KINDNESS

CELEBRATING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK W/ GIRL GUIDES OF CANADA

April 23-29, 2017 is National Volunteer Week, an annual event recognizing the valuable contribution of volunteers and acknowledging their achievements. Girl Guides of Canada (GGC), one of the largest networks of female volunteers in the country with over 19,000 volunteers (Who run the world?), provides young women with unique experiences to develop skills and expertise that enhance professional opportunities. To celebrate National Volunteer Week we’ve partnered together to show all the amazing ways to volunteer with GCC.

With the current expectation in Canada’s job market to have real and relevant work experience prior to entering the full-time workforce, but how do you get experience without having a job?”

The struggle is real, and while volunteering might not be at the top of your to-do list it’s definitely something we all should do (it’s kind of part of the process) and something you really should consider.

If you’re a well-educated, young millennial you might feel frustrated with low-paying, part-time jobs that don’t really do much to jump-start your dream career.

When Girl Guides of Canada (GGC) reached out to me looking for help in spreading the word about volunteer opportunities I, of course, jumped at the chance. When I was little I LOVED going to Sparks (I still have my t-shirt and it still fits lol). No matter what we were doing at Sparks I always had so much fun! As a kid, we moved around a lot, so when we finally settled, it was nice to make some solid friendships and look up to some lasting mentors. I really think it’s these types of experiences that really shape a person, as a child in attending, or volunteering as an adult. It’s really a win-win for women.

Girl Guides of Canada (GGC) is one of the largest networks of female volunteers in the country with over 19,000 adult and girl volunteers, GCC is helping bridge this gap by offering valuable volunteer opportunities for young women who want to develop essential skills that build their resume while making a difference.

Madeleine Deschenes has been in Guiding for more than 15 years and at 20 currently the youngest member on the Girl Guides of Canada Board of Directors. Madeleine Deschenes, Chair of GGC’s National Youth Council and youngest member on the GGC Board of Directors credits her experience for giving valuable skills she clearly still uses to this day.

“My involvement with Girl Guides has provided me with incredible learning experiences that have built my leadership capabilities, teamwork and conflict management skills, and professionalism,” says Madeleine. “Now, I’m sitting on the Board where I can share my ideas and generate real, positive change for girls. There’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing first-hand how your involvement has a profound, positive impact on the lives of young girls, the community, the country and the world.” —Deschenes.


Think you might be interested? Below are some positions to consider


GGC’s volunteer program empowers young women to put their ideas into action, drive change and grow into successful members of the community. Volunteers not only lead innovative, engaging and educational programming but act as mentors and role models who inspire girls to reach their full potential. Volunteer positions are unique and vast, catering to different skill sets and interests.

Unit Guiders & Girl Assistants
Serve as a mentor and role model for young girls.
Help empower young girls to accept who they are and help them to transform into confident, independent leaders willing to follow their dreams.
Expert at planning and delivering programming for young girls in areas like science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), financial literacy, outdoor adventure, community service, self-esteem and more.

Specialty Adviser
Share expertise in areas like risk management, program development, youth protection, finance, public relations, outdoor adventure, and more.
Volunteers have the ability to leverage their skills and enhance their expertise in a specific field.

National or Provincial Committee Member/Board of Directors
Represent the guiding community and be the voice of youth
Provide recommendations, make executive decisions and drive change for the future of the organization

Girl Guides Ambassador
Represent Girl Guides at global events such as the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and other international leadership events for women.


Looking to add some important skills on your resume?


GGC’s volunteer positions are a rewarding way for young millennials to excel personally and professionally. Guiding skills and experiences are ones that employers will recognize. In addition to making a lasting impact on future female leaders, volunteers walk away with highly valuable transferable and specialized skills including:

Budgeting and financial planning
Communication
Conflict resolution
Customer service
Event planning and execution
Experience working with children and youth
Facilitation and workshop delivery
Interpersonal skills
Leadership and self-confidence
Mentorship
Organization and prioritization
Problem-solving
Public speaking
Record keeping
Resilience, dedication, and perseverance
Resourcefulness
Risk management
Teamwork and collaboration



For More Information


For more information on volunteer opportunities that advance professional development while making a difference in the lives of girls and young women, visit GirlGuides.ca.

Definitely, a lot to be learned as a volunteer 🙂 that could help an employee in any field. So, if you or someone you know is looking for valuable experience, you might consider volunteer opportunities with Girl Guides of Canada. While we can make it out to be a big deal when adding things to our schedule you’d be surprised how incredibly rewarding these experiences can be, and just how much joy you can bring to your life when you decide to help others.

 

 

Happy National Volunteer Week! Hope you found today’s post helpful!

 

 

xx

Kayla

 

 

 

 

 

*This post was sponsored by Girl Guide’s of Canada, however, all opinions expressed are my own.

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