Local leaders ready to make a difference

Two local Irish Girl Guide leaders are ready to make a positive impact on their local communities!

Sarah O’Donovan, a leader with Arbutus Guides, Summerhill, and Sorcha Langford, a leader with Carrigdhoun Guides, Carrigaline, were among 11 Irish Girl Guides (IGG) members to participate in the international leadership training convention known as the Juliette Low Seminar.

The seminar took place in 18 countries around the world. Sarah took part in the New York hub while Sorcha travelled to Madagascar.

Nine other IGG members jetted off to France, Poland, Nigeria, Oman and Mexico, while three stayed in Ireland to participate in the Irish hub.

The Cork women were among 500 plus young guide leaders from around the world to take part in the international seminar which takes place every three years. It was the first time for it to take place in different locations at the same time.

The participants all followed the same Lead Out Loud programme to help them develop their leadership skills.

Each of them have pledged to share these skills with girls and young women in their own communities. Assuming each participant reaches 200 girls over the next two years, a total of 100,000 girls and young women will be empowered to also lead and bring about positive change in their communities.

Sorcha Langford said: “My favourite part was when we went on our community action day. We visited two different leaders and saw how each of them used the six leadership mindsets in everyday life. I made new friends for life and learned loads about Madagascar’s rich culture and it is definitely a trip I will treasure forever.”

Irish Girl Guides welcomes new members from age five-30. Ladybirds are five-seven years old, Brownies seven-ten, Guides 10-14 and Senior Branch members aged 14-30. Volunteer leaders from age 18 upwards are also welcome (no previous guiding experience is necessary as training will be given). Visit irishgirlguides.ie or call 01-6683898 to find out more.