Call for Participant Nominations:
Helen Storrow Seminar 2027
What is the Helen Storrow Seminar?
The Helen Storrow Seminar (HSS) is an international leadership development event held every year at Our Chalet, WAGGGS’s World Centre in Switzerland. Since 1986, the seminar has empowered young women to become leaders for change, focusing on environmental sustainability.
In 2027, the “Lead for Environmental Change” Helen Storrow Seminar theme is “Sustainable Energy.” For the Helen Storrow Seminar, we define sustainable energy as using energy efficiently and from renewable sources, while considering the needs of present and future generations. Participants will explore energy sources and their environmental impact, reflect on how energy is used and wasted, and develop local, regional, or national projects to promote sustainable energy systems and responsible energy use in their home communities and around the world.
Who Can Be Nominated?
We invite Member Organisations to nominate one (1) individual to have the opportunity to participate in the Helen Storrow Seminar, who meets the following criteria:
- Is a young women aged 18-25 at the time of the event
- Is formally nominated by their Member Organisation (MO)
- Is passionate about Sustainable Energy and environmental sustainability
- Has not attended a previous WAGGGS leadership seminar or programme
Please note: there are only 35 spaces available for participants at the Helen Storrow Seminar, we may receive more nominations than we have places, therefore your participant is not guaranteed a spot. Once all applications have been received Our Chalet will conduct a selection process.
When, Where and Cost?
📅 Dates: 23 - 30 January 2027
📍 Location: Our Chalet, Switzerland
💲Participation Fee: CHF 900
Examples of Potential Projects
Here are some examples of change projects that participants could develop after the seminar:
✅Creating an awareness campaign to educate local communities on the impacts of different energy sources
✅Working with schools to start student-led projects showcasing alternative energy sources
✅Advocating for stronger building policies to support the use of renewable energy in new developments
✅Teaching workshops on how to promote energy conservation at home
How to Nominate a Participant
🔹 Step 1: Your Member Organisation (MO) selects one (1) nominee who meets the eligibility criteria. You may select the participant to nominate through whichever avenue your MO prefers.
🔹 Step 2: Fill in the nomination form by 4 May, 2026 providing the name and email of the person nominated in this form https://forms.office.com/e/aHKCLswUVN
‼️To allow more time for nominations, we have extended the deadline until 31 May 2026‼️
🔹 Step 3: The nominated participant will receive a private application link to apply for one of the 35 available places.
🔹 Step 4: All participant applications must be submitted by 5 June 2026 for consideration.
*Please note that participant nominations from MOs do not guarantee a position for the Helen Storrow Seminar 2027. Participants must also complete the application form sent to them and demonstrate a high degree of interest in the theme and leadership skills. We will notify participants and MOs of successful applications by 15 July, 2026.
Resources to Help with Your Selection
1️⃣ Sample Application: Your MO can download the sample application below to evaluate candidates before making a nomination.
2️⃣ Official Invitation to Nominate Letter: If needed for government or organisation approval, request one at [email protected]
3️⃣ More Information on Sustainable Energy: Check out the YUNGA Energy Challenge Badge for project inspiration: ENERGY CHALLENGE BADGE
4️⃣Read more about the learning outcomes of the Helen Storrow Seminar by visiting https://campfire.wagggs.org/dashboard/helen-storrow-seminar
💡 Start looking for your nominee now!
For any questions, email [email protected]
