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As she concludes her six-year term as Irish Girl Guides Chief Commissioner, Amanda O’Sullivan reflects on the experiences, challenges and achievements that shaped her time in leadership. In this interview, she looks back on what she learned, what she found most meaningful, and the moments that will stay with her.
What different roles have you held before becoming Chief?
I have held various roles in Irish Girl Guides (IGG), from being a Unit Leader to being Chair of Brownie Branch Committee which was my first introduction to National Committees in IGG. Then I took on the role of Regional Commissioner which introduced me to the governance aspect of IGG as well as working closing with staff and volunteers. I also completed a role as Assistant Chief Commissioner which allowed me a window into the role of the Chief Commissioner.
What motivated you to take on the role of Chief?
I took on the role of Chief Commissioner based on my above experiences in IGG and how I felt I had the skills to progress the governance element that was required as we moved from an unincorporated association to a Company Limited by Guarantee. I knew I had the skills to chair a committee as Chair of the IGG Board, and I am passionate about remembering why we are all involved in a youth organisation and thus supporting the development of our youth members.
What have you learned during your six years as Chief? What has been the biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
What have I learnt from my role as Chief Commissioner? I have learnt that IGG and its Leaders and youth members are resilient and resourceful. This was most noticeable during my first year when we were all impacted by the COVID pandemic and the shutdown of the country.
Leaders adapted by developing resources to share in various ways with their youth members and their families to maintain that connection and to provide support at this very tough time for all. This was definitely one of my biggest challenges that the organisation was greeted with, as there was no preparation for this and no forwarding planning. We had to think on our feet and think fast as guidance was being sought on a daily basis from staff and volunteers.
During this time, we did not allow the recognition that the girls deserved to be postponed: the National Guide Award ceremonies went online with Award packs sent out in advance of an online ceremony to recognise our youth members’ achievements.
This was all thanks to the dedication and commitment of the Regional Commissioners. Other National events were also planned and delivered at National level showing our ability to adapt and develop new skills to support the fantastic youth members and their families.
What has been the most rewarding experience?
I have worked with a fantastic staff team that support the volunteers’ vision and plans for the organisation. There have been challenging times during 2020 and when we had other vacancies, so when we have a full complement all working towards the one goal it supports the development of the organisation, and so I am very thankful to them all.
I have some very special memories from my time as Chief Commissioner which include travelling around the country to Regional Conferences and meeting Leaders, to presenting the National Guide Awards online in small groups and eventually back to a National in-person event. There have been many lovely cards and notes received along the way from members which are cherished memories. I had the absolute pleasure in awarding a service pin to a Leader in Cork which was very impactful for all involved due to the circumstance but highlighted the importance of saying ‘Thank You’ to our volunteers.
I had the honour to represent IGG at two World Conferences — one was completely online and the other was in person. I also with a group of three other Leaders took 23 amazing young women on a trip to Switzerland where we all explored together, had fun including the balloons and ducks challenge, and made friendships for life. There are so many other highlights and experiences from meeting girls and young women who are thriving and loving being a member of IGG and that we are all having an impact on, to meeting the volunteers who make this happen.
My term has finished on a high with the first in-person International Camp in 2025 which was organised by the incoming Chief Commissioner, Aisling Claffey Healion, assisted by Sarah O’Donovan who is one of the two Assistant Chief Commissioners.
I could not have undertaken this role without the members of my own Girl Guide Unit supporting me and this has been essential to me along this journey.
Do you have any advice for the new Chief?
I would say to Aisling that she needs to take all offers of help and assistance and to use the amazing group of women that we have in the organisation to support her in the journey ahead.
There are so many fantastic memories ahead and it is really important to appreciate these and remember the reason why you are involved in IGG.
Continue to promote the amazing work that is completed and the impact that Irish Girl Guides has on the lives and futures of the girls and young women who become members of IGG.
Amanda’s reflections highlight the commitment of volunteers, the resilience of members, and the strength of the IGG community. We thank her for her leadership and contribution over the past six years and wish her well as she continues her Guiding journey in new ways.
To learn more about the incoming Chief Commissioner, stay tuned for our next interview.
by Celia Melcus