conducted a camp of this type within the last three years

The State Training and Outdoor Activities Advisers are notified of the endorsement.

(The latest AALP has this statement and a place for record of endorsements))

5.2 Guide Lines

Practice Camp
An appointed Leader working towards an outdoor module in camping may apply to the appropriate camping authority to run a practice camp provided that:

• She meets the entry competencies for the appropriate Further Development outdoor module in the Australian Adult Leadership Program; and
• One member of staff holds the outdoor module applicable to the type of camp being undertaken

Does there need to be a qualified person onsite at an assessment camp? 
The Leader running the assessment camp has already demonstrated competence in most of the module clauses before the camp and the GP has confidence that the Leader can run the camp successfully. Therefore there would be no need to have a qualified person on site. It is of course understood that in some States distance would make it very difficult for Leaders to attend campcraft training and have an assessor visit so a qualified Leader at the assessment camp may be necessary to give evidence of competency.

Entry competencies do not include that the Leader has attended a campcraft training but that she has attended a Guide camp.

Patrol Camps 
A patrol camp is a normal camp with the same staff ratios required. No special forms are required.

Trefoil 3
Trefoil 3 must have a Leader of Youth with a current equivalent or higher camping qualification who can be readily called upon located nearby.

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AGP-OP Link Badge

The Olave Program (OP) is for members of Girl Guides Australia aged 18 to 30 years. It is a framework in which participants engage in opportunities for personal challenge through a flexible network with a focus on service. The AGP-OP Link Badge has been developed to encourage Girl Guides aged 17 years and above to progress to the Olave Program.

The requirements of the link badge have been developed to reflect the skills and knowledge that members need to gain an understanding of the Olave Program. The link badge is a participation badge, and recognises that involvement is the key to appreciating the opportunities that can be offered in the Olave Program.

A Guide must be 17 years of age to start the AGP-OP Link Badge. The badge is structured in two sections.

PART A consists of six challenges that need to completed and verified by the member's 18th birthday. Completion of a challenge can be verified by an Olave Program participant who has witnessed the challenge, or an appropriate adult Guiding member with an understanding of the Olave Program. On completion of PART A, the Guide is presented with the "PART A" certificate by her Unit Leader and/or an Olave Program participant. The six challenges can be done in any order.

PART B is completed once the member turns 18 years of age, remakes her promise as an adult member and successfully links in with the Olave Program. This must be done before the member turns 19 years of age. Successfully linking with the Olave Program can take many forms - from joining an Olave Program Peer Group, to connecting with other Olave Program participants in her Region or state. The AGP-OP Link Badge is then presented to the new Olave Program participant by her Olave Program contacts.

For full details of the syllabus go to: www.www.girlguides.org.au

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Survey news!

Girl Guides Australia wants to hear your views. A simple online survey has been developed and we're encouraging participation from all Leaders, volunteers, youth members and parents. Please forward the link through your networks to maximise participation!

The data will be analysed by Bain and Company for presentation back to the GGA and State Management teams at the March GGA Management Conference. The survey will close on Wednesday 9 March 2011. GGA will also have a link on Facebook and Twitter encouraging members to fill it in. To participate, go tohttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5YPK7ZT

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