Publicity Officer

Ellie Lees

Bangor University Guides and Scouts

 

Hi, SSAGOers, my name’s Ellie, I’m 20 and currently studying History, Heritage and Archaeology at Bangor University, meaning I’m a member of BUGS, not to be confused with our long-time rivals Bath BUGS!

I’ve been involved in Girlguiding since I was 4 and Scouts since I was 10, which means I understand both organisations well. That dual perspective gives me insight into how SSAGO can better promote itself across both movements.
SSAGO has given me confidence, friendships, and opportunities I never expected. I would love to be given the opportunity to give back and help future SSAGO members get the same opportunities that I did.

         

 

Why me?

Going into my third year, I know people would be concerned that I would be short on time, however I actually have a lot more free time coming up, with my 5-year Girlguiding North-West youth voice chair role coming to an end this academic year, and well-polished time management skills, I’m confident I won’t have an issue managing this role.

I’m also currently Inspire Cymru lead, meaning I look after Inspire (Girlguiding’s equivalent of Network) for Wales. This has taught me so much about meetings, mediation, and about Girlguiding’s workings as a whole, something I feel I can bring into SSAGO, especially when I feel Team Pink tends to be quite Scout-heavy.


I’ve also been on BUGS committee as Treasurer this year and Publicity Officer last year, which has meant I’ve got to know how SSAGO functions and how things like REPS work, allowing me to be well-equipped if elected.

Why Publicity?

I have a strong interest in design and studied Graphics through GCSE and A-Level. Creativity is something I genuinely love and enjoy; I don’t see it as work. I’m currently on the Rali Eryri committee as Merch and Publicity. Through this, I’ve developed practical experience in producing engaging content and have shown first-hand experience of being responsible for the publicity of an element of SSAGO.

I’m also chronically online, whether you see this as a good or a bad thing, it’s evident that I know my way around social media and can seamlessly pick up from the incredible work Lucy has done.

My ideas for the role.

I only discovered SSAGO by accident when a certain Alice Baldwin introduced me to it at a Roverway briefing weekend, yet it ultimately influenced my final UCAS choices as I chose universities based on whether they had an established SSAGO club. That experience made me realise how vital advertising and getting ourselves known to Rangers and Explorers is.

A badge pack linked to the programme for both sections that explores what SSAGO can offer as well as potentially advising about university and the first few years out of school/college is something I’m keen to look into, not only would it raise awareness, and potentially funds for SSAGO with the cost of the badge it would also provide a much needed source of advice and reassurance that’s there’s something after for young people. (Below are two pictures of me as a Ranger and Explorer months before ageing out to remind everyone just how little and naïve we all were once!)

   

 

I understand that not all clubs have someone confident in design or publicity. As Publicity Officer, I would aim to provide accessible templates, branding guidance, and promotional support so clubs and National Events can produce consistent, high-quality materials without feeling overwhelmed. These would be placed in a folder acting as a bank of resources, able to be easily accessed, so clubs can be present on social media and increase their publicity and recruitment opportunities.

Who doesn’t love a badge? I’d love to create a series of badges similar to those of Girlguiding’s interest badges that members can earn in club meetings or at home, especially those of Indie members, something that would take the strain off club committees if they were struggling for a night’s plan, and allow for members to have another way of getting involved within SSAGO.

Whilst I’m at university, I volunteer for both an explorer unit and then within Girlguiding, I’m the unit leader for one of only a few completely student-run units. All 4 sections run completely by students at once in the same hall; this presents a challenge that I’m aware is something that faces other members of SSAGO, so I would like to raise awareness of this and show what is possible. By highlighting the work of student volunteers at a national level, it would allow people to connect and bounce off ideas about how they manage things like this, especially with constant change and the unfortunate stigma that sometimes comes from being a leader that’s also a student!

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I bring long-standing involvement in both movements, alongside publicity experience, creativity, and a genuine belief in SSAGO’s impact. I would be proud to serve as Publicity Officer and help ensure SSAGO is visible, celebrated, and accessible to everyone who could benefit from it.