Why should you
bother? What does it matter? From Girl Guides of Canada’s website in the parent
FAQs we read, “Guiding is a uniformed organization that provides a variety of
uniform options. Uniforms identify girls and women as members of our
organization and all that it stands for. Uniforms give a sense of pride and
belonging and act as an equalizer.”
In the words
of Baden-Powell at
the 1937 World Jamboree, "it covers the differences of country and race
and make all feel that they are members one with another of one World
Brotherhood" (or in our case, Sisterhood). He also said, “Smartness in
uniform and correctness in detail may seem a small matter, but has its value in
the development of self-respect and means an immense deal to the reputation of
the Movement among outsiders who judge by what they see.”
There are many
ways to encourage correct uniform. Here is a tactic I have found to be
successful in encouraging my Guides to wear their uniforms with pride, and to
encourage their sister Guides to do the same:
1)
Invent a “trophy” – this could
be an actual trophy from the thrift shop, re-purposed. Or a walking stick,
decorated with carvings, braided cords, feathers, what-have-you. Or a stuffed
animal dressed in uniform. Or a pennant, decorated with “Top Notch Patrol” or
something similar. What it is isn’t the important part. Imbuing it with
prestige and pride of ownership is what matters.
2)
Make a list of items to be
inspected for, with the goal of winning the honour of weekly possession of the
Trophy. Possible items may include but not be limited to: hair tied back,
uniform shirt, tie (tied correctly), clean fingernails, badge sash, badges in
correct places (sewed/ironed on, up to date), pins in correct places, uniform
pants (or at least appropriate solid dark coloured pants), indoor shoes,
program book, dues, be prepared pocket contents…
3)
Start hyping the competition
aspect between patrols. Talk up the bragging rights of winning the weekly
trophy. Consider making a journal or chart that visually tracks who won on what
week, how many times, etc.
4)
Place all the “inspection
points” on paper slips to be kept in a box or jar that will be at the meeting
each week.
5)
Each week have one Patrol
leader pull a slip from the box and inspect all Patrols on the item chosen.
Make it more “official” by providing a clip board and check list. If necessary,
remind PLs to be fair – next week it will be someone else inspecting her
patrol!
6)
Take any opportunity to take
photos of well-dressed patrols and display them. Take them out in public, and
comment how sharp they look all in correct uniform. Pass along any compliments
others may offer on their uniform appearance.
7)
Up the ante – any Patrol who
wins the trophy three times in a row gets a ____. (fill in the blank with something desirable
that your unit budget can afford – a yummy snack, a special crest, a bag of
candy, a pizza supper before the meeting one week, whatever you can dream up.)
8)
At the end of the year give
some sort of prize to the patrol with the most points overall.
And of course,
the Guiders should lead by example, and wear proper uniform too.
Till next time....
North Owl
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