Girlguiding launches volunteer recruitment drive
Neil Puffett
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Girlguiding has launched its first-ever national campaign to recruit more volunteers after its waiting list passed the 70,000 mark.
The campaign features a film that will be shared on social media channels highlighting how Girlguiding volunteers have "found their place" motivating, inspiring and leading girls.
The organisation said more volunteers will mean that more girls can enjoy the benefits of guiding.
According to the most recent Girlguiding annual report, the aim is to "lay the foundations for growth of at least 17,000 members a year from 2019".
There are currently around 400,000 girlguides in the UK.
Sally Illsley, deputy chief Guide, said: "The spirit of the campaign is to turn the old-fashioned idea that a woman should know her place on its head and reclaim it to make clear that a woman's place is wherever she wants it to be.
"If you're someone who would like to help inspire and empower a generation of girls and young women to find their place in the world then volunteering with Girlguiding is the chance to do just that."
Gemma Rolls-Bentley, a volunteer at Guide groups in London, who features in the campaign, said: "Some of the issues Girlguiding chooses to tackle around gender equality, professional opportunities and relationships and sex education are really important issues.
"I think a lot of women like myself, women in their 20s and 30s, are really struggling to understand how they can have an impact and how they can make a change and make a difference and Girlguiding really offers a way to do that."
Jess Sinnott, a leader from Burnham-on-Sea who also features in the campaign film, said: "I enjoy helping others and being part of the Girlguiding community. It's helped me to become a well-rounded and confident person and I try my hand at anything.
"Girlguiding is important to girls because it gives them a safe space away from school and home life so they can completely relax and be themselves."