GOLD in our Communities

Although our GOLD project will be delivered in Estonia, it also gives each of us the opportunity to spread the word of GOLD and Guiding in our local communities. Check out what each of our members have been up to!

Alyson: Being selected for GOLD has given me the opportunity to enlighten and expand existing knowledge people have of GOLD within Guiding. It has also given me the chance to inform work colleagues more about Guiding is and how it is not just in this country, but it is a world wide organisation with the aid of WAGGGS. Letting them know that UK Guiding you are 1 in 10,000,000 whereas in Estonia it's more like 1 in 200. 

Some of Emily's Guiding Family

Emily: I have been telling all my Guiding family and young leaders about what GOLD's aims are. I have run rent-a-guider evenings and told them what GOLD does overseas for Guiding. I have forwarded application forms to those I know in addition to sharing the information on Facebook. 

Margaret: Talking to people at university most don't seem to realise that Guiding extends to more than just the odd group that meet at the church hall. GOLD has opened conversations about Guiding worldwide and the importance of the work WAGGGS does in representing women in 146 countries. I have also found people are surprised that there are opportunities available for women of all ages and that I am still involved because I am still learning and having fun. I feel that with increasing pressure on young people giving girls a space to grow up as well rounded individuals is increasingly vital and talking about Guiding and the reasons why I volunteer allow others to see how important it is to over 10 million girls worldwide!

Tamara at Westminster Abbey

Tamara: This year, I have struggled with health problems, but every opportunity I get out is another opportunity to spread the word about Guiding and GOLD. Work, district meetings, camp, large-scale activities at a local-ish campsite, even the ANZAC Day ceremony at Westminster Abbey (by the start of the ceremony, everyone around me knew about GOLD!). It has also given me an opportunity to re-connect with my previous Guiding experience in Australia - where there are now Brownies and Guides completing our Estonia Badge. Wherever I go, GOLD has become a talking point, and I just hope the people I meet leave with a greater understanding of Guiding and GOLD. 

Katie: Being selected for GOLD has made my local area more aware of what amazing international opportunities can provide senior section members and younger leaders who thought these opportunities ended at 16. I organised a fundraising curry and quiz night which over 70 of my family and Guiding and Scouting friends attended. During the evening I explained the reasons why were going to Estonia and what our aims were and everyone was surprised what the GOLD scheme meant. When discussing this with the guides at camp they could not believe how small the Estonian guide association was which is smaller than the amount of guides on camp that weekend.


Just by reading our blog, and following us on Facebook and Twitter, you are helping to spread the word about GOLD as well! We challenge everyone to tell someone else about our project this week, and see how many new followers we can amass!