What was it about Amplify that made you want to be a member?

Anya: ‘I’d become quite comfortable in role as a young leader, and after the pandemic I wanted to take on something bigger. I saw the opportunity pop up on Instagram one day and thought, “that sounds perfect” – I wanted to make other girls’ voices heard.’

Abigail: ‘It gives you an opportunity to have your voice heard in a way that nothing else does. Having something that makes it your organisation, in every way, shape or form, is amazing.’

Ena: ‘It was the idea that it’s youth led. The aspect of Girlguiding that I really like is that it’s made for girls, by girls. Giving girls all across the UK a voice in what goes on in Girlguiding is really important.’

Anna: ‘I’ve got a lot out of Guides and wanted to put a bit back in by helping out. Having also been a Guide in Australia, I’ve seen how guiding works in other countries too. I also wanted to improve my communication skills, which I’ve definitely done through Amplify.'

What kinds of things have you been able to do since joining Amplify?

Anya: ‘I attended an Operational Delivery Group (ODG) meeting at Girlguiding HQ, where we met the chief guide and ran an activity. The ODG look at the big picture of how Girlguiding is run, and make sure what’s happening in every country and region is helping to achieve our strategic goals. We also got to be involved with interviewing for the new chief guide.’

Abigail: ‘My favourite opportunity I’ve been involved with has been interviewing for the new chief guide. It’s something we’ve never had a chance to be involved with before, it’s amazing just to be heard and given that opportunity.’

Ena: ‘I like joining the monthly meetings, and getting to visit Girlguiding HQ and meet other Amplify members. I got to meet the chief guide at the trustees meeting and talk about how we’d like Girlguiding to look in the future.’

Anna: ‘I’ve been to the London HQ to meet the ODG, and we got to test some Guide activities before they were released. I’ve got to meet some amazing people involved in Girlguiding, and take part in the chief guide interviews.’

What have you learned since joining Amplify - have you gained any new skills? Has it changed the way you look at Girlguiding?

Anya: ‘I’ve learned more about what goes on in Girlguiding under the surface, like the work towards the new brand. It’s definitely built my confidence up – I already had quite a lot of confidence from Girlguiding, but I’ve been able to improve my public speaking skills through presenting at the trustee meeting. I’ve also gained more collaboration skills by working with other Amplify members.’

Abigail: ‘It’s easy to look at guiding as just being something that happens in your district, division or region, but even though members of Amplify all have different accents and personalities, we’re all Girlguiding members. Through Amplify you meet so many girls from different areas and get to hear so many different experiences.’

Ena: ‘It’s definitely changed my perspective on Girlguiding. Being a part of Amplify allows you to appreciate how many members are involved. It’s also helped with my leadership and communication skills.’

Anna: ‘I hadn’t realised everything that goes into running Girlguiding – chief commissioners, the chief guide team, the CEO - I always knew they existed, but not everything they do. It’s definitely made me aware of leadership positions and careers I might want to go into in the future as well.’

What do you think Girlguiding’s number one priority should be?

Anya: ‘To ensure that Girlguiding is inclusive and accessible to all girls, no matter their financial situation, ethnicity, or sexuality.’

Abigail: ‘We’re already very good at making sure Girlguiding works for everyone, so focusing on expanding that and having lots of different opportunities. It would be good to see some more outdoor activities too.’

Ena: ‘Girlguiding should keep listening to young people’s opinions and always be willing to evolve, change, and improve itself.’

Anna: ‘Making sure that girls get the experiences we promise to give them should definitely be a priority. I’d also like to see opportunities to meet Guides from other regions and more virtual activities for Guides who may find it easier to join online.’

What’s the best thing about being a part of Amplify?

Anya: ‘Knowing I’m helping to change Girlguiding for the better and helping every girl across the country to get the best experience they can, not just in the present but in the future too.’

Abigail: ‘You get treated like an adult, and really feel that your thoughts are just as valid as everyone else’s. Being allowed to embrace your sense of creativity and having your voice heard is fantastic.’

Ena: ‘Connecting with people that all have a shared interest, united by Girlguiding and our wish to improve it.’

Anna: ‘Feeling like you’re making a change, meeting everyone else in Amplify, and the skills I’ve gained.’

What would you say to anyone thinking about joining Amplify in the future?

Anya: ‘Go for it, you never know until you try. It’s such a welcoming community, and everyone is so supportive - not just the staff members at HQ, but the Guides and Rangers from up and down the country too. Even if you’ve not got the confidence at first to speak up, you can work up to it. There are so many amazing opportunities.’

Abigail: ‘Being a member of Amplify is one of the best opportunities you’re offered as a young member of Girlguiding. You grow so much as a person - my confidence has certainly increased, especially the way I communicate with others. I feel heard and don’t feel like anything I say would be disregarded. Go for it, every Girlguiding member has something to add.’

Ena: ‘I’d definitely recommend being a member of Amplify, it’s been a really fun opportunity and I don’t want it to end. Having a new role in Girlguiding allows you to look at everything from a new perspective, I’d really recommend it.’

Anna: ‘A lot of people may worry they don’t have enough experience, but you don’t need to have gotten every single badge or awards to be a part of Amplify. It’s about getting members from all backgrounds, areas and points in their guiding journeys. You’ll learn so much from being a part of Amplify. The people you meet, the places you get to go – they’re amazing.’