Meet our new international commissioner

'It’s great to be able to introduce myself to you as we approach one of the days that connects us most closely to our role in international guiding – World Thinking Day. I’ll be celebrating with my unit by coming together in our district and delivering an evening of activities based on the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Thinking Day activity pack (PDF). It’s always a brilliant celebration and a great way for our local volunteers to connect as well as show my young members how big the world of guiding is.

In Girlguiding, I found a place I could be myself.

'I’ve been in guiding since I was 10 years old and a girl at my new school told me about this group she went to every Wednesday. I never looked back. I found a place I could have fun and be myself – I found my voice and from being a very shy child have learnt to speak up and believe in myself. I am in guiding today because I hope to provide that opportunity for others.

When I saw the international commissioner role advertised last year I couldn’t resist. It combines so much of what I am passionate about – connecting with the world and providing opportunities for young members to explore their role as international citizens.

I am very privileged to get to do this role and I hope I can bring my passion and values to bear as we navigate how we do ‘international’ well for young members today.'

My first international trip

'My first trip away was as a Ranger to Canada with a wonderful group and leaders who were incredibly committed to empowering young women (thank you Pauline and Janet, I hope you are reading this!). This trip really inspired me and continued to grow my confidence. I have subsequently led trips for my units, at county and region level as well as led trips in my day job which is about working in low income and under-served communities to provide more opportunities for young people. It is the most exciting and challenging work I have done.'

Making international experiences accessible

'One of the challenges we have always faced is how we make international experiences accessible.

How do we bring the connection and excitement of the world to our young members and fellow volunteers? How do we balance the considerations of environmental impact?'

'These are the right questions to ask ourselves. I don’t have all the answers but I know that between us – the volunteers who care as passionately as I do and the young members we work with – we can work it out. I don’t believe there is a single answer. I think inclusion is about opportunities for all. We need to understand the young members we work with and ask them how to meet their needs and ambitions.

'International experiences and adventure mean different things to everyone – visiting another country might be beyond many but connecting with other cultures through food, activities, local opportunities could be available to all of us. Packing a bag for a trip and ‘visiting’ a new place can take place in a unit meeting or on an overnight experience down the road. I have seen the most inspirational and creative things achieved in this movement – I look forward to exploring further with you.'

I want to hear your ideas

'Over the coming months we'll be consulting you and your young members about what the future could look like. We want to hear your challenges and worries but also your ideas and the brilliant things you've been doing to bring international to life to so many already. I look forward to hearing from you and hope you will get in touch over email.'