The Guides may have been around for over a century, but 2013 is certainly proving that they’re as relevant as ever. Back in April, we cheered as they pledged their support to the brilliant No More Page 3 campaign – alongside lending their voice to raise awareness of an important issue, it demonstrated a commitment to their members to boost self-esteem and to make young girls aware of their importance as individuals rather than objects.
This week, Girlguiding UK has declared its intentions to update the Guide’s Promise, which is used to induct new members and volunteers. From the 1st September, the words ‘to be true to myself and develop my beliefs’ will replace ‘to love my God’, and the phrase ‘to serve the Queen and my country’ will be changed to ‘to serve the Queen and my community’.
The updated wording was shaped through an open consultation with over 44,000 people – girls and adults, members and non-members – over two months. The new Promise continues to reflect the organization’s commitment to build confidence, raise aspirations and help its members to grow into their full potential. However, the hope is that the new wording will promote an even greater feeling of inclusivity and open up the organization to new participants.
As many of us here in the Funny Women office are ex-Guides ourselves, we’re thrilled to hear this news. As is fellow ex-Guide Huffington Post Comedy editor Andrea Mann. Girlguiding UK are a fantastic organization, and provide the tools to help their young members develop into strong, confident young women. We wish them all the best of luck with their new Promise and hope that it allows even more members to benefit from their brilliant work.
