Today was a big day for us....West Coast Area Girl Guides hosted a booth at the Vancouver Pride Festival.
The response we received was overwhelming! People were so happy we were there and we heard over and over that it was long over due. Many people were surprised to see us and to hear that we are an inclusive organization. I was moved by many stories of LGBT people who had taken part in Guides and Scouts as children and who felt it made a huge difference in their life. I was deeply saddened by one woman that we talked to who long ago had been kicked out of Guides for being lesbian. One of my favorite moments was when three young women walked by and slowed down and one girl turned to the other and said "wow...Girl Guides love gays!" I just wanted to give her a huge hug!
I also met a sweet young man who had grown up in guides and credits it as being one of the saving graces in his younger years. We had a great talk about his involvement and he even bought a bunch of cookies! He challenged us to know more about the process for young people who are transitioning and curious.
Many people were sad to hear that Scouts were not taking part and hoped that they would follow us to the festival next year!
I am so proud to be part of an organization that values people over sexuality/race/religion! It was a quite a journey for us to get to pride this year and we came up against lots of opposition even within our own organization. People are always afraid of what they don't know. I think they will be happy with what we have to show them!
We handed out all our adult registration forms and a whole bunch of girls forms. We even have to phone province to let them know that TONS of people will be calling for cookie info!
Here are some pics from the event!
Want to join us??
Girl Guides is always looking for volunteers for units, advisers or helpers! Come as you are and get in where you fit in! You don't have to have any past experience, you just need to have a desire to make a difference in the lives of young girls.
The response we received was overwhelming! People were so happy we were there and we heard over and over that it was long over due. Many people were surprised to see us and to hear that we are an inclusive organization. I was moved by many stories of LGBT people who had taken part in Guides and Scouts as children and who felt it made a huge difference in their life. I was deeply saddened by one woman that we talked to who long ago had been kicked out of Guides for being lesbian. One of my favorite moments was when three young women walked by and slowed down and one girl turned to the other and said "wow...Girl Guides love gays!" I just wanted to give her a huge hug!
I also met a sweet young man who had grown up in guides and credits it as being one of the saving graces in his younger years. We had a great talk about his involvement and he even bought a bunch of cookies! He challenged us to know more about the process for young people who are transitioning and curious.
Many people were sad to hear that Scouts were not taking part and hoped that they would follow us to the festival next year!
I am so proud to be part of an organization that values people over sexuality/race/religion! It was a quite a journey for us to get to pride this year and we came up against lots of opposition even within our own organization. People are always afraid of what they don't know. I think they will be happy with what we have to show them!
We handed out all our adult registration forms and a whole bunch of girls forms. We even have to phone province to let them know that TONS of people will be calling for cookie info!
Here are some pics from the event!
Girl Guides is always looking for volunteers for units, advisers or helpers! Come as you are and get in where you fit in! You don't have to have any past experience, you just need to have a desire to make a difference in the lives of young girls.
Vision
Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada, the organization of choice for girls and women, makes a positive difference in the life of every girl and woman who experiences Guiding so she can contribute responsibly to her communities.
Mission
Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada enables girls to be confident, resourceful and courageous, and to make a difference in the world.
Values
The stated values for Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada are stipulated in the Promise and Law.
Promise
I Promise to do my best,
To be true to myself, my beliefs and Canada
I will take action for a better world
And respect the Guiding Law
I will take action for a better world
And respect the Guiding Law
Law
The Guiding Law challenges me to:
- be honest and trustworthy
- use my resources wisely
- respect myself and others
- recognize and use my talents and abilities
- protect our common environment
- live with courage and strength
- share in the sisterhood of Guiding.
Visit us at www.girlguides.ca if you want some more information, or drop me an email!
Comments
YIG, Bri