Blogging catch-up

WAGGGS Conferences are whirlwind experiences. The days pass so quickly. Extending our waking hours helped us pack in as much as possible while we were in Hong Kong but inevitably we couldn't quite keep pace with our blogging. So...here's a catch-up entry... 

Conference business

Among our priorities for the World Conference was to lobby for the new WAGGGS Constitution as explained in blog posts by Jo and Angela. We were delighted that the vote went through on Wednesday. 

Another important motion related to the fees that Member Organisations pay to WAGGGS. Delegations were asked to vote on an alternative method for calculating the amount each Member Organisation pays. As with the method that has been used over many years, the alternative approach would use the size of an organisation (according to membership numbers) and the country's wealth (according to Gross National Income Per Capita) to determine the amount owed to WAGGGS. But, among the proposed changes, there would be increased transparency, with a standard 'rate-per-girl', and a greater number of bands for applying discounts according to the wealth of a country.

I spoke to Girlguiding's Trustees about the impact of this motion  back in April and was pleased to receive the mandate to vote for the alternative method which is fairer to Member Organisations facing financial challenges. Other delegations agreed and the vote was passed.

Europe gathering

On Tuesday morning each of the WAGGGS Regions (Africa, Arab, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Western Hemisphere) hosted a meeting. 

There was a lively atmosphere in the Europe gathering as the Committee updated us on some excellent progress since the Europe Conference in Berlin last summer. Among their achievements they have shifted the Committee's responsibilities towards a more strategic role, have recruited groups of volunteers to support priority areas including external relations and mentoring, and held a successful event in May focused on working with men and boys on gender equality.

Looking to the future, we heard about plans for the next Roverway which will take place over 3-14 August 2016. Teams of Guides and Scouts aged 16-22 will travel on paths across France undertaking a number of challenges along the way.

Girlguiding UK's Amanda Medler, Vice Chair of the Europe Committee, was among the speakers and the UK delegation gave her a big cheer!