This week, two brand new Rainbow units have opened in our Division, one in Chislehurst, one in Petts Wood. Around thirty girls who were waiting-to-join Rainbows are now in units.
So is that it now? Shall we call it a day and relax? Absolutely not! That was just the beginning! We still need more adults to come forward and train to become Rainbow Leaders. We have two more units poised to open in Petts Wood, with girls and venues, plus a unit with a confirmed leadership team in Chislehurst, opening in September.
It's Volunteers Week, so in contradiction to what most people are doing, here are my thoughts on 'Reasons to not volunteer' and how to overcome them.
Problem: I would love to volunteer but... I work so I'm not home in time
Solutions:
- could you work flexibly and leave early one day a week? I have negotiated this throughout my career, as have many other Leaders.
- if your organisation has a Corporate Social Responsibility agenda, they might support you with flexible working. Large companies often value volunteering for the skills it helps their employees to develop. Are there alternative ways in which your employer could support your voluntary work? Some employers may match-fund fundraised money or offer sponsorship opportunities.
Problem: I would love to volunteer but... I don't have childcare for my brood of other children
Solutions:
- club together with other parents to look after each others' children so that you can volunteer
- can someone organise for some Senior Section members babysit whilst you're helping at Rainbows?
- is anyone qualified to run a crèche? Could they do this nearby or in an adjacent room during the session? You could even seek funding for crêchè workers in some areas.
Problem: I would love to volunteer but...I don't have time
Solution:
- you have the same amount of time as Mother Teresa. To be fair, she didn't have children, and she wasn't on Twitter. But work with me here: time is the most precious commodity entrusted to us. Giving your time to a cause is a big deal and one of the most rewarding things you can do. Here's my challenge to you - how much of your time do you actually give to something other than your family and your paid job?
It is a fair point that people all feel passionate about particular causes. If we all felt strongly about the same causes, society would cease to function. My housemate's mother said this, so it must be true.
But consider this - what could you do to contribute to your community, for the greater good? And I don't just mean volunteering with Girlguiding. There are a million organisations who would embrace your help. Think about it. If you decide that you want to give some time to the most progressive movement of our time for girls and young women, drop us an email ChislehurstDivisionGrowGuiding@gmail.com and we shall be in touch!
