Leaders (age 18-65)
- Could I help women of tomorrow?
- Am I the right kind of person to become a volunteer?
- What would I get out of becoming a volunteer?
- What roles can I choose from?
- What do other leaders say about their experiences in Guiding?
- What is Guiding in my County like?
- Where can I find answers to all my questions?
- Who do I contact if I want an information pack?
- Where can I find out more?
Could I help women of tomorrow?
"We are people from all walks of life, who volunteer because we are committed to encouraging girls and young women to reach their full potential, to enjoy the outdoors, experience travelling abroad, work on community projects, to gain skills which will benefit them throughout their lives. Guiding is a life changing, life influencing organisation for all of us."
Raye from Renfrewshire
Over 11,000 women and some men are volunteering their time and skills to help women of tomorrow reach their full potential. Many are Unit leaders such as "Brown Owls" and some are in “support” roles such as marketing, management and IT. All are referred to as "Guiders".
As a Guider you would have the opportunity to use your talents, learn new skills, develop existing skills and make new friends! Also to put something back by helping, encouraging and promoting young people today.
In most roles Guiders work with girls and young women – which demands time and energy, but it is also very rewarding and great fun.
"I always remember the sheer delight on the girls' faces when they achieve a task set for them. They are always so grateful and remember to say thank you."
Elizabeth from Caithness
Any woman between her 18th and 65th birthdays can become a Guider, as long as she is willing and able to make the Guide Promise and undertake the necessary training. If you are over 65 Guiding still welcomes you as an Affiliate Member or as a member of the Trefoil Guild.
Guiding offers its leaders the chance of making a personal contribution to the future and, at the same time, of widening their own horizons and friendships. Together with the hard work and the commitment there is lots of fun!
Am I the right kind of person to become a volunteer?
"We are ordinary women, managing families, homes and jobs. I work alongside lawyers, secretaries, housewives, shop assistants, doctors: we all have different skills and experiences that are valuable to Guiding. Crucially what we all believe is that we really make a difference to our Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Senior Section girls. We do this by being involved directly by running a Unit or in other ways such as training other Guiders or managing events. "
Rachel from Midlothian
You need energy, enthusiasm, a big heart - and an even bigger sense of humour. Being a Guider can be a challenge, but you are a part of a structured network of other Guiders, locally, regionally and nationally. There is a lot of opportunities and training available for every role.
We understand that modern women have to juggle careers, families, homes and other commitments. We also don't expect you to sign up for life - but give what you can for as long as you can. We have all kinds of options available for you - whether you can give only an hour a week or help in a support role (link to roles). All this can be discussed when you meet up with the local Guiding group. For other “support” roles, such as the County Public Relations Assistant, the time you would need to commit would be something to discuss with your County management team. Whatever amount of time you can give, we are interested in talking to you!
Guiders spend a lot of time building up relationships with young people - helping them with new challenges and to live their lives to the full. So getting on well with people is a very necessary talent. A good relationship with her Guider will foster a girl or young woman's self-esteem and her ability to relate to others.
"Leaders make sure you are not left out and they always listen."
Jemma
What would I get out of becoming a volunteer?
Skills:
"In my current Guiding role (County Commissioner) I am responsible for managing hundreds of leaders. The range and quality of training has enabled me to run meetings, build teams and manage my time more efficiently."
Jane from Midlothian
Many commercial companies are now providing their employees with leadership and management training through adventurous and challenging outdoor activities. Such activities have always provided an important part of the Guiding programme. Any woman, therefore, who has been actively involved in Girlguiding Scotland will already have many useful skills that can be transferred to a working environment, including:
- Communication
- Team Building
- Planning
- Organisation
- Management
- Initiative
- Commitment
- Reliability
- Responsibility
- Enthusiasm
As many organisations have already discovered for themselves, women who run meetings, organise events, lead teams at camp, recruit volunteers, raise money and handle budgets through Guiding can add value to an organisation.
The programme of the Guides and Senior Section is developmental and encourages confidence, self-reliance and inter-personal skills. It fosters responsibility, citizenship and maturity though activities such as mountaineering, community action and international expeditions.
As a result of this range of personal and social development programmes, together with leadership training, some 70,000 Scottish members have learnt valuable life skills which have proved essential in all aspects of their daily lives.
Fun and friendship
"Being a volunteer has benefited me as it has opened up opportunities to join in activities, have new experiences and meet many people from all walks of life."
Susan from Inverness-shire
Whether it’s a great sense of satisfaction, learning new skills, having fun or meeting new friends, the lives of 11,000 women in Scotland have been enhanced and enriched by being a part of the most famous female organisation in the world.
What roles can I choose from?
As a volunteer there are many roles you could do:
"Volunteering is worth all the time and effort because it is interesting, creative, challenging and rewarding. Volunteering helps stimulate leaders as well as the girls. We are helping shape young minds for the future."
Margaret from North Lanarkshire
If you are interested in volunteering, you can -
1. Make contact with a volunteer in your County
2. Email: Please fill out the enquiry form
3. Telephone 0800 1 69 59 01