Monday

A global organization becoming stronger for the future was the theme of the address of Elspeth Henderson, Chairman of the World Board, and Mary Mc Phail, the new Chief Executive of WAGGGS.

The Conference has been the first opportunity for Mary to meet the top volunteers of our Member Organizations in Europe and in a joint address to the European Guide Conference, Mary and Elspeth reviewed the developments which have taken place since the World Conference in Jordan –to strengthen and develop Girl Guide and Girl Scout associations throughout the world so that girls and young women have the opportunity to exercise their rights and can contribute to their own development and to the overall progress of the societies in which they live.

Delegates were updated on the implementation of the repositioning of WAGGGS in relation to our new image, the new leadership modules which are being developed to enable young women develop international leadership skills, so they will be better prepared to take on leadership roles at national, regional and world level and news from the World Centres. They heard about the recent events which WAGGGS has organized such as the Juliette Low Seminar and Helen Storrow Seminar which have taken place during the triennium – and the external events where WAGGGS has been advocating for girls and young women, for example the recent Commission on the Status of Women in New York. 

Operational plan 2009-2011

Another highlight of the day was the presentation of the operational plan for 2009-2011. Using the format of a quiz popular in the called Mastermind, the members of the Europe Committee were interrogated on the operational plan. They had to answer questions on the goals of the plan, how the plan at had been put together, and how the region would like Member Organizations to work on the plan to decide which objectives and actions would be the priorities for the region in the next three years. 

The session was much appreciated by the delegates, and introduced them to the proposals put forward by the region in an entertaining way. For the rest of the afternoon, the delegates worked in small groups discussing the objectives and actions of the plan – the day’s proceedings closed with consultation sessions on finance, communications, eurolife and fund development, where the delegates could ask questions to World Board and Committee members on each of these topics in an informal way. 

On Monday evening, the most successful European Guide and Scout market ever was organized along the beach front outside the conference venue. Many delegations had bought objects to sell at the market – over 4000 euros was raised by associations – the money raised going towards quota, voluntary contribution or to be donated to the Friends of the Europe Region WAGGGS or Friends of European Scouting.