An inspiring weekend in Bucharest: Representing Girlguiding UK at the Overture Diversity Network Meeting!

I Just got back from the most incredible Overture Diversity Network Meeting in vibrant Bucharest, Romania, representing Girlguiding UK – and let me tell you, it was epic! From June 6 to 8, I was surrounded by over 50 amazing Scouts and Guides from 16 countries, all buzzing with ideas on how to make Guiding and Scouting even more inclusive. The connections made and the energy was amazing! 

 We dived deep into everything from neurodiversity and peace education to mental health and social inclusion. It was such a positive experience, packed with shared learnings that are going to make a real difference to our work here. 

Being there as a Girlguiding UK rep, alongside delegates from all over the world, felt truly special. We’re all on the same page, striving for a more diverse and inclusive world through our movements. The agenda was jam-packed, and I walked away from every session with fresh perspectives and actionable ideas. 

 A highlight was meeting Evelyn Dick and Rosie Jones from the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and hearing their presentations. Also, our Norfolk county inclusion advisor Emma Brown was amazing as we shared the experience together.  

I also found the discussions on ‘Reaching young people from lower-income areas’ and
‘Through diversity and inclusion towards mental health’ super impactful, hitting home with Girlguiding’s core values. 

It wasn’t just about sitting and listening though, it was all about teamwork! We chatted about the ‘World Scouting D&I data report’ and how to create truly inclusive spaces with immersive games and challenges. It’s so inspiring to see how different countries are tackling similar challenges and sharing their best bits. 

And the fun didn’t stop there! The international evening was a fantastic gathering, celebrating our global sisterhood, and exploring Bucharest on the bus and walking tour was a brilliant way to soak up Romanian culture. 

One session that really stuck with me was the ‘Cultural differences by Azerbaijan Scout presentation.’ It showed just how much culture shapes their guiding, from traditions to community work. It was a brilliant reminder that while our core Girlguiding values are universal, the ways we express them can be wonderfully diverse. This reinforced my belief that anyone heading on an international trip should always do their homework on the local culture, it makes all the difference for genuine connections and respectful engagement. 

    We also had a super insightful session on neurodiverse visual cues and the “HALT” (Hungry, angry, lonely, tired) acronym. It’s so important for us as leaders to remember that not everyone processes info the same way. Visual cues can be a game-changer for our neurodiverse young members – think visual schedules or picture cards. And HALT? It’s a simple yet powerful tool for both kids and leaders to check in when things are tough. By using these, we can make our Girlguiding spaces even more understanding and nurturing for everyone. 

I was also incredibly moved by meeting Paul Pop, who was recognised with the peace badge for his amazing support of Ukraine refugees. His talk was a powerful reminder of how our Guiding and Scouting principles translate into real-world humanitarian action. What an inspiration! 

The meeting wrapped up on a really sweet note with the closing ceremony, and the handover from the fantastic Romanian hosts (they were truly exceptional!) to the next hosts, Italy! It’s so cool to see the torch being passed, keeping the momentum going for diversity and inclusion. Can’t wait to see what Italy brings to the table! 

Coming home, I’m absolutely buzzing with new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose for Girlguiding UK. This event truly highlighted the power of our movement to create positive change and how vital our work in diversity and inclusion is. So grateful for the connections and the invaluable learning – it was a true privilege to represent Girlguiding UK on such a fantastic international stage! 

 

Ruby Goold 

Inclusion and belonging lead volunteer 

Girlguiding Anglia