The 1st Asia Pacific Regional Summit was held at Tagaytay near Manila from 10-14 November. Member Organisations (MO) of WAGGGS were asked to include delegates who were  at a decision making level of the Organisation and who represented each of the six WAGGGS ways of work as well as two older Guides who had achieved the Queen’s Guide Award or equivalent, or were working  towards it.

 

Girl Guides Australia was represented by Margo Browning (Honorary Treasurer - Finance), Karen Chatto (Program Manager - Educational Program), Natasha Hendrick (Assistant Chief Commissioner - Membership), Fiona Krautil (National Executive Officer - Relationships to Society), Lynne Price (Chief Commissioner - Structure and Management) and Linda Wilkinson (Training Manager – Training).

Our young people who joined us – Alice Csabi from Melbourne and Sharona Douglas from Mt Isa –were outstanding ambassadors for GGA. Their participation in and contribution to the sessions and workshops were excellent and I know that they learned much about themselves, about others, about other MOs programs and activities and also the importance of belonging to an international organisation for girls and young women -in particular what it means to be a part of the AP Region – a Region of diversity and colour. This was truly reflected in the theme ‘Kaleidoscoping the Future’. It is important to recognise how the differences of our cultures, faiths, languages and experiences can create a strong and growing Region within WAGGGS if we are prepared to share and to learn from each other. GGA was able to share best practice in many of the WAGGGS ways of work – in particular our plans for the Centenary were applauded by many MO’s as well as the Region. We also brought back many ideas and of particular note are the partnerships that many MO’s in the Region have with other global Not For Profits’s. In today’s world, partnerships with other community organisations and with  corporate is imperative if we are going to continue to enable girls and young women to become confident, self respecting, responsible community members.

Two such partnerships were launched at Girls Celebrate in Brisbane in September when GGA launched the celebrations for the Centenary Year and specifically recognised the courageous Crystal Palace advocates. Through the activity pods the Guides who attended are now further prepared to stand up and speak out on the issues that are of concern to them. The WAGGGS Global Action Theme of ‘girls world wide say.. together we can change our world’ and the importance of the Millenium Development Goals were highlighted in these pods.

Kate Ellis, the Federal Minister for Youth launched the two new partnerships for GGA with UNICEF Australia and with Clean Up Australia.  Part of the service component of our Centenary relates to MDG 2 – Education opens doors for girls and boys. In working with Unicef Australia, the Centenary Committee has prepared a resource which will assist Guides to understand the importance of this goal and also the role of UNICEF in helping to build a better world. GGA is aiming to fundraise at least $60,000 to support the education of girls in a school in Papua New Guinea.

The new partnership with Clean Up Australia involves the recycling of mobile phones.  Australia has the highest number of mobile phones per capita in the world, which also means we have many unused ones in our cupboards at home as we renew them on a regular basis. By recycling, we not only reduce the huge issue of e-waste, but earn $1.50 for every phone collected. The money raised will be used by the Olave Program for developing advocacy projects.

With the launch of our Centenary now behind us and the very happy and strong memories of a fabulous weekend shared by almost 3000 members at Girls Celebrate, we now prepare for the excitement of the many activities that are planned for 2010.

ACE – the Australian Centenary Event to be hosted by Girl Guides Victoria – will provide an opportunity for 2500 Guides, Leaders and other adult volunteers representing all member States, as well as many other Member Organisations, to make many new friends as they undertake the fun and adventure of an international camp. A highlight for all of us who are attending will be a visit to Phillip Island to see the Fairy Penguins. I am very much looking forward to meeting up with many of you at ACE and I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the organising committee who made the commitment two years ago to ensure this event will be a highlight of our Centenary celebrations.

Thanks to the very generous funding of the Federal Government through the Office for Women, all Districts will soon be receiving resource packs of activities for Thinking Day, 100 Down Under, the Centenary Campfires, Fly the Flag, World Environment Day and Tree Planting Day, the International Service Challenge, the Disability Service Challenge and Go Girl. These have been prepared by the Centenary Committee and all provide excellent activities for some very special events and activities in 2010. I am thrilled to hear that so many Guides have already commenced the Centenary Challenge and some of these Guides have already determined which Gold Challenge event they wish to attend when they have completed the entire challenge.

The Year of the Girl Guide, 2010, promises to be one of excitement, adventure, and lots of activity. I hope that all Leaders will allow their Guides the privilege to be totally involved in the year as we join with the other 144 Member Organisations of WAGGGS to commence another 100 years of changing lives.

I do hope that you have a very Happy Christmas. Do take the time to spend with your family, friends and loved ones, and have a restful and peaceful holiday as we prepare for the adventure of a lifetime – the Centenary of Guiding.

Lynne Price
Chief Commissioner

New Uniform

The new Guide uniform is coming ... are you ready?

Everyone has had a chance to have their say – and you certainly did! You told us what you liked, what you loathed, what you would improve, what you couldn’t live without, and that was just the Leaders!

Our new uniform will be launched early in 2010 ... in time for the Year of the Girl Guide, and our centenary celebrations. The uniform will be contemporary, affordable and of a good quality so that girls and adult members are proud to wear it. It’s important that our uniform is unique to us. This uniqueness will be achieved through national design and branding with the uniform only available through Guiding outlets.

There will be a new uniform policy and guidelines released at the launch explaining all of our expectations and options. However in the meantime – a summary:

Youth uniform – there will be seven shirt options available for our youth members, but not seven options for every girl at any one time. There will be three v-neck shirts – similar style with colour variations; and the same goes with the three polo shirts. However every colour variation of these shirts will not be available in every girl size. So girls will need to make a personal decision based on their style preference (v-neck or polo shirt) and the clothing sizes available in that style. Members of a Unit are not required to be in exactly the same style/colour of shirt – as all of the options “belong to one family”. The older girls will have the additional option of a dress shirt – something more suitable for those formal occasions like presentations at Government House.

Adult uniform – there will be 3 shirt options available for adults. These shirts also belong to the “family” of youth options – but are different enough to distinguish us from our youth members.

So you haven’t worn out your current uniform yet? – that’s OK. Everyone will have two years to changeover, so by 2012 – all Guides in Australia will be wearing the same uniform! How exciting is that!

New Centenary Website

 

Keep up to date on all the latest. Visit our new Centenary webiste and register your interest. By registering you will be able to receive updates and other information about the Centenary.

See the new Centenary website on www.girlguides.org.au and cliock on the centenary logo on the left

 

Recognition of prior learning

DO YOU WANT TO COUNT PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE TOWARDS YOUR GUIDING QUALIFICATIONS??

Of course you do….

And this is how you do it.

If you believe that your previous experience or qualifications could count towards your Guiding qualifications – whether this is Leadership Awareness, Development, Qualification or for Further Development modules – speak with your Guiding Partner and alert them to the fact that you would like to be assessed against your previous experience or qualifications. There is a process to undertake to be considered for skills recognition, recognition of current competency (RCC), recognition of prior learning (RPL) or skills transfer.

• If you have been a Junior Leader or have completed the Leadership Focus as a youth member, you will be eligible for some immediate credit transfers from your Leadership experience and qualifications into the Australian Adult Leadership Program (AALP). Talk to your Guiding Partner about the newly developed credit transfer arrangements. You may also find the details on the reverse of your certificate.
• If you have been a youth leader in another youth organisation (eg. Scouts, or Guides in another country) your previous experience may count towards the AALP. Talk to your Guiding Partner. In this instance you will need to present some evidence of the skills you have developed elsewhere – see below for some ideas about this.
• You may be (or have been) a teacher, a child care worker, a youth worker or something similar. You will bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and qualifications to Guiding. You will need to look at the AALP modules and see what your prior learning may count towards – you will then need to produce some evidence – see below for some ideas about this.
• You may have been (or are) a Manager or Supervisor and bring management skills to your Guiding role. If you are undertaking Leadership Qualification – Adult or completing relevant Further Development modules you may have evidence that can prove your competence and expertise in relevant areas – see below for some ideas about this.
• Whatever you have done in the past (or the present) may count – have a good look at the modules you are completing and see what might compare with prior learning and experience.

What evidence would I need to produce?

Evidence can come in many forms – but it must be:

• valid (covers all of the competency requirements of the module)
• sufficient (shows your  competency on more than one occasion)
• authentic (is your own work, this may be verified by another person)
• current (is less than three years old and reflects current requirements)

If there are gaps in meeting any of the requirements, you may need to undertake additional training or experience or submit further evidence.

For evidence it is possible to collect a “portfolio” that is proof that you are competent. Two pieces of evidence needs to be collected for each section of a module. Your Guiding Partner can assist you with this.

The types of evidence that you can use to demonstrate your current competency can be some of the following:

• Evidence of activities conducted
• Journals/diaries
• Programme books
• Testimonials/letters/evaluations that support your evidence for the module.
• Any learning/teaching aids you have developed and used
• Games you have developed and used
• Photos/videos/audio tapes etc
• Certificates from previous courses/activities
• Newspaper clippings/articles
• Evidence of competencies achieved through guiding awards and activities
• Evidence of any resources you have used
• Samples of completed “work” such as letters, financial records, reports etc
• Support letter from someone able to verify your competence
• Any other relevant evidence that you believe supports your application for RPL and indicates your competence.

Your Guiding Partner will examine your portfolio and assess it against the competencies in the module you are completing. She may then choose to have a discussion with you, or come and observe you “in action” to confirm her assessment. Once she has completed this process she will advise you of the outcome. She may request further evidence or a project of some kind to add value to the assessment. Once she is satisfied that you have been deemed competent via this process you will have achieved the module(s) you have asked to be recognised for.

If you think that you are eligible to gain some modules by recognition of previous qualifications, learning or experience – then speak to your Guiding Partner now. If your Guiding Partner is not sure what can count – she will speak to the Training Department in her State to get further advice.

Linda Wilkinson.
Training Manager, Girl Guides Australia

 

Forms and more Forms.

Why Does Guiding need so many forms?

1. Protection for the Leader.  By completing a form, the Leader is demonstrating she has considered her responsibility for holding the event / activity.  

There are two types of insurance.  Personal insurance which protects Girl Guide members and covers the difference in medical and hospital costs. Public Liability insurance protects Girl Guide associations from damages to a third party or for property. 

The public liability insurance is held by GGA and the private insurance is held by state associations.  All states have a procedure to report incidences to ensure a paper record is there for the future.

1. We can collate statistics that allow GGA and State Guide Associations to demonstrate a sound relationship between activities like camping and adventurous activities, and the number of incidences occurring.  We are then in a positive position to negotiate insurance costs.
2. Forms also guide GGA and State Associations in knowing what to include in insurance as there is no point in paying for activities which Guides are not undertaking.
3. Forms can also be used by State managers / advisors to assist regions in improving the programs offered to the Guides.  If a manager sees there is little or no camping happening in a region then they can assist Leaders in that region to introduce more

Guide Lines

Guide Lines may seem boring, but it is written for a reason - to give direction to Leaders.

Guide Lines contains lots of interesting, helpful and important information.  It is useful to read it to ensure you are fulfilling your responsibilities as Leaders.  Your copy of Guide Lines should also be up-dated regularly as amendments come out regularly.

Guide Lines contains compulsory statements using the word “must”.  There are also “should” statements and “may” statements. Again they are written to protect the Leader.

If Guide Lines says a sleepover is to be indoors then sleepovers have to be indoors.  If Guide Lines says the ratio must be 1: 8 for 8 –10 year olds Guides then the ratio must be used.

The forms and Guidelines ensure that we as leaders, and our girls are fully protected for all Guiding activities.

Julie Miller
Outdoor Activities Manager

 

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

We are reaching a number of guiding milestones over the next twelve months and one of these is the 40th anniversary of the Asia Pacific Region of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

The region was established in 1969 at the Finland World Conference of WAGGGS. Australia was an inaugural member organisation and over the past forty years has contributed much to the Guiding and Girl Scouting in the region.

1970 – Australia becomes an inaugural member of the region.

1972 – Australia published the first issue of the Asia Pacific Newsletter.
Young Adults gathering for countries in the Pacific Islands held in Queensland.

1980 – 9th Asia Pacific Committee meeting held in Brisbane.
A regional training for prospective members of the training pool was held in Australia.

1980s – Australia sent teams of young women to work on the Bangladesh-Australia Child Health Program.

1983 –The Asia Pacific Song Book was published by Girl Guides Australia   and was compiled by National Trainer, Pam Kirkham.

1984 – Asia Pacific Jamborella held in Australia.
Regional Adult Gathering held in Australia.

1985 – AP Silver Jubilee camp – “Making Waves” held in Australia.

1998 – 28th AP Committee held in Brisbane.
6th AP Conference held in Brisbane.

2000s - GGA has sent teams of young women to Thailand as part of the GOLD (Guiding Overseas Linked with Development) project for the last 6 years.

2003 – Delegates sent to AP Governance workshop in Korea.

2006 – Delegates sent to AP Strategic Leadership workshop in Cambodia.

2009 - GGA hosted the first Pacific Strategy and it was held at Kindilan Campsite in Queensland. GGA also provided considerable financial support for this event. This meeting allowed face to face contact for Asia Pacific Committee and Pacific Nations Member Organizations to improve communication get regular updates of progress and share ideas and support.

2009 – Australia has been appointed a Global Action Theme (GAT) champion

2009 – Australia sent a delegation of 8 to the Asia Pacific Summit held in the Philippines. (See some photos below)

Other notable connections between the Asia Pacific Region and Australia are:

• Four of the past seven World Centre Managers at Sangam have been Australians as well as one Administrator in the 1980's. Members of GGA have been members of the AP Training Pool and Australians have also held staffing positions in the AP Region, WAGGGS.
• Currently a GGA member is a volunteer at Sangam, joining a number of young women who have volunteered at Sangam over the years.
• GGA has raised money for Kiribati to buy a bus  
• Janette Lockhart Gibson was a member of the AP Regional Committee from 1995-2001 and was Deputy Chair from 1998-2001;
• June Cameron was elected a member of the AP Regional Committee in 2004 and Chair of the Committee in 2007 - she is the current Chair.
• Members of GGA have been appointed as members of the newly formed Asia Pacific Resource Pool in 2009.

The Aussies at the AP 40th
Anniversary Dinner

From left: Margo Browning, Linda
Wilkinson, Natasha Hendrick,
Princess Aziza of Malaysia (Patron of
Friends of the AP Region) and Karen Chatto.

The Aussies taking a ride in a Filipino Jeepney.

 In the last issue we looked at volunteering at Sangam. This time it is:

Volunteering at Our Cabaña

Our Cabaña offers to active members of WAGGGS aged 18 years and over the opportunity of volunteering at this World Centre. As a volunteer at Our Cabaña you have the opportunity to:

• live in Mexico and learn more about the Mexican traditions and culture;
• make friends with Guides and Scouts from around the World;
• improve your knowledge of WAGGGS, its Member Organizations, themes, projects, regions and World Centres;
• help run programmes and activities for participants;
• develop new skills and abilities;
• be part of Service Projects in the local community;
• visit local historical and archaeological places;
• and much, much more!

The volunteers come to Our Cabaña for a period of between 6 and 10 weeks depending on the seasons and the type of volunteer.

The closing date to receive applications for our Summer season of 2010 (June-September) is December 20, 2009. Contact Our Cabaña for further information about volunteer opportunities ourcabana@ourcabana.org.mx.

JULIE MILLER - Outgoing Outdoor Activities Manager

 

Why did you take on the job of Outdoor Activities Manager?

I had been the Tasmanian Outdoor Activities Consultant for 5 years and during that time nothing had been happening in the outdoors at the Australian level.  I was quite cross and wanted things to happen, so I thought instead of being cross I could make it happen. I had just retired from work and needed a challenge.

Have you been challenged?
Oh yes.  I have learnt a lot more about myself. The good and bad.  My writing skills still need improvement but people say I am enthusiastic and passionate.  Concentrating at long meetings is difficult. I have also learnt the difference between governance and management. Very important!!!!

What was the highlight of your time?
For people who know me I would say completing and implementing the kayak training modules.

But really it was having dinner at Kirribilli House with the wife of the Governor General – Mrs Jeffrey.We wore dress up clothes and the dinner, the house and the atmosphere were fantastic. We were shown around the public rooms and then out into the garden to look over the water. From there the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is magnificent.

What about the people?
Girl Guides is blessed with fantastic people who work so hard. Lynne Price has shown her guts and determination to grow Guides by implementing incredible change to the structure of GGA.  To the local Leader it would seem to have no impact but it will.

The managers I have worked with have all put aside their state hats and focused on their role of thinking and acting nationally for the good of Guiding. They are great people.
Everyone, well nearly everyone(!), is so positive and easy to get along with.  This makes hard work fun.  Especially when you can see progress.

Has this finished you in Guiding?

No. I am a slow learner.  I have a new project.  I am the convenor for the next Australian camp in 2013.  It is called fanTASti­c     
I also still run my Guide unit and have fun with the girls there.

Last words

It has been very challenging, lots of work but also lots of fun. I would recommend it to everyone. If I can do it then I am sure lots of you can also.

And yes an advert.  Come to Tassie in 2013. Meet the devil and have a devil of a time.

AT

 

 

Julie Miller
Outdoor Activities Manager - outgoing

Advocacy

MDG 7

What your new mobile phone means to the environment…

Guides Australia has partnered up with Clean Up Australia to recycle old mobile phones, with $1.50 going back to Guides for every mobile phone recycled. The Olave Program is championing this project for Girl Guides Australia, but we want EVERYONE involved.

This is a great opportunity for Guides to get out and show the community what we are all about, while also helping the planet.

Through the recycling of mobile phones we can help reduce the amount of e-waste going into landfill each day.

E-waste is a waste type consisting of any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic appliance and is fast becoming a very serious issue with its growth rate three times than that of general waste.

Bags and publicity material will be arriving soon, so you can get out their and start recycling.

Amy Campbell

OBP

Bright, shiny and new…

Well, the finishing touches are being done on the new OBP Syllabus and will be circulated shortly.

The new syllabus is structured around the Olave Framework, providing a more logical structure for our peak achievement award.

The document also provides new instructions that provide us all with more clarity, including a Plan of Action Template, and timeline.

And in case of problems, there is a new dispute resolution procedure.

So watch this space, it’ll be out in time for Christmas!

Jacqui Siebel
Olave Program Manager

Olave at COP15 - United Nations Climate Change Conference

The Copenhagen Climate Change Summit (COP 15) is in Denmark this December.

From 4-8 December 2009, Olave Participants and leaders - Allison Hooper, 24 yrs, Petina Blackwell, 25 yrs, and Nellie Mair, 22 yrs, will join 19 young women from around the world at COP15 to form the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts’ (WAGGGS) youth delegation in support of environmental protection.

Also heading to Denmark is Tasmanian Guide Leader, Abyilene McGuire, 26 yrs, who will join the Australian Koala Foundation’s (AKF) delegation on behalf of Girl Guides Australia – a gold sponsor of the AKF. Abyilene will promote the plight of the koala and the effects of climate change on the much loved native Australian animal.

All four participants are keen guides, spread across the country - from Tassie through to the NT via Vic and Queensland! Abyilene, Nellie and Petina were Taking the Lead Participants.

Linden Edgell, an Australian who is Deputy Chair of WAGGGS, will lead the Delegation.

The WAGGGS delegation will unite with more than 20,000 representatives from 170 countries who are expected to attend the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, an important opportunity to establish a new global climate agreement before the Kyoto protocol expires in 2012.

You can watch their journey through the Girl Guides Australia Website. They’ll be keeping us all in the loop as they go.

Clockwise from top left: Abyilene McGuire, Allison Hooper, Nellie Mair and Petina Blackwell.

Events

How to celebrate 100 years of awesomeness - Olave’s at GIRLS CELEBRATE – QUEENSLAND

Ingredients:
Location
Planes, trains and automobiles
3,500 girl guides
100 years of Guiding
BP’s ancestors
Fun and adventure
Bubbles

Method:
Take any combination of planes trains and automobiles, alter duration to suit departure point
Arrive at your chosen location (Kindilan) with travel buddies, newly acquired random Guides, and shiny shoes
Select appropriate sleeping arrangements and try not to get wet, roll out of the tent, or get squished
Find a precarious bum spot on a dam wall to join in on campfire and Guides Own, and open Centenary celebrations.  Ensure all gathered can hear you, no matter how large or small the contingent.  Add in some campfire songs, necessary VIPs, cool flying lanterns and microphones.
Combine night activities or option of sleep with a bit of precipitation, thunder and lightening.  Add snoring and sleep talking to taste.
Carefully rise next morning to the sight of camels and a boxed breakfast.  Stir in anticipation of day’s activities, whilst sensibly removing overnight rain and morning grumpy faces.
Gradually mix together farm animals, carnival rides, coffee, ice cream, chocolate, shopping, activity pods, forums, inspiring presentations, a musical extravaganza and some dancing.  Sprinkle in old and new friends in random situations.  Continue for a total of 48 hours.

To complete process pour all guides into a tent, fill same with bubbles, laughter and thanks. Ensure you are seated correctly, inform those around that you are indeed over 18 and an Olave participant!

Return to planes, trains and automobiles, promising to share photos and videos taken during the process.

Finally, make certain that everyone knows what an awesome time it was while planning your next Guiding adventure (Darwin 2010 anyone??!!).