Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My name is Emily and I am a leader for Girlguiding UK ( https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/ ).  I have been a member of Girlguiding from a very young age, and have always loved the plethora of skills and experiences it has provided over the years. After becoming a leader, I found a new-found passion and enthusiasm for providing diverse opportunities to all girls, in order to empower and advocate for females taking the lead, and encouraging young girls and women to follow their goals, and not feel the need to conform to societal stereotypes, embracing differences and the shared Girlguiding ethos. 

Girlguiding has helped me get to where I am today- by providing opportunities to volunteer that have been pivotal outside of Guiding. Girlguiding has provided the stage to develop so many translatable skills and its value really can’t be underestimated, alongside the forming of lifelong friendships. 

When I heard about GOLD (Guiding Overseas Linked with Development) I was immediately interested. The idea of helping communities across the world while meeting new people sounded exciting and a way to make a difference. While offering an opportunity to challenge myself. 

GOLD ( https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/international-adventures/gold/ )  has been working with member countries of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) for 30 years. GOLD empowers young women to work in partnership with other guide associations around the world, previously pioneering projects to help end  violence against women and girls in Malawi, to encouraging young leaders in Latvia. 

In order to be part of a GOLD team I had to attend a selection weekend last September (2021), with leaders from all across the UK and abroad. We had to work in lots of different groups and take on brand new challenges and tasks. As a result I was lucky enough to be selected to be part of a team for 2022. 

Due to COVID-19 this project will be delivered virtually during Summer 2022! Over the coming weeks and months we will find out more about our team and decide on specific aims for our project, which will be shared . Despite being virtual costs are still incurred planning, supplying resources and attending team meetings/ briefing weekends to enable the success of our GOLD project in Europe (Georgia) !