What's changed?
What has changed is that Girl Guides has kept up with (and in some cases has been at the forefront of) society's shifts in perceptions of women and girls. Today, Girl Guides is about supporting girls to develop a sense of self-confidence and accountability. Our members are given opportunities to grow as people, develop their leadership skills, and make a genuine difference in the world. Although the Association has always been about these kinds of values, today we approach our values with a greater sense of empowerment and equality.
The other major change over time is that we now consider spirituality a personal matter and aim to be a truly inclusive organisation, welcoming girls and women of all faiths, cultures and racial identities. Our Promise and Laws have been updated in recent years to reflect this desire to be an inclusive organisation in which girls and young women are empowered to respect and protect themselves, as well as others.
A Girl Guide makes a promise to do her best to be the best person she can be. The Promise is about herself, personal development, her own spiritual journey and developing her value system. It is about what she does for others - the commitment to help others and a responsibility to our country.
A Girl Guide makes her Promise at a special Unit ceremony where she receives her Promise Badge to be worn on her uniform.
The Guide Law gives Guides guidance and a code to live by as they strive to put their Promise into action. The Promise and Law underpin everything we do as Girl Guide's: no matter what activity or challenge. It will enable them to grow into confident, self-respecting, responsible community members.