There’s a lot of questions on Twitter and Facebook that I’ve seen asking how to talk about the new Girlguiding promise wording with young members. So here’s my lunchbreak thoughts:
- Start with right/wrong. Ask the girls to write/draw/say things that might be considered right or wrong and put them into the two categories. Give them scenarios at an appropriate level that will cause a little more discussion and be more difficult to decide which category to put it in. Morality is a key part of spirituality and most girls of any age will get the idea that there are good things they should do and bad things that they shouldn’t do. Being true to yourself is doing the right thing (or not doing the wrong thing) possibly in the face of pressure to do the opposite.
- Talk about respect. One action might be seen as right by some and wrong by others e.g. eating meat. People will hold different beliefs and it’s important to respect them. You can explain respect as the right or wrong way to behave towards other people.
- Highlight diversity. Use activities from existing badges and resources to show the girls different beliefs and spiritual practises from around the world including both religious and secular traditions. There are lots of activity ideas out there on the web too.
- Ask the girls. They might surprise you with what they understand so just ask the questions ‘what do you think beliefs are’ or ‘what do you think community means’.
- Be true to yourself. As an adult volunteer you may or may not have made the promise or have any intention of doing so, but if you’re going to help girls on the journey to understand what the promise means to them, I think the best place to start is by understanding what the promise means to you. Take some time to consider each phrase and how it relates to you – I recommend a quiet relaxing location like whilst out for a walk or in the bath, I find those are the best times for thinking.
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