The 39th WAGGGS World Conference will take place in Cambodia from 16 – 19 June 2026. We are now looking for a team of volunteers to join the Listening Ears group to provide a welcoming, confidential, safe, brave and non-judgmental environment for anyone proactively seeking help for themselves or others.
The role of Listening Ears is to guide and support a participant, volunteer or staff member who faces a risk of harm or experiences discomfort during the 39th World Conference.
What is the World Conference?
Imagine being in a room with around 500 people from over 100 different countries, gathered together for one reason: to build a stronger Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Movement.
The World Conference is the principal decision-making body of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. It takes place every three years in a location selected at the previous World Conference.
Each Member Organisation of WAGGGS is invited to send a delegation to the gathering to vote on key motions that set the direction of the Movement. It is also where the election of World Board members takes place.
What is my role as part of the Listening Ears team?
There are a variety of things you could be involved in as part of the IST, these include;
Competencies:
- Have excellent listening skills
- Able to handle sensitive information
Skills:
- Provide a welcoming, confidential, safe, safe, courageous and non-judgemental environment for anyone proactively seeking help for themselves or others.
- Provide support to attendees, volunteers or staff who feel overwhelmed during the conference.
- Report any safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, gathering key information confidentially with sensitivity and care.
- Be able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing
- Highly beneficial to be able to communicate in more than one of the four official WAGGGS languages
- It would be highly beneficial if you have experience providing wellbeing or safeguarding support at an event, in your workplace or somewhere else
- It would be highly beneficial if you have received safeguarding training
- It would be useful to have previously attended an international experience
Volunteer Benefits:
You will be part of a global group of volunteers who will support WAGGGS in delivering an exceptional World Conference experience. This is an amazing opportunity to gain valuable safeguarding and wellbeing support during an event while making new friends. You will be crucial for ensuring that attendees feel supported and have an amazing experience at the conference!
When do you need to be available?
Listening Ears will have need to attend online meetings from April 2026 to prepare the work for the World Conference. You will also need to be available from April 2026 until August 2026 and to attend the full World Conference programme in Cambodia from 14 to 20 June 2026.
- April 2026 – June 2026: Weekly meetings to prepare for the World Conference. Outside of the weekly meetings, we will have pre-conference virtual sessions that you will be invited to attend. The pre-conference sessions will be optional, but we would encourage you to attend at least one session, to help with your preparations for World Conference. We will also need to book your travel to Cambodia during this time.
- 14 June – 20 June: On-site support during the World Conference
- June 2026 – August 2026: up to 3 meetings post World Conference to evaluate the IST experience, celebrate wins from the team and provide recommendations for the IST experience and improvements for the World Conference.
What is included
If selected for this role, accommodation and food will be provided and there will be a contribution towards the flights. Any other costs will need to be paid by the volunteer.
How do I apply to the role?
Please complete the application form before 23.59pm UTC on Sunday 15 March 2026. After the closing date, the Planning Team will be in contact with individuals about the next steps. The form is available in the four WAGGGS languages (Arabic, English, French and Spanish).
Please note:
- You will be unable to attend the conference as a part of your MO delegation or Guest, because you will need to be available to support the Listening Ears team.
- Priority will be given to young women between 18 and 30 years’ old.
- Please also use your own words, sharing your own knowledge and experiences.
Questions?
If you have any questions or need any support in filling out the form, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
We can’t wait to receive your applications!