Girl Guides of Canada

Greetings, My name is Annalea. I am a Ranger and have been apart of Girl Guides since I was 10 years old.

Why are you in Guiding?

I am a part of Girl Guides mainly to contribute back to my community and network with like-minded youth. To learn life-skills, go camping and enjoy the outdoors and network to find companions to create positive experiences and make memories and friendship along the way. I joined Girl Guides because my mother recognized my familial and social circle was very small at no fault of our own. She did not want me to grow up isolated and limited by not having a support network and tried to find a community resource that would inspire me. I am into Guiding and continue to be as it has provided me a safe space and has been an anchor of stability in my life.

Why did you want to join the Youth Council?

I wanted to be on the National Youth Council because I wanted to personally contribute towards the efforts to celebrate and acknowledge that GGOC is a safe space and fantastic organization. I wanted to learn what other Guiders experiences were from across Canada. I wanted to bring forward the understanding of intersectionalities and how that impacts our members, programing and how to evolve and become more responsive as times change the social normalacies. I personally have zero tolerance for bullying and have lived experience of being targeted due to my marginalization even as a final year high school student. I wanted to ensure I help invest and protect safe spaces in our community (like Girl Guides), where vulnerabilities and identities are respected and supported because bullying does not end in grade school and it has long-term impacts on mental health. This organization has continued to be my safe space throughout my life. I wish to continue the provision of safe spaces for my fellow and future guides, because GGC are my chosen family.

What are your goals for the year?

My goals for the year would be discussing and promoting avenues of empowerment to amplify awareness for the need of equity so Guides who go out and provide services in our communities are more aware of real world issues by being global citizens well versed with Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity & Anti Racism (DEI-AR) and Sustainable Development Goals for environmental justice delivered in an age appropriate capacity. There should be no fear or stigma to be civically engaged and being the change we want to see in the world as Advocates and Allies. Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

A fun fact about me is that I have participated in numerous youth leadership opportunities and attended youth conferences. That ranges from pageants with crowns and dresses to being the Chair on my GGC Provincial Youth Forum, to being a youth ambassador for STEM and getting the opportunity to speak to an astronaut while they were on board the International Space Station, or being apart of my province's Youth Parliament and to sit in The House of Assembly to discuss local provincial issues. Don't be afraid to try and apply; you never know where one opportunity might take you.

Why are you in Guiding?

Guiding has always been a safe space for me, somewhere I can be myself in my element and without judgment. It’s given me the best experiences, opportunities, and the best friends and community. In my 13 years of Guiding, I’ve been able to connect with people across Canada and work on projects that make a real difference. Guiding has shaped who I am today and continues to inspire me to create positive change.

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council because I believe youth voices are powerful and Guiding is stronger when girls and young women are directly involved in shaping it. Having already served at the local and provincial levels, I wanted to bring my perspective nationally, contribute to big-picture initiatives, and help create a Guiding experience that is meaningful, inclusive, and inspiring for others.

What are your goals for the year?

My goals this year are to amplify youth perspectives in decision-making, help increase engagement at both the local and national levels, especially for older youth and girls, and work on projects that empower girls to see themselves as leaders. I also hope to bring creativity to the council, strengthen collaboration between members, and ensure the work we do leaves a lasting impact on the future of Guiding.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

A fun fact about me is that I once helped design and lead the GirlJam scavenger hunt with my Hub team. I also love calligraphy and painting, which I’ve turned into workshops for Guiding!

Why are you in Guiding?

I am in Guiding because it continues to shape me as a person and gives me a platform to share my voice. I have been involved in many initiatives to improve my community and I was always supported by my leaders and fellow members in Girl Guides. I also love to go on trips and spend time outdoors and Guiding is the perfect way to do so.

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council to advocate for the needs of my province, along with the needs of Guides and Lones. Furthermore, I love the prospect of connecting with members around the country with a shared interest in Guiding and volunteering. I have never been able to share my voice on a national platform such as the National Youth Council, so I am very excited for what’s to come!

What are your goals for the year?

My goals for the year as part of the National Youth Council are to create more travel opportunities for members, such as another national camp. I would also love to start creating a plan for an international trip to one of the WAGGGS World Centres. These trips would be an amazing opportunity to create cross-cultural understanding and strengthen the bond between Girl Guides of Canada and other Guiding countries around the world. Additionally, I would like to uplift the voices of members through nationwide polls and surveys to analyze the needs of our Guiding community. I would also like to create a new challenge around mental health training so that members are better informed about mental health crises and how they can help. As for my personal goals, I hope to graduate from high school this year with honors and become more involved in my community.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I spent a year in Germany as an exchange student! I was able to visit many cities in Germany, along with other European countries like Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Denmark, and Italy.

Why are you in Guiding?

Guiding has always been a type of home for me, a place where I feel safe to be myself and not be judged regarding who I choose to be. It’s a given once it’s your 13th year as a Girl Guide. I was extremely lucky in the community I grew up in, the kids that I grew to love extraordinarily in being a Junior Leader, and in the leaders who taught me everything I know. I never wanted to leave. Not only does Guiding continue to aid me in pursuing my aspirations and building better relationships, it teaches me that there’s no limit on what you can be and achieve.

Why did you want to join the Nayional Youth Council?

I enjoyed my time tremendously on the Quebec Youth Forum, and wished to learn more about how I can volunteer more of my time to GGC. As well, I wished that all Guides across Canada can have a very similar experience to me in Girl Guides, where they can learn that to be themselves is all that matters. I believe that the National Youth Council was a beautiful opportunity.

What are your goals for the year?

I hope to develop beautiful flourishing relationships with not only my National Youth Council, but, as well as the Guides that I will be representing across Canada. Hopefully, this time, they won’t be done entirely through a screen.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

Writing comes naturally to me, you can call me the water fountain of words. Whether it be poetry, a diary, a speech. I will always have something to say. It’s likely why I weirdly enjoy my job as a Cashier at my retail job.

Why are you in Guiding?

When I first joined Guiding as a second-year Ember, I was really looking forward to learning new skills and making friends. Nine years later, I’ve made so many lasting friendships and have loved doing all sorts of meeting activities, from making slime to building bird houses. The weekly meetings from Embers to Rangers have always created safe spaces for learning and growth, and I enjoy every minute I spend with my fellow Girl Guides!

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council because I love getting involved in my community, especially the Girl Guide community, and would love to be a voice for Girl Guides at a National level. I became a Junior Leader for an Ember unit last year, and really enjoyed helping create a positive Guiding environment for the younger girls, and so I was eager to continue my engagement in the NYC. I was also really interested in meeting Girl Guides from across Canada, and learning about their experiences in Guiding.

What are your goals for the year?

My goals for the year are to get to know and learn from members from all over Canada, and to advocate for more forums and other engagement opportunities for members. Also, I would like to learn more about what decision-making processes look like at a national level in Girl Guides of Canada and use what I learn to help ensure that Guiding continues to be a safe, fun and inclusive space for all our members.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I’ve been in French Immersion since I was 4 years old, and really love learning French. One day I hope to travel to Quebec and test my speaking skills in a francophone environment. Who knows? Maybe it’ll be through Guiding that I get to visit Quebec!

Why are you in Guiding?

Hi! I’m Pooji, and I’m in my last year of Rangers. Ever since I joined Sparks, Guiding has allowed me to discover more about myself through various experiences! Through Guiding, I have been learning important skills, developing meaningful friendships, and exploring what the world has to offer.

Why did you want to join the Nayional Youth Council?

I wanted to join the National Youth Council because I am passionate about making a difference! Guiding has had a positive impact on my life. I’m always looking for new ways to give back to the community by supporting members on their journeys of discovering both themselves and the world! I strive to help make Girl Guides of Canada an even more welcoming and inclusive space. The National Youth Council will help me gain a broader, national perspective when considering different social issues which will shape my future.

What are your goals for the year?

This year I want to focus on promoting the opportunities Guiding offers to members. Whether that’s international travel, networking events, camping, or fun challenges, Girl Guides of Canada allows members of all ages to engage in Guiding in many ways. I want to help members learn more about how to personalize and make the most out of their Guiding experience!

Share a fun fact about yourself.

You can always find me either listening to Taylor Swift or reading a fantasy book!

Why are you in Guiding?

My choice to join Guiding came just three years ago during the pandemic. At this point in my life I didn’t feel like there was a true place for me as many of the communities I was a part of didn’t feel like places I was valued. As I was in contact sports, we also weren’t allowed to meet. I learned about Guiding from a friend and so I joined her Pathfinder unit. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Guiding, however that summer I attended a provincial summer camp and had the absolute time of my life. The camp taught me a lot of lessons that I carry with me and for the first time since joining Girl Guides I felt like I truly belonged. From here onwards, I decided that Girl Guides was where I wanted to be.

Why did you want to join the Youth Council?

Joining the National Youth Council has actually been a small goal of mine since my first year of Rangers; I didn’t think about it very much though until I joined the ANY Council Youth Forum where I've served until now. I enjoyed my time there significantly and will take away many memories and friendships. Additionally, I learned a lot more about the role and importance of youth voice in Guiding and I decided that I wanted to do more. Having joined Guiding a lot later that many of my peers, I realized I had a very different perspective and approach to many problems Guiding is facing regarding retention of older members and recruitment.

What are your goals for the year?

As I enter my final year as a Ranger and youth member my biggest goals are to learn more and make some lasting happy memories I can take with me into the rest of my life. In regards to the National Youth Council, my goals are to keep learning about the inner workings of Girl Guides, create connections, and continue to share my voice in order to advocate for those who may not be able to.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I am a very active person. I believe sports and being active are very important to a healthy lifestyle. I’ve been in a lot of sports throughout my life including running, dance, wrestling, and sailing! I am also an avid hiker. My favourite sport is probably sailing though and recently I’ve become a sailing instructor which has been a big dream of mine since I started sailing at the age of 7.

Why are you in Guiding?

Girl Guides has shaped who I am; it has given me a place to try new things and broaden my horizons surrounding both what I am capable of and the person I could be. It has fostered a place to make lifelong friends and several camp blankets worth of memories. More than anything, Guiding has assured me that there is a place for my story to be told and my voice to be heard.

Why did you want to join the National Youth Council?

After serving on the ANY Youth Forum, I experienced firsthand the importance and impact of prioritizing youth voices and advocacy. I was interested in lending my voice to create deeper, more systemic changes by influencing national-level Girl Guide governance and initiatives, so I knew I wanted to venture into the big bustling world of the National Youth Council.

What are your goals for the year?

I’m interested in building meaningful connections with the people around me (and hopefully throughout the country), and working on projects and initiatives to make them as fulfilling and impactful as possible. I hope to work with a people-orientated mindset, and to never take for granted this opportunity to advocate for my peers – other Girl Guides in Canada!

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I love to dance, especially ballet and contemporary. It combines my love for being both creative and active.

Why are you in Guiding?

I started Guiding as a way to make friends, but over the years, I stayed in Guiding because of the lovely people, safe environment and overall acceptance in the Guiding community.

Why did you want to join the Nayional Youth Council?

Guiding is such a big part of my life, and now that I am in the last few years as a Ranger, I thought it would be good to take a step forward and join the National Youth Council.

What are your goals for the year?

For the next year I hope that I can bring happiness to others as Guiding has given to me. My goal for the next year is to ensure that the youth in Guiding are as excited about Guiding as I am.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I have been in Guiding for nearly 12 years and an interesting fact about me is that I have been in Guides in two provinces in Canada and I have lived overseas in Dubai for three years of my life.

Why are you in Guiding?

I was introduced to Guiding when I was six years old. My mom was a Girl Guide in Bangladesh and she wanted her daughters to have the same memorable experiences she had. As I got older, I decided to stay in Guiding because of the opportunities and confidence it gave me. Not only did I learn about a wide variety of topics, but I was encouraged to authentically be myself and I was shown the impact I could have as an individual in my community and this world.

Why did you want to join the Youth council?

I wanted to join the Youth Council because I thought it would be a great opportunity to have my voice heard in the organization and make an impact on the thousands of girls across Canada.

What are your goals for the year?

My goals for this year are to encourage more connections between the Youth Forums and the National Youth Council and to continue to drive the girl voice in decisions that are made in the organization.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I am a polyglot and can speak 5 different languages and am currently attempting to learn two more!