Why do Girlguiding members make a promise?
Our promise links us to other Girlguiding members and the ten million people involved in guiding across the world. Although we may have different languages, cultures and beliefs, each member makes a commitment to do their best:
- To be an active citizen of the community and the wider world
- To help others – from a kind word to a neighbour to huge international campaigns
- To develop her spiritual side –whatever she believes or cares about and to respect the beliefs of others
These themes run through everything we do.
Our inclusive promise for all is a shared commitment for every member – from all faiths or none. This unity is what makes guiding so special.
Watch our video to understand more about the promise and law.
The promise
All Girlguiding members are invited to make the same promise.
"I promise that I will do my best, to be true to myself and develop my beliefs, to serve the King and my community, to help other people and to keep the (Brownie) Guide law."
We do have a shorter version for our youngest group, Rainbows.
"I promise that I will do my best to think about my beliefs and to be kind and helpful."
What the promise means
Making your promise – whether you're a young member or volunteer – should be very special, so before you do, it is important you understand what it means. We encourage everyone to think about how they want to celebrate their commitment, and all members get a badge to remember making their promise.
I promise that I willdo my best
The promise isn’t about being perfect or the best at everything – it’s about attempting new challenges and achieving their personal best. Girlguiding gives girls of all ages opportunities to try new things and develop their skills.
To be true to myself
We want members to be comfortable with who they are. We help them to be brave enough to stand up for the things that are important to them whilst celebrating the special things that make them happy. We talk to them about how sometimes being true to themselves means making difficult decisions – even if their friends don’t agree.
And develop my beliefs
We all have different beliefs – some of these come from specific religions and others don’t. This part of the promise encourages girls to develop their own personal beliefs – whatever they are. Spiritual development includes helping girls reflect on their lives, decisions and their place in the world. Guiding also helps members learn about other beliefs and respect the spiritual choices of others.
To serve the King and my community
Serving others is at the heart of Girlguiding. We encourage members to do things to help protect the world - including the people and animals in it. So they serve the community and country they live in, which in the promise is represented by the King.
To help other people
Lending a hand has always been an important part of guiding. Members of Girlguiding help their friends, their family, girls in other countries or people in their local area. They also speak out about topics they feel passionate about and show one-another respect.
And to keep the (Brownie) Guide law
The Brownie law
A Brownie Guide thinks of others before themselves and does a good turn every day.
The Guide law
- A Guide is honest, reliable and can be trusted.
- A Guide is helpful and uses her time and abilities wisely.
- A Guide faces challenge and learns from her experiences.
- A Guide is a good friend and a sister to all Guides.
- A Guide is polite and considerate.
- A Guide respects all living things and takes care of the world around her.
