Overview
Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Juliette Low Seminar (JLS) 2022 stood as a beacon of resilience and adaptability. By transitioning to an online format, it not only overcame the barriers of physical distance but also became a trailblazer in inclusivity and connectivity.
This highlight report encapsulates the transformative journey of JLS 2022, showcasing its global impact, the incredible spirit of young women leaders from 87 different countries and WAGGGS’ commitment to connection, learning, leadership and empowerment while transcending geographical boundaries during a global pandemic.
JLS: Shaping Leaders Since 1932 to 2022
The JLS has been a hallmark of international leadership events for young women since 1932. It provides participants with adventures, cultural experiences, and lifelong friendships. The JLS 2022 aimed to empower young women by fostering leadership practices and mindsets, breaking barriers to leadership, and contributing to a world where every girl can thrive.
Embracing Change: The Shift to Online
The COVID-19 global outbreak necessitated a shift to an online format, showcasing WAGGGS' adaptability. This move not only addressed immediate challenges but also opened new avenues for inclusivity, reaching 400+ participants, 80+ volunteers, and connecting 87 countries during the 10-day online event. The innovative online approach, delivered through the Campfire platform, featured engaging sessions, workshops, patrol meetings and even a virtual campfire.
Highlights of JLS 2022
- 👧🏻 400+ Participants
- 💪🏼 80+ Volunteers
- 🗺️ 87 Different Countries
- 👩🏻💻 10-Day Online Event
- 💻 50 Live Sessions Online
✏️ 300+ 100 Girls Projects Submissions - 💵 £31,600 Given in Connectivity and Technology Grants
JLS 2022 Programme
Over nine months, the JLS provided a unique blend of self-guided learning, mentor-guided interactions, and a 10-day online event.
The programme was divided up into 3 Phases:
- Launch Party and Learning Hubs: Participants engaged in six weeks of learning through interactive workshops and self-guided lessons, forming meaningful connections.
- 10-Day Online Event: Featuring WAGGGS Leadership model sessions, small group mentorship, and connection sessions, participants were empowered for impactful contributions.
- 100 Girls Projects: Participants undertook projects aimed at empowering 100 girls aged 12 to 18, contributing to breaking leadership barriers in communities around the world.
Innovations Setting JLS 2022 Apart
- Online Delivery: The seminar embraced a fully online format, promoting inclusivity.
- Multilingual Sessions: Sessions in all four WAGGGS languages with simultaneous interpretation ensured accessibility.
- Extended Programme: Spanning over 9 months, including self-guided learning, small group mentorship, and online sessions.
Success
The JLS achieved remarkable success with over 300 project submissions for the 100 Girls Projects, demonstrating the global reach and impact of the participants. Many of the 100 Girls Projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, addressing diverse issues from gender equality to climate action. These 300 projects indirectly impacted over 30,000 girls around the world.
Participant testimonials highlighted the profound impact of JLS 2022, emphasizing a sense of belonging and appreciation for the unique online experience. The JLS's success lies in its ability to adapt, connect, and empower, setting a precedent for future virtual events within the global Girl Guiding and Scouting community.
“The JLS 2022 made me feel like I was a part of something really immense and real. I identified with other hearts and ways of seeing life thousands of kilometers from where I was and still felt like I belonged.” - Carolina, Mexico
“The JLS is such an unique programme! It’s my first time doing everything online and I appreciate being able to explore and feel the essence of diversity.” - Rachel, Liberia
“I am grateful to the organizers and facilitators for ensuring the accessibility of the JLS 2022. I also love how we stand true to our non-formal educational methods, especially 'my path, my pace'. It has been really helpful to me as a participant.” - Melody, Phillipines
“This was such an outstanding opportunity to engage with the young women in a way I had not previously experienced and I thank the WAGGGS staff, particularly the tech team who handled the logistics which included the need for interpreters in all the WAGGGS languages. We really do belong to an amazing Movement and this experience demonstrated the important part OB-PS plays in creating impact.” -Robinette, an Olave Baden-Powell Society (OB-PS) member" -Global donor