WAGGGS: Hi Candela, we’d love to know how, when, and why you first got involved in Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting?
Candela: Hola! my name is Candela González, and I am from Argentina. As a young child, I had a hard time communicating with others. I was extremely shy and introverted and found it very difficult to interact with both children and adults. When I was six years old, my family moved to another city and for me, starting primary school in a new environment was really challenging. In fact, the transition was so stressful that I even forgot how to read, and my family had to teach me again. Realising that I needed additional support, my parents decided that it might be a good idea for me to get involved in Guiding and I joined a group near my home - it was love at first sight!
Reflecting on those early days, it's incredible to think about how I went from being unable to express myself to now having the opportunity to speak out for millions of girls and young women worldwide. The Guiding movement played a pivotal role in helping me build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging.
Realising that I needed additional support, my parents decided that it might be a good idea for me to get involved in Guiding and I joined a group near my home - it was love at first sight!
WAGGGS: Tell us about three key moments you have had in your Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting journey and why they were important?
Candela: The first significant moment was my first camp at the age of 8. It was my introduction to the adventurous spirit and connection with nature that defines Guiding and Scouting. That experience not only sparked my love for outdoor activities but also taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, independence, and resilience at a young age.
The second pivotal moment was the day I formulated my Promise for the very first time. This moment marked a personal commitment to the values of Guiding – to be true to myself, to serve others, and to live by the Guiding principles. Formulating my Promise instilled in me a sense of responsibility and purpose within the Guiding community, shaping my journey towards leadership and advocacy for girls' empowerment.
Lastly, my first international Guiding experience as a winter season volunteer at Our Chalet (one of WAGGGS’ five World Centres) expanded my horizons and deepened my understanding of global sisterhood and cultural diversity. It reinforced the universal values of Guiding while highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by girls around the world. I was only able to participate in this adventure thanks to a scholarship, as I was unable to afford a flight to Switzerland. This experience strengthened my dedication to promoting equality, access, and opportunity for all girls through Guiding.
Through Guiding, I have grown from a timid child struggling to communicate into someone who recognises and works to speak out for girls and young women worldwide.
WAGGGS: What impact has Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting had on your life?
Candela: Reflecting on how I began my journey in Guiding, that shy and introverted child could never have imagined the profound impact it would have on my life. Guiding has been transformative for me, providing a safe space to discover and develop my potential.
Through Guiding, I have grown from a timid child struggling to communicate into someone who recognises and works to speak out for girls and young women worldwide. It has taught me invaluable skills like leadership, teamwork, and resilience, preparing me for challenges both within and beyond Guiding. The experiences and friendships I have gained through Guiding have shaped my perspective, instilling values of empathy, inclusivity, and empowerment.
Guiding has not only equipped me with practical skills and knowledge but has also fostered a deep connection to nature and a sense of responsibility towards the environment. It has given me opportunities to explore different cultures, broaden my horizons, and contribute positively to my community and beyond.
In essence, Guiding has been a very real presence and guiding light throughout my life, empowering me to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact in the world.
Now as an adult, I recognise the importance of growing up and developing my leadership skills in an environment where many believed in me and encouraged me to take on new challenges.
WAGGGS: Who has been an important role model for you in Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting and why?
Candela: Firstly, my family, including my parents and godmother, have been incredibly important role models to me. They believed in me from the very beginning and provided unwavering support as I embarked on this incredible journey that is Guiding. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities have been a constant source of strength.
Additionally, the leaders who I have known through my Guiding journey have been instrumental role models. They have shared their wisdom, skills, and passion for Guiding, shaping my understanding of leadership and community service. Their dedication to empowering girls and young women and fostering a sense of sisterhood within our Guiding community has inspired me deeply. The Guiding movement worldwide would not be what it is today without the dedication of more than 1 million adult volunteer leaders.
Now as an adult, I recognise the importance of growing up and developing my leadership skills in an environment where many believed in me and encouraged me to take on new challenges. This support led me to become a national board member of the Asociación Guías Argentinas in 2017, where experienced leaders mentored me and allowed me to contribute significantly to the history of the Girl Guiding movement in Argentina, driving key transformations and fostering intergenerational work. Many individuals also supported and encouraged me as I joined the World Board of WAGGGS in 2021, and subsequently as I took on the role as Chair in 2023.
More informally, my friends within Guiding have also been hugely important for me. They have offered guidance, friendship, and encouragement along the way, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and mutual support in achieving our goals.
Together, these role models have shown me the power of belief, support, and mentorship in shaping not only my Guiding journey but also my personal, and professional, growth and development. They have all embodied the spirit of Guiding, inspiring me to continue learning, leading, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
We are a family of 10.8 million worldwide aiming to build a better world together!
WAGGGS: What is WAGGGS and what does it do?
Candela: WAGGGS is the umbrella organisation that sits across Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting globally. As the largest voluntary movement dedicated to empowering girls and young women in the world, we provide a powerful platform to amplify their voices. As I like to say, we are a family of 10.8 million worldwide aiming to build a better world together!
WAGGGS must deliver on many important areas including…
Providing vital support and resources to our 153 Member Organisations around the world. Helping them to grow and building their capacity so that they continue to thrive, and to deliver inclusive, high quality and impactful Guiding programmes, activities and experiences at national level.
Designing and delivering high-quality Non-Formal Education (NFE) programmes around the world that are relevant and exciting for girls and young women today. Examples include programmes on STEM, Nutrition, Climate Change, Menstrual Health & Hygiene, Internet Safety, Gender Based Violence, leadership and international exchange.
Providing opportunities for Member Organisations to connect, share, learn and be part of the wider movement. Providing meaningful global experiences for girls and young women.
Representing the global movement by strengthening the profile, identity and unity of Guiding around the world - communicating the impact and value, celebrating the history and heritage of Guiding as well as moving forward and staying relevant into the future.
And finally, doing all of this in a financially viable and sustainable way – to ensure the future of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting.
WAGGGS: What is the World Board, what does it do and what are its current priorities?
Candela: The World Board serves as the governing body of WAGGGS, tasked with setting strategic direction and policies to ensure the organisation achieves its global mission and objectives.
Comprising a diverse group of 18 members, the World Board works collaboratively as a patrol to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance WAGGGS' goals of empowering girls and young women, promoting advocacy, and fostering leadership development.
Currently, the World Board is focused on several key initiatives, including a full review of the membership policy for the entire movement, implementing the 12-year vision (Compass 2032), the 6-year Global Strategy, and the 3-year Action Plan and Budget.
The World Board is also leading efforts in reviewing governance, enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and guiding the strategic direction of the global movement through regional and world conferences. These are in addition to the more business-as-usual work of ensuring financial oversight, risk management, and compliance with relevant policies and regulations.
In the next 50 years and beyond, I hope we continue to be led by the voices of girls and young women from all corners of the world so that Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting evolves and adapts to meet their needs and aspirations.
WAGGGS: Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting has a long and strong history around the world, how do you hope to see it evolve in the next 50 years?
Candela: I am passionate about exchanging experiences with long-term members, delving into our history, and celebrating all that we have accomplished so far!
Looking ahead, I see the future of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting over the next 50 years as a journey of expansion and empowerment. We must continue to extend the reach of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting to more countries and communities worldwide, ensuring every girl, regardless of her background or circumstance, can participate and benefit from everything that Guiding stands for and offers.
We will champion gender equality, social justice, and sustainable development, leveraging technological advancements and innovative approaches to deliver impactful programmes and opportunities that resonate with the interests and needs of today's generation of girls and young women. Our unique Non-Formal Education will play an essential role in giving girls and young women around the world the skills they need for the future. Empowering girls and young women to assume leadership roles, both within our organisations and as advocates and changemakers in their societies, will be pivotal.
Central to our vision is fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting to celebrate and honour the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities of our members worldwide.
Integrating environmental education and sustainable practices into our core activities will equip girls and young women with the knowledge and skills to become environmental stewards and advocates for climate action.
As a movement, we embrace transformation and change. In the next 50 years and beyond, I hope we continue to be led by the voices of girls and young women from all corners of the world so that Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting evolves and adapts to meet their needs and aspirations.
Through Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting, you will embark on exciting adventures, explore new interests, and collaborate on meaningful projects that benefit others.
WAGGGS: What would you say to any girl or young women around the world who isn’t involved in Girl Guiding or Girl Scouting?
Candela: Consider joining Girl Guiding or Girl Scouting! It is a transformative experience where you can forge lifelong friendships, develop essential leadership skills, and make a positive impact in your community and beyond. Through Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting, you will embark on exciting adventures, explore new interests, and collaborate on meaningful projects that benefit others.
It is a supportive and inclusive environment where every girl's voice is valued, empowering you to grow into a confident and capable leader. Give it a try and embark on your own incredible journey. There are many ways to change the world, but your journey in Girl Guiding or Girl Scouting won’t just be empowering – it will be super fun as well!
