24th World Conf report.doc
Version date: Oct. 10, 2005
Page 44 / 52
ISGF 24
th
World Conference 2005
Conference Report
them some time in the Conference programmes to speak about ISGF. Many individual
contacts were made and it is our hope that these contacts have been followed up.
I think that it is fair to say that both WAGGGS and ISGF are most developed in the Europe
Region. Now that ISGF and WAGGGS Europe have their offices in the same building we can
expect a very close working relationship. Also in Europe, WAGGGS works very closely with
WOSM, so perhaps there are partnership opportunities involving all three of us.
Already the Europe Region WAGGGS and the European Committee of ISGF have started to
talk about how we can co-operate on Community Development Projects. Seeing how the
members of ISGF fellowships are keeping the spirit of service alive should and will serve as
an inspiration to others, especially the young people.
In the Africa Region, there is a similar desire for both world organizations to work together in
community activities.
This type of work requires close linking and communications with the WAGGGS'
membership in each country and we would strongly encourage this type of relationship.
National Level
At National level, there is confusion in some countries about the adult status of membership
of WAGGGS versus membership of ISGF. Member organizations of WAGGGS have varying
rules about adult membership. WAGGGS does not interfere with how the national
associations organize themselves, so long as the focus is on work with girls and young
women.
In October 2002, the Director of WAGGGS World Bureau wrote to all WAGGGS Member
Organizations stating that (I quote) `WAGGGS World Board encourages all Member
Organizations to cooperate with the ISGF Member Organization if there is one in your
country. We also encourage you to promote that national ISGF Member Organization to all
adults who may no longer be prepared to serve your own National Association in a
leadership position but who still wish to support Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting in a less active
manner. Many Member Organizations have directly benefited from help and encouragement
provided by ISGF Member Organizations, which help to keep former members in touch with
the Movement and provide opportunities to offer support in a variety of forms from time to
time." (unquote)
At this moment I am now wondering if the WAGGGS Member Organizations appreciate that
it is their Trefoil Guilds who are the potential members of ISGF. Perhaps WAGGGS could do
a little more to promote Trefoil Guilds and their subsequent membership of ISGF. WAGGGS
is aware that there is a huge untapped resource in its alumni and will work to harness this in
the coming triennium. We see this as an opportunity to work more closely with ISGF
Local Level
At local level, the involvement of members of Trefoil Guilds with the everyday running of
group meetings and special events varies enormously. I am sure that the leaders would not
tolerate interference, but many would welcome help.
One of WAGGGS' three goals for the next triennium is to develop strong leadership. There
has never been a time when community leadership has been more important. Having strong
community leaders who are able to shepherd a community into a cohesive and mutually
responsible society is something to which Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting can contribute. Our unit
