1. Western Hemisphere Membership Development Strategy

2. Current Membership MOs Membership Trends 36 MOs 4 Associate Members 4 MOs work in co- educational setting: Costa Rica & Chile (SAGNO); Brazil & Paraguay 95% of members in WH Region belong to GSUSA 22 MOs have fewer than 2000 members 2006- 2009 : 7% membership decline 2009- 2011: 16 MOs increased membership (9 MOs increased by > 15%) 15 MOs had a decline in membership (5 MOs did not declare membership)

3. Key AreasChallengesOpportunities Fund Development & Financial Management Many MOs lack fund development strategies- therefore in a weak financial position. Often national boards lack FD expertise FD training June 2012 Many national board members are well connected in the community Leadership, governance and succession planning Most MOs do not have defined succession planning strategies Some national boards require stronger competencies and firmer commitment Regional webinars Targeted approach to visits Focus on leadership development at national level. Recruitment and retention of adult volunteers and Ranger aged members Many MOs do not have sufficient adult leaders Sometimes volunteers do not receive the support or training they need. MOs struggle to retain Ranger- aged members MOs need to respond to new trends in volunteering- new opportunities in the Movement Flexible access and innovative delivery is essential. Strategic partnerships Some MOs lack visibility in the community and at country level. Strong community presence and access to central government (esp. Caribbean)- currently under- capitalised.

4. Devising the Strategy Evaluation of WH operational plan 2009- 2011 Mid-way evaluation WH operational plan 2012- 2014 Performance Assessment 2012 results MO visit reports / regional documentation on the status of MOs Direct feedback from MOs to committee and staff MO Development Plans Mapping exercise of key priorities in MOs Concept of Pilot countries Regional Membership Development Strategy WAGGGS Global membership development strategy Current regional operational plan 2012-2014

5. Regional Membership Growth Targets Current target is 5 million members by 2020 (proposed at 2012 WH committee meeting). This target is to be reviewed in light of 2012 census figures. MO targets: to be set as WH strategy is rolled out over next two triennia (in line with census collection 2015 and 2018) 3 Associate members supported to achieve Full Membership by 2017.

6. Key elements of the strategy: Strand 1 Build MO capacity in the following areas: 1)Fund development and financial management 2)Leadership and governance 3)Succession planning & opportunities for young women 4)Volunteerism 5)Programmes for Ranger-aged members 6)Accessibility of Guiding across diverse communities 7)Strategic partnerships Support pilot countries to achieve significant growth Support Associate members to achieve Full membership status by 2017 Support select MOs to recognize the added value of belonging to WAGGGS by responding effectively to their needs.

7. Key elements of the strategy: Strand 2 Contribute regional knowledge to the review and delivery of a new WAGGGS Membership Policy that facilitates innovation, diversity and growth. Explore possibilities within new policy: federation concept and ‘clustering countries’ together to form one MO. Diversifying membership (National alliances, school membership, seasonal or project based membership). Applying WAGGGS membership policy to select countries in the region.

8. Key elements of the strategy: Strand 3 Understand what barriers exist in the region to implementing other types of membership for girls and young women through research e.g. country case studies and analysis. Study and test new pathways that could apply in the region such as Girl Guiding / Girl Scouting through projects or partnerships with other organizations that uphold similar values.

9. Delivering the Strategy Provide tailored and specific regional support to MOs based on their identified priorities Strive to achieve a strong return on investment, focusing on results and where results are not being achieved, evaluate strategies. Prioritize the use of new technology as a key training delivery mechanism (such as webinars and e-learning) to ensure maximum return on investment and access to MOs. Broker partnerships with other MOs or regions and make better use of expertise within the region (maximize use of Western Hemisphere volunteer pool). Evaluate current regional resources and structure and take decisions on what might require adjustment or additional investment.

10. Next Steps 2013 Strategy reviewed by MOs at Regional Conference- consultation in membership sessions.2014 Following feedback, WH committee will adopt proposed ways of work and plan implementation of strategy within the 2014 operational plan. 2015- 2017 & beyond At 2014 WH committee meeting, the committee will develop an operational plan for triennium with a yearly cycle of evaluation and revision. An M&E framework will be set up to support this.

11. MO Workshop 11.00- 13.00 An opportunity for conference participants to be consulted on key aspects of the Global and Western Hemisphere Membership Development Strategies. The focus will be: Strand 2 – pathways to organizational membership Strand 3 – new pathways of membership for girls & young women

12. Session Outcomes Participants & MOs gain a better understanding of WAGGGS’ current membership policies and structures are engaged and involved in thinking about new membership models WAGGGS Is able to gather valuable data and input from MOs on their views of new pathways to membership for individual girls and Member Organizations.

13. Session Outline Groups will work on a fictional case study to consider membership issues, solutions, risks and benefits. Groups will discuss 4 case studies: 11.00- 11.30 Case Study 1 11.30- 12.00 Case Study 2 12.00- 12.30 Case Study 3 12.30- 13.00 Case Study 4

14. Feedback MOs will have the opportunity to present their feedback on Wednesday at the following session: Wed 24 July 14.30- 16.00 Western Hemisphere– onward to 2020

15. Session Groups Please ensure you are seated in your groups at 11.00 for the start of the session.