Guides make new pledge

By Cherie Donnellan
DRYSDALE Girl Guides have embraced their new godless, “non-matriarchal” pledge, according to their group leader.
Anne Brackley said the new pledge to serve the community and country was “more inclusive” than the organisation’s previous commitment to serve God and the Queen.
“I think this new phrasing that has more up-to-date language will fit in well with today’s Guides.”
Ms Brackley, who has been involved in the Guides for almost 50 years, said the organisation still strove for the same ideals despite the new pledge.
“The precepts aren’t any different. We teach our Guides to build self-confidence and self-esteem individually and to work toward the greater good for their community.”
God had been a non-denominational figure within Guiding “for some time now”, Ms Brackley said.
“By extension, anyway, if we’re serving the community we’re serving our community’s spiritual and matriarchal affiliations.”
Earlier this month World Associa-tion Girl Guides and Girl Scouts announced the change to an “inclusive” pledge “respectful of diversity”.
Girl Guides Australia Chief Commissioner Helen Geard said the organisation took pride in “promoting diversity and equality”
“It is imperative our promise adequately reflects a diverse Australia and is more relevant to today’s girls as global citizens”.