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Original poster

GirlGuiding to consult on review of the Promise

31 replies

EcoLady · 03/12/2012 17:08

Just received this... interesting.

The Promise is guiding?s beating heart ? it?s the core expression of our values and the common standard that brings us all together. But over the past few years we have heard from more and more girls and Leaders who struggle with the wording, particularly in interpreting what it really means to girls today.

Girlguiding UK is committed to retaining a Promise that is in line with its original principles, but we know it?s crucial that girls and young women understand and believe in the words they say. That?s why, in the 2012-14 Strategic Plan agreed by the Executive Committee, it was decided to invite all members as well as other interested parties to discuss the Promise wording.

We know feelings are strong and wide-ranging. This is why everyone?s opinion matters. In January 2013 we will be launching an online consultation on how we express the values embodied by the Promise. The questions will give you a chance to reflect on what the Promise means and how we express the values it represents. There will also be questionnaires on the Section websites that the girls can complete to make sure that their voices are central to the discussion.

The questionnaires will be available from Friday 4 January until Sunday 3 March 2013 and for those members dedicated to paper communication there will be an alternative way to take part so that their views are represented too.

Please do share this information with other volunteers and Senior Section members in your unit and look out for more information in the forthcoming guiding magazine and on our website at www.girlguiding.org.uk and make sure you take part in the discussion.

                                     Gill Slocombe
                                     Chief Guide
                                     Girlguiding UK
OP posts:
SlubberMistressOfPain · 04/12/2012 16:49

I'll promise to anything if they get rid of bastard GO! in return.

YDdraigGoch · 04/12/2012 15:43

I'm not particularly religious (though wouldn't go so far as saying I am atheist, more agnostic) but I do think it's sad that a religious based organisation should change it's promise to meet the needs of atheists.

If you don't want to make the promise, then there are plenty of other non-religious based activites to get involved in.

If you're not religious, and chose to cross your fingers whilst making the promise, then that's between you and your conscience, and fine by me - but I really think things should stay as they are.

Is there any connection between this and the background of our new Chief Exec, do you think?

SledYuleCated · 03/12/2012 23:13

Yes, I've taken. Very broad view of 'love my God' to mean doig what I think is right, being ethical and being kind to people.

Startail · 03/12/2012 22:50

As someone who felt a bit guilty for lying aged 7.l think it is time the God bit was optional.

I decided that as Jesus said we should love our neighbours, being kind to people would have to do.

I've been a Brownie, Guide, Ranger, young leader and Brown Owl.

Four times I've said those words and 4 times I've wished there was an alternative (living in rural Wales there was no alternative activities to Guides).

I actually never made my promise as an adult (nobody asked me to).

Festivedidi · 03/12/2012 21:58

They already changed it a little bit didn't they? When I was a Brownie I promised to do my duty to God, now they promise to love their God. It changed the rhythm of it and I struggled to say it right ever since it was changed.

I don't know what to make of another change. I would hope that the main thrust of the promise would be the same but do think that the bit about God could be removed as there are more and more atheists involved in the movement.

SledYuleCated · 03/12/2012 21:53

I was just coming to start a thread on this!

I presume it will address the religion aspect. As an atheist Guider I feel it would be good to have the God part as optional, I promise it but it just makes it a bit meaningless to me. Although I'd be very sad to see 'serve my Queen and my country' go.

Can't imagine what it will be like if they change it, it won't roll off the tongue properly Grin