I know, I know...

So I have been MIA for the past month (WHAT!?) Basically I am in my final year of university and my time is filled completely by school, work, and volunteering so I haven't had a whole lot of time to do anything exciting with the projects. I am sorry and I will try to make it up to you over the Christmas break because I do not have school from December 15 to January 9!

I thought I would share all of the articles I have written about my projects for my area newsletter because I am in class right now and should be paying attention.  :)

This one is from the January/February 2011 Newsletter:

“Little steps, huge impact, lifetime legacy.” These six simple words became the theme for the Young Women’s World Forum after Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee spoke about changing the world. In October 2010 I was fortunate enough to be one of two representatives of Canada at an international Girl Guide conference in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Sixty countries, in all five WAGGGS regions sent young women to discuss and take action on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set out by the United Nations ten years ago. The three focus goals at the Forum were ending poverty, achieving gender equality, and attaining environmental sustainability. By the end of the forum we had discussed, campaigned for, and created a declaration outlining what governments, civil society, and WAGGGS can do to achieve the MDGs.

 Girl Guides from around the world were brought together to discuss important issues, learn about each other’s cultures, and make connections that will last for a long time. But it was not all work; we had a lot of fun as well! We celebrated the end of Girlguiding UK’s centenary in style with the Chief Guide, fireworks, and a video of us saying our promise broadcasted throughout the UK and on a huge screen in Trafalgar Square in London. We had guest speakers including a female Member of Parliament, representatives of non-profit organizations, WAGGGS World Board members, and even the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom!  Not many people can say that they can travel anywhere in the world from Australia to Malawi to Norway to Brazil and have a friend to visit, but because of this forum I can proudly say I fall in this category. The honour of representing Girl Guides of Canada at such an inspiring and motivational event was life changing and now that I am back home I want to make changes in my community, city, province, and even country. Because most Canadians do not have to struggle with the MDGs like other countries do I want to promote awareness for the goals and help people, especially Girl Guides, understand that even the smallest actions can and will make a difference and standing up and fighting for something you believe is one of the most powerful things you can do to show your girl greatness!

This one is from the most recent one November/December 2011:

Do you want to change the world?

www.girlguideforchange.com

< is a brand new website for Girl Guides around the world who want to make a difference. After attending the Young Women’s World Forum 2010, I am driven to change things and help to accomplish the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. This website is a part of my project. I want to make others aware of the MDGs and inspire them to make changes in their own life for the better good of the community. There are forums, photos, blog posts, and resources related to making a difference in your own community and around the world. Still not convinced? Coming January 2012 there will be a full challenge program for Sparks through Rangers about taking action on things they are passionate about and making a change launched on the website (crests included!). This is my challenge to you, my fellow sisters in Guiding- check it out, think of what you would like to change in the world, gather a team together, and get involved.
Join the movement.

I know this isn't the most exciting post, but I had to get something up! Talk to you again soon.
-Shannon