This month, I’ve had a lot of conversations about money so why not have a whole blog on the subject! Not many Girlguiding volunteers join our organisation to handle finances, although those that do, are worth their weight in gold. For everyone else, it might not be our favourite task but it’s essential that we are good stewards of our charities finances. Wherever you are on this scale, I’ve got some top tips for you this month.
We were thrilled to see Girlguiding’s webinar on accounts has been made into an elearning module. Completing this course as an elearning or webinar is a requirement for all new leaders, ensuring that everyone has a solid understanding of our financial processes and responsibilities. But it’s not just for new leaders – existing leaders will also find it incredibly beneficial as a refresher.
The course covers everything you need to know about managing unit finances, from budgeting to maintaining good records and all the requirements of managing unit accounts. The elearning version is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, so you can complete it at your own pace. Plus, it’s packed with practical tips that you can apply to your role.
Why budgeting matters
One of the key topics covered in the elearning module is budgeting. Effective budgeting is crucial for the smooth running of your unit. It helps ensure that you have the funds needed for subscriptions, rent and activities throughout the year plus having some set aside for unexpected costs. If you are one of the units with a financial year that runs January through to December, now is a perfect time to budget. Regardless of your unit’s financial year, having a clear and well-planned budget is essential.
Tips for setting and following a budget
Here are some tips to help you set and follow a budget for your unit:
Be realistic:
Make sure your budget is realistic and achievable. Overestimating income (like donations which aren’t guaranteed) or underestimating expenses can lead to financial shortfalls.
Track your spending:
Keep a close eye on your spending throughout the year. Regularly compare your actual expenses to your budget to ensure you’re staying on track.
Adjust as needed:
Don’t be afraid to adjust your budget if circumstances change. This is particularly common if your number of young members goes up or down significantly. It’s natural that you’ll need to adjust if circumstances change.
Check your reserves:
It is always good to have 3-6months running costs in reserve. If you have more than this, reduce it by providing high quality opportunities for your existing members. If you have less than this, plan to gently increase it by putting a small amount on your unit fees, cutting costs or fundraising.
Seek advice:
If you’re unsure about any aspect of managing unit accounts, seek advice from more experienced leaders. This is especially important if you are not sure that you’ll have enough money to pay for big invoices like subscriptions in February/March next year. Speak to your commissioner early with any concerns that you have.
Remember:
We offer great value for money for parents and careers and a fantastically varied programme. Don’t be afraid to put up fees if you need to but find ways to support households that can’t afford the increase. Speaking openly and honestly about your unit’s financial position can help avoid any misconceptions and grumbles.
Taking it further
For more detailed guidance on setting and following a budget, check out this helpful page by Girlguiding – Setting and following a budget. It includes the first video from the elearning, a link to a simple budgeting template and lots of other helpful information. If you want to dive deeper, take a look at the elearning. By understanding our financial processes and mastering budgeting, you’ll be better equipped to provide a fantastic experience for the girls in your unit. Plus, you’ll gain confidence in managing your unit’s finances, which can make your role more enjoyable and less stressful.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Girlguiding. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young girls in our communities.
Click here for the last blog. The next blog is coming in 2025!
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Last month saw the release of the Girlguiding Girls’ Attitudes Survey which provides valuable insights into the lives and challenges of girls and young women today. It’s tough reading but there is also some positivity to be found. Girls say they are anxious about the future but they also say they are hopeful and curious. Girls and young women know they face challenges but they also feel they are coming together to be a powerful force for good.
What is hopeful in the report?
Girlguiding girls are up to 23% more confident on average than girls in the UK. In general they believe that confidence will be one of the most important attributes for a successful future.
We know they talk about topics that are important to them and they want to see change. A massive 82% have talked about change they would like to see to help the environment in the last 12 months. They want to work together with adults to tackle issues that matter to them.
What are we doing?
Did you see Girlguiding’s videos about AI generated content? This is fantastic and is just the sort of messaging that we need to share with girls and young women all year round. Units discuss this sort of thing all the time, particularly Ranger units. Together, we are slowly taking action towards a more equal future.
I’m inspired by young leaders
Young leaders develop their own skills when they donate their time to Girlguiding and they also inspire other young girls. They often provide a vital bridge between the girls in a unit and the adult leadership team. They can do far more than help with drinks and games although that’s important too. Did you know – a third of Rainbow, Brownie or Guide units don’t have a young leader or young external volunteer. I think represents a big opportunity for growth. Could your unit benefit from a young volunteer? If you have a young volunteer, how can you help them develop their skills?
We have 2 young leader trainings this autumn – 1 in Essex on 24 November and 1 in Cambridgeshire on 8 December. Bookings for the first day have now closed but bookings for the second training are open for a bit longer. If these events are successful, we’ll share what we learned with county volunteers so they can repeat the training around the region. We’re really fortunate that these training days are heavily subsidised by the Uniformed Youth Fund so tickets cost just £5. We’d strongly recommend that units support their young leaders with travel costs and the £5 ticket.
Any other exciting opportunities coming up?
Girlguiding are recruiting a specialist volunteer for youth leadership. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to empower girls and young women at an organisation level. You’ll work with staff and volunteers bringing leadership opportunities to Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Applications close at 9am on 20 November and you can apply by word document, voice or video. What a fantastic way to show all girls that they have leadership skills regardless of their age or previous experience.
We can do more together
Our 4 steps to recruitment success training is a practical and encouraging training about growing guiding in your local area. It works best when commissioners and other volunteers with a responsibility or interest in growing guiding apply and attend together. You’ll improve your skills, come away with lots of new tools and set your own goals and actions to grow guiding. Together we’ll strengthen our organisation and welcome more volunteers and girls.
The more people that join us, the bigger our impact on the communities we serve.
Click here for the last blog. The next blog is out now.
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September has been a whirlwind of activities, achievements and growth for Girlguiding Anglia – I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together. As we step into October, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had this past month and to look forward to the exciting events ahead.
Reflecting on September
This month, we funded a new Guide unit in Bungay. Welcome 1st Bungay Guides. They’ve been meeting since last term and some girls and volunteers were at Hautbois Fest in August. We’ve been able to kick start their journey with financial support for 6 weeks rent, some handbooks, badge books and uniform for leaders.
We took our recruitment roadshow to 5 freshers or volunteer fairs at universities around the region. A big thanks to all the volunteers, student unions and staff that made these events happen. We had lots of fantastic conversations with students – highlighting the opportunities to develop or use their skills through volunteering with us. Obviously, we couldn’t pick a favourite university but Luton did have chocolate chip cookies for stall holders! We saw a lot of love for their community in Luton and many values that align with ours. We wish all the students at university a great year and hope many of them find a home in Girlguiding.
Looking Ahead to October
October promises to be just as exciting, with several key events on the horizon. One of the most significant is the launch of Girlguiding’s Girls’ Attitudes survey which is due this month.
It’s the International Day of the Girl on 11 October. This day is a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering girls and young women around the world. This year’s theme centres around hearing girls voices – Girls’ vision for the future.
Finally, at the end of the month, bookings close for our young leader training in November.
Encouragement and Inspiration
To all the girls and young women in our community, I want to say this: You are capable of achieving incredible things. Your passion, creativity, and resilience are what make Girlguiding Anglia such a special place. Whether you’re taking part in a community project, learning a new skill, or simply supporting a friend, know that you are making a difference.
Let’s continue to support each other, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to the future with optimism and determination. Together, we can create am equal world where every girl has the opportunity to thrive.
Click here for the last blog. Click here for the next blog.
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1st Writtle Zodiac Rangers was set up by 2 Guide leaders and 12 Guides who were keen to continue their Girlguiding journey. Their first meeting was on 9 January 1989 and 35 years later the unit is still going strong! They also now have a number of legacy members, being the daughters or nieces of the original 12. Zodiac Rangers received £60 worth of Girlguiding vouchers as part of our project to increase capacity and welcome new members in Guides and Rangers. Hear an update from their unit from guest author and unit leader, Josie.
Our favourite adventures
Across the years the unit has held local camps, residentials and day trips, as well as attending Jamborees, both locally and internationally, including when the world came to Writtle for the 2007 World Scout Jamboree. Girls and leaders have gone to Japan, Australia, Thailand, Switzerland, Austria, America and Gibraltar. We’ve also attended several Wellies & Wristbands at Foxlease and this summer we are heading two miles up the road to attend the Essex International Jamboree. We’ll join 7,500 other Scouts, Guides, Rangers, Explorers and leaders from across the world. Essex International Jamboree is held every four years and has been a firm fixture throughout the history of the unit. We’ve had girls attending, either as participants or staff, at every event since 1992.
Welcoming new members
As with all Ranger units, the numbers go up and down. But following a group of new members joining in the summer term, we are at the largest level ever with 23 members. We have also had a number of Guides visit the unit with a view to join in September. At that point we will also be saying farewell to some of our older members. They head off to universities or take a gap year to work and travel.
What makes us unique
The unit meets fortnightly and the girls plan their own meetings, which are usually a mix of the Girlguiding programme and other activities. We always have tea and hot chocolate along with a supply of biscuits. Standard fixtures in our programme are pancakes in February and a Christmas celebration. We also have more chilled evenings over the exam period with pamper nights or colouring in to give everyone a break from studying. At other times we cover more sensitive subjects such as the peer education sessions or the Coppafeel unit meeting activity. We have discussions around mental health and other health issues. Being an all-girl environment lends itself to these types of evenings, especially with the experiences across the age range, which means the discussions are varied and supportive.
Our wonderful welcome packs
When new girls join, we give them a welcome pack, which is a pink folder containing a Ranger pen and small notebook, a selection of the Ranger badges, including the trefoil and “Welcome to Rangers” badge, the programme record book, our unit guidelines, the “Starting Rangers” form and a copy of the latest programme. Our unit scarf colours are black and pink and the girls are given these when they get make their promise, which can be anywhere they choose! 10 girls made their promise on the ferris wheel at Wellies and Wristbands a couple of years ago. Other standout promise ceremonies were on a bungee run, on a bouncy castle, on the doorstep of No.10 Downing Street, on the London Eye, the top of the O2 and at the Big Gig and other local events.
We have an amazing group of girls at the moment. When asked why they enjoyed Rangers, they said
Zodiac Rangers is the best because of the strong friendships we have throughout the unit
and this is so true. As a past Ranger myself (who never left and became unit leader in 1999), I can honestly say that my closest friends are those I made through Rangers and Girlguiding. I am still in touch with many past members. I love to catch up if I see anyone out and about.
Thank you to Girlguiding Anglia for the vouchers, support and opportunities.
Josie Mullender
Unit Leader – Zodiac Rangers
If you’d like to create a welcome pack for your new Rangers, you could consider things like this:
- Ranger tote bag or folder from your local stationery provider
- Ranger Pen
- Ranger notebook (includes a pencil)
- Welcome to Rangers badge
- Woven trefoil badge
- Ranger handbook or Ranger record book
- Don’t forget to do a starter form and anything that is specific to your unit. This might include where to buy uniform, if you offer cheaper second hand uniform, your unit guidelines or the terms programme. Also include information about trips or events if you can still book on them.
For further gifts and resources for Rangers, take a look at Ranger products in our shop.
Click here for last month’s blog. This is 1 of 2 blogs from the uniformed youth fund project this month. Find blog 1 here. Click here for next month’s blog.