Being a member of the Europe Region Advocacy Group
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Without this support, I wouldn’t be able be a member of the Advocacy Group and represent WAGGGS at European meetings. Working politically for WAGGGS has been one of the greatest challenges I’ve taken on in Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting, as I didn’t have much experience beforehand in this kind of work, only a great interest in topics involving girls and young women, human rights etc. Through this work I’ve learned a lot about myself, met a huge amount of interesting people, challenged myself by speaking out in front of large audiences, and learned how important the work done by international organisations such as WAGGGS is. One of the highlights so far has been working with the "All Different, All Equal", organized by the Council of Europe. I attended a symposium where I could participate in shaping the campaign, which was very challenging and exciting. I also attended the closing of the campaign, and got to see the projects which were created as a result of the campaign. I often get questions from people about the work I do, and what I gain from it. For me, the most important result of WAGGGS’ advocacy work is that we, as an organisation and as young women, have a voice that is heard by the large political institutions in
Tove Iren Lea
"My name is Tove Iren Lea, and I’m from a
small town on the south-west coast of Norway. I became a Brownie Guide when I was 9 years old,
and since then Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting has become
a huge part of my life.
Through regional, national and international camps I met a lot of interesting people from all over the world, discussed interesting topics and I got the feeling that it is possible to make the world a better place for all. This triggered an interest for me in the international aspects of Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting, and I began by becoming a member of the regional board in my association. I was fortunate to participate in the Juliette Low Seminar in Our Cabaña in 2003, which inspired me to volunteer to become a member of the external relations group in the Europe Region WAGGGS, I also became a member of the national board of my association, and International Commissioner.
As a student it was easy to travel and get time off for my voluntary work for WAGGGS but how would it be when I started working as a teacher? Luckily my employers really support my voluntary work, and I get paid time off when I need it, My employer thinks political work and being engaged in society is very valuable to me as an individual, because I get a great experience that I take with me into the class room, and therefore it is also valuable to my school and the students I teach.
Norway