In today’s blog post, we’re profiling Claire Morier and Brittany Batten, District Commissioners in Quebec’s Pointe-Claire District. Through mutual respect, self-knowledge and innovative ideas, these members share a common interest coupled with an openness to be creative, flexible and listen.
Their go-to resource:
As a teacher, Guider and Co-Commissioner, much of Brittany’s inspiration comes from her peers. Within Guiding, she incorporates the girls’ interests in meeting activities.
As a Guider and Co-Commissioner, Claire is very approachable and is at ease sharing her experiences with everyone she meets in Guiding. Both of them agree that their main go-to resources are other experienced Guiders. Claire also admitted spending too much time online and, like many of us, Brittany loves Pinterest!
A Eureka moment as District Commissioners:
Leading their first district meeting, Claire realized the magnitude of their responsibilities and felt that providing direction, order and the right motivation was intimidating but also a chance to communicate great Guiding. She was relieved by attending District Commissioner meetings and listening to more experienced DCs. There is so much support available if you know the right places to look!
Best activity with Guiders:
While Brittany has been an avid camper ever since she was a little girl, one of her best activities would include any camp, whether with her unit or as a district. Whenever Claire has a chance to socialize outside of the district and unit meetings, she loves getting to know Guiders outside of a strictly Guiding context.
The biggest undertaking as District Commissioners:
“Implementing some new district events and initiatives as well as straying from what we have always done!”
Top tip:
It was mutual: “LISTEN.” It is important to be creative, be flexible and delegate. There are so many good ideas out there and often from unexpected places. You never know what you might hear that will generate the next great unit meeting, district camp theme or the insight you need to resolve a conflict.
Their Guiding Mantra:
Brittany: “It’s okay to take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!” – Miss Frizzle
Claire: “As long as the girls are having fun” is something Claire finds herself repeating quite often. Even if all your careful planning went out the window five minutes into the meeting, if the girls are engaged in doing something meaningful, in the end, it doesn’t matter whether everything went according to plan.
Now is a good time to… try new things!
Communities are changing and it is important that Girl Guides reflects that. Modifying our program and activities while still staying true to Guiding can be done! It’s also time to recover from a busy start of a new Guiding year, take stock and start organizing again.
Thank you to the GuidesQuebecBlog for allowing us to re-post this story. A condensed version of this interview first appeared in the November Piccolo newsletter. The Our Guiding Family interviews are created by DC Support Specialist Elaine Keeble.
What’s your Guiding story? Share it with us on the blog! ggcblog(at)girlguides.ca.