Cookie sales are not enough – Paris Guiding needs your help

By Sue Lockett, Paris Guiding Volunteer

Girls can do amazing things Sometimes they just need a safe environment, some skill-building, and a little encouragement Unfortunately, these local spaces for girl empowerment are at risk

More specifically, the future of Guiding programs in Paris is at risk. Presently there are at least seven girls on the waiting list for Girl Guides who were not able to join a Guiding unit this year. In June, when my Ember Unit's second-year girls graduate...there will not be enough spaces in Guides for them to continue.

What is the solution? How do we ensure these girls, and the ones who follow them, have a place to learn and grow?

As much as we greatly appreciate our community’s support of fundraisers and cookie sales, additional funds will not solve this situation The only thing that will is more volunteers

How about you, would you consider volunteering as a guiding leader, either occasionally or full-time? You do not need to have specific skills or have been a Girl Guide. You do not need to have a daughter in the program.

Genevieve Berube and I are first-time leaders of the 5th Paris Embers (Brownies) Unit. Yes, taking on unit leadership is a significant time commitment. However, many hands make lighter work, and as a pair or group, several women can more easily take this on together

If you have ever considered volunteering some of your time one night a week, or once in a while, get in touch with us and come shadow a meeting. These girls will warm your heart, I guarantee it.

If there's enough interest we'd be happy to host a coffee chat for you to discover how rewarding volunteering with Guiding can be. It might just be the thing that is missing in your life.

Find out what the buzz is all about! Recently Guiding has been in the news as 'Brownie' units have changed their name to something more inclusive: Embers That means

Everyone Will Feel More Welcome

Guiding programs in Paris are at risk because there are not enough Guide volunteers - do you want to get involved with the local units?

As a volunteer, not only will you assist in providing mentorship and guidance for girls, but you are also joining a sisterhood of incredible women. You will form friendships, access valuable free leadership training and even international travel is possible. You will learn things you never thought possible. New to town and still getting to know our community? The Guiding program takes you to many small businesses, different venues, and areas of recreation in our town and beyond What better way to get to know your community and feel like you really belong? As a rapidly growing community surely we can amend this situation. Embers (Brownies) is not just meeting in a church basement sitting around a toadstool. Yes, we all need a little bit of that magic in our lives, but it's more about science experiments, female entrepreneurs, robots, creating works of art, learning about household budgeting, and improving your mental and physical health.

Help us to develop future female leaders of our community by maintaining a strong Guiding program Contact 5thparisb@gmail com or Sue at 519-503-5847