Experience new cultures & make a long-term impact
What is GOLD?
Guiding Overseas Linked with Development is an extraordinary opportunity offered to Girlguiding members aged 18-30.
From joining campaigns to end violence against women and girls in Malawi, to encouraging young leaders in Latvia – GOLD empowers young women to work in partnership with other guide associations around the world. It’s great for our GOLD teams, who have fantastic adventures, and it’s great our partner organisations too.
GOLD has been working with member countries of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) for 30 years. So far, we’ve given over 900 members of Girlguiding an adventure of a lifetime.
How to Apply
To start your GOLD journey, you need to attend the Go for GOLD selection weekend. This happens once per year, normally in September/October and the dates are published on the Girlguiding Main website when confirmed.
To find out when the next selection weekend and to find out more about GOLD click here: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/international-adventures/gold/
You should also follow the Girlguiding International Team Facebook page for GOLD and other international updates. https://www.facebook.com/ukintguides
You can also find out more about GOLD from the Cumbria South County International Adviser.
Make a Difference Across the World with Girlguiding
Past GOLD projects have travelled to more than 41 countries including Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Malawi, Peru, and Sri Lanka. Each project is tailored to the local needs of the host country, to provide community or guiding based development projects.
These projects range from leadership skills training to delivering advocacy programmes to young women. Designed in partnership with other guiding organisations. These sustainable projects make sure that the positive impacts of GOLD are still felt after everyone has gone home – so they make a real difference!
What Happens on a GOLD project?
We put together teams of six members – five participants supported by a Leader with previous GOLD experience. In this team you will work with a Member Organisation of WAGGGS on a specific area of developing guiding. You might run leadership skills training, develop a recruitment strategy, set up a new section or lead workshops on body confidence.
On your GOLD journey, you can:
Make friendships that last a lifetime
Make a real difference to communities and guiding overseas
Learn about new cultures and meet new people
Learn new skills – great for you and for your CV
Bring back your new found skills and experience to local guiding.
GOLD is an amazing international adventure
Volunteer for us
Could you give your time to make an impact on the lives of girls and young women across South Cumbria?