This section sets out the constitutional requirements for membership of WAGGGS, as defined in the WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws, as well as additional membership requirements that are part of this Policy.
5.1. Eligibility for Membership, as set out in the Constitution and Bye-Laws
To be eligible for membership as a Full or Associate Member, a national organisation must, to the satisfaction of the WAGGGS World Board, meet all the following conditions, as set out in the WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws sub-clause 10.1.2:
- Respect the historic legacy of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement as expressed in the Fundamental Principles of the Movement (as set out in the WAGGGS Constitution and Bye Laws Article 4) and have a Promise and Law2, in wording approved by the World Board, which reflect the essential values of this legacy;
- Have a membership which is voluntary and open to all girls and young women3 without distinction of creed, race, nationality, or any other circumstance;
- Be self-governing4, with freedom to formulate its policy and put it into practice5;
- Be independent of any political organisation and any political party;
- Adopt the method of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement as prescribed by the Bye-Laws.
In addition, it is the duty of all Member Organisation to exercise its powers as a Member Organisation of WAGGGS in the way it decides in good faith would be most likely to further the purposes of WAGGGS, as set out in the WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws, sub-clause 10.3
5.2 Conditions of Membership, as set out in the Constitution and Bye-Laws
To be eligible for membership on an ongoing basis, a national organisation must also be able to demonstrate fulfilment of the following conditions, as set out in the WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws Article sub-clause 10.9:
- demonstrate adherence to the conditions of membership as set out in WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws sub-clause 10.1.2 and sub-clause 10.9.1
- have a constitution incorporating the conditions of membership as set out in the WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws and other requirements suited to its needs, which must be approved by the World Board and re-submitted for approval whenever it is being amended
- apply its funds and assets for the implementation of the objects and not for the profit of any person
- adopt a name including Girl Guide or Girl Scout, or other suitable name approved by the World Board, and adopt the method of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement6
- subject to and in accordance with the requirements relating to copyright/Intellectual Property Rights as prescribed by the World Board, adopt the Trefoil in its badge
- be an organisation, suited to the needs of the country and its members, with:
- a responsible central body truly representative of all Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting within the country
- a programme using the method of the Girl Guide/Girl Scout Movement, as set out in the Bye-Laws, and designed to meet the needs of girls and young women of different age groups, adequate leadership and a suitable training programme
- sound policies and plans for continuing development, administration and finance, based on continuing self-evaluation
- carry its share of responsibility as a Member Organisation including participation in the regional way of work as set out in the Constitution
- pay annually to WAGGGS the membership fee agreed in advance by the World Conference. Appropriate membership fees will be payable annually commencing 1 January in the year following admission to membership.
As per WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws, sub-clause 10.9.2, an Associate Member must demonstrate it fulfils the conditions above, except that in relation to sub-clause 10.9.1(f) it is less well developed.
5.3 Expectations of Membership, as set out in this Membership Policy
In addition to the above constitutional requirements of membership, Member Organisations are also expected to adhere to the following membership expectations as set out below:
Organisational Identity
- Always act in a way that is in line with WAGGGS’s Values and protects the reputation of the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Movement
- Adhere to WAGGGS brand guidelines, including use of the logo and Trefoil
- Promote solidarity across the Movement, including by participating in World Thinking Day and other initiatives, by sharing good practice and by connecting and exchanging with other Member Organisations and the WAGGGS Global Team.
Organisational Structure and Management
- Operate in line with their constitution and any other governing documents and review their governance arrangements at least every five years, with any amendments to their constitution being submitted to WAGGGS for approval
- Comply with the conditions of any agreements or contracts they enter into with WAGGGS, including, but not limited to, grants, funded programmes and events
- Ensure organisational integrity by complying with all relevant legislation and regulations and having their annual financial statements independently reviewed (which can be sourced on a pro-bono basis)
- Ensure organisational sustainability by maintaining strategic and operational plans for long-term viability, including financial stability and membership growth
- Implement the decisions of the World Board and the World Conference and adhere to all WAGGGS policies which relate to Member Organisations,
- Maintain accurate membership data and submit membership information to WAGGGS whenever it is formally requested
- Respond in a timely manner to surveys, evaluations and consultations from the WAGGGS Global Team to support decision making
- Participate in decision making by preparing and sending delegates (able to engage in one of the official languages of WAGGGS) to represent the Member Organisation at events including World and Regional Conferences and related consultation sessions
- Contribute good practice and accept assistance offered by the WAGGGS Global Team and/or other Member Organisations where appropriate
- Maintain regular contact with their Regional Team and inform WAGGGS promptly of any major changes affecting their ability to operate or to engage with WAGGGS, including any change in key governance personnel
Safe Space for All
- Prioritise safeguarding and implement a safeguarding/child protection policy that creates safe spaces for all members and is actively put into practice
Young People in Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting
- Offer a relevant programme, that considers social impact and provides young people with opportunities to explore local and global issues and act in their communities
- Encourage meaningful youth participation, ensuring young members under 30 are represented in governance and leadership structures at local and national levels
- Share WAGGGS opportunities with all members using fair and transparent selection processes
Adults in Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting
- Share WAGGGS opportunities with all members using fair and transparent selection processes
- Offer a relevant programme of learning and development for adults that includes support and training for volunteers, especially those in leadership and governance roles
- Have in place a volunteer structure and processes for supporting and managing volunteers that are fit for purpose
5.4 Change of Entity of a Member Organisation
Membership of WAGGGS cannot be transferred to anyone else, as set out in the WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws, article 10.2.
If a change occurs that affects the entity of a Member Organisation of WAGGGS (for example, the Component Associations of a Federation merge into one organisation), the entity that emerges from the change shall replace the former Member. Any change of entity is subject to assessment by the World Board (or delegated body). Upon acceptance, it assumes the new entity immediately. The World Board submits the change of entity for ratification only by Full Members at the next World Conference, as set out in the WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws, Bye-Laws 2.11 and 2.12.
If a Member Organisation is intending to change entity, the WAGGGS Global Team should be advised at the earliest opportunity. Since changes can vary, guidance may be needed regarding the process to be undertaken. Once the Member Organisation has made all relevant changes, its Constitution should be submitted to the World Board (or delegated body) for approval.
2 All Girl Guide/Girl Scout Associations that are members of WAGGGS have their Promise and Law approved by the World Board, as described in WAGGGS' Constitution and Bye-Laws, Article 10.1.2.1. If the text of a Promise and Law satisfies WAGGGS' requirements, this is recommended to the World Board for approval. A Promise and Law for each age group is assessed according to whether it incorporates the fundamental principles of WAGGGS as captured in the original Promise and Law.
3 A Member Organisation may have a faith-based ethos. However, membership, programme participation, progression and leadership opportunities must remain open to all girls and young women, and no compulsory religious observance may be imposed.
4 The co-operation of a Member Organisation with its Government or a religious organisation, should not conflict with WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws. The receipt of support and assistance from the Government and other authorities will not be considered contrary to the principle of "self- government", unless conditions attached to the receipt of such help affect the freedom of the Member Organisation. The situation of each Member Organisation in relation to the definition of self-government will be considered individually and assessed by the WAGGGS Global Team if a concern is raised.
5 This should include the freedom to plan its programme, determine its administration, appoint its officers, determine its financial policy and accept and carry out its responsibilities as a Member of WAGGGS.
6 Member Organisations with a sectarian name may be accepted into membership of WAGGGS if they are open to all (adhering to WAGGGS Constitution Article 10.1.2.3) through their constitution/ governing documents and providing all other membership requirements/conditions are met.