A Letter To My Future Self

Reading a letter you’ve written to yourself in the past, makes you appreciate how far you’ve come. A Letter to My Future Self showcases the accomplishments and character of the girls and women of Girl Guides NSW ACT & NT.

This project is a chance to reflect on your achievements and your personal growth. Share what you’ve loved and learned from your Guiding experience and how you believe Guiding will contribute to your future.

A Letter to My Future Self project is open to all Guides and Adult Members 5–105 + who are active financial Members of Girl Guides NSW ACT & NT.

 

 

 

Information for Participants

The Theme
The theme Empowering Future Women underscores Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT’s commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.  Letters are to focus on future self, and consider the impact or influence Guiding has had and will continue to have in empowering a future you. 

When

Online submissions for completed artworks opened 23 May 2020 and will close 8 September at 11:59 PM.

Who

All members age 5 - 105+ 
There are six categories for entry to the GirlMade Project: 
1. Pre-junior Guides (5–7). 
2. Junior Guides (7–10). 
3. Guides (10–14). 
4. Senior Guides (14–17). 
5. Olaves (18–30). 
6. Adults 18+ 

Submissions

Participants are encouraged to ponder the theme; to make it personally and internally meaningful before externally creating and inspiring others through their writing. Members will enter their letters through an online submission portal. 
  
100 of the top letters will then be created into a book. This book will be presented at Centenary event and sold to help raise funds to support Girl Guides NSW ACT & NT continue Guiding for the next 100 years. 
 
The entry form for the A Letter to My Future Self is available online.
  

How to Enter

There are three easy steps to participating in A Letter to My Future Self:

1. Register your interested online to receive emails about the details of participation in all Centenary Programming  

2. Create a handwritten letter 

3. Fill out an entry form online and submit a scan of your letter via the online submission portal.

Online submissions for completed letters will open 23 May 2020 and close 5 October at 11:59 PM. 

Letters can be worked on as part of a Girl Guide program, within a Unit meeting, or as an individual. Each letter  must be created by an individual, it cannot be a collaborative work. 
 
Members must register their interest first, before completing and submitting a scan of their letter. Last day for registrations and submissions is 8 September 2020. 

Register Online

Entry 

Conditions of entry 

  • All Guides aged 5–105+ are encouraged to participate. 
  • One (1) entry per person
  • There is no cost for registering and submitting a letter . 
  • There is a restriction on letter length , please refer to the ‘What kind of letter can I create’ section for details. 

Submission Guidelines

Submission Requirements 

  • Submissions of final letters due 5 October 2020 
  • Submit image of letter via online portal. Submission of  a letter confirms approval for your letter to potentially be used in the keepsake book.
  • 1-2 page letters will be accepted with a maximum of 2 pages.  
  • Blue or black ink must be used for the writing. Colours may be used if an illustration is included.  
  • The maximum size of 21.0 x 29.7cm or A4 paper 
  • There is no minimum size. Letters must be handwritten in legible penmanship (print and clear cursive will be accepted). 
  • Submissions that do not meet the requirements may be disqualified

Online Submission Instructions 
  • All artwork must be submitted online via the link provided
  • All fields in the submission form must be completed (unless stated as “optional”)
  • An image of the artwork must be uploaded via the online submission from. 
  • The accepted digital format is a JPEG of at least 300 dpi and less than 5 MB. 

 

 

Resources

What kind of letter can I create? 

 Letters can be created in a range of writing styles including (but not limited to): 
  • Formal letter 
  • Journal entry 
  • Bullet point list 

    Use any of the 5 types of writing to create your letter 
  • Expository – Writing in which author’s purpose is to inform or explain the subject to the reader.
  • Persuasive – Writing that states the opinion of the writer and attempts to influence the reader.
  • Narrative – Writing in which the author tells a story. The story could be fact or fiction.
  • Descriptive – A type of expository writing that uses the five senses to paint a picture for the reader.
    This writing incorporates imagery and specific details.
  • Creative - writing is often thought provoking, entertaining and interesting to read.
             Short stories, poetry, novels and plays often fall into the creative writing category.
     
    Additional items
    You are welcome to include a small illustration or poem on your letter 

    You must identify yourself within the letter.
    Some traditional ways include signing your name at the bottom or addressing the letter to yourself.
    But feel free to be creative here. 

    Handwritten letters have a charm of their own. You can take time to think about what you want to say.
    You can keep letters to read again and again. You can admire the handwriting; share dreams and thoughts.
    Responding by letter is very different to the immediacy of a text message or an email.
     
    •  
     Project Dates 
  • 1 May – Centenary Program Launch 
  • 23 May – Online submissions portal for letters opens
  • 5 October -  Online registration closes 
  • 5 October – Online submissions for letters (include scanned letter, accompanied by entry information, must be submitted to portal)
  • TBA Mail in selection letters  
  • TBA Online Voting of top 100 letters 
  • TBA Book presentation and launch of sales 

    Supplies 
    Some suggestions for art supplies and kits:
  • Eckersley’s
  • The Reject Shop
  • Officeworks
  • Kmart
  • your local newsagency
  • discount stores
  • around your home 
       

    Online Content 
    Coming soon...
    Videos & Webinars on the A Letter to My Future Self Programming
  • 18 August - Youth 
  • 20 August - Adults 


    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Q Can I enter with others? 
    A. No, entries are for individuals only. 
     
    Q Is there an age limit to enter? 
    A. There are six categories for entry or art works 
    1. Pre-junior Guides (5–7) 
    2. Junior Guides (7–10)  
    3. Guides (10–14) 
    4. Senior Guides (14–17)  
    5. Olaves (18–30)
    6. Adults 18+  

    Q  Is there any entry fee? 
    A. No, it is free to participate. All participants must register via Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT website to participate and all art works must be submitted via the online portal once completed. 

    Q. Can I participate in both GirlMade Centenary Additional and A Letter To My Future Self?
    A. Yes, all members as welcome to participate in both Centenary Programs. 

    Q. Do I have to participate in both GirlMade Centenary Additional and A Letter To My Future Self?
    A. No way, you can choose to one or the other. It is optional if you want to do both. 
    Q. How do I register for GirlMade or A Letter To My Future Self?
    A. 1. Register online through the Centenary website page to express your interest in participating. This will allow you to receive emails about Centenary Programming 2. Begin work on your artwork or letter. 3. Submit your finished work via the online portal between 23 May and 5 October.

    Q. What do I need to get started?
    A. Check out the supplies link above to order a kit for either program. You are of course welcome to use any supplies you may have around your home. Feel free to get creative with your mediums for your artwork! 

    Q. How do I submit my finished artwork or letter?
    A. Submit a photo or scan of your completed project. Make sure to follow the submission requirements and online submission guidelines. And don't forget to use a JPEG of at least 300 dpi and less than 5 MB.

    Q. Will there be online programming, videos, and more resources to help with my project? 
    A. Yes, we are working to plan webinars and videos to help with your GirlMade and A Letter To My Future Self program content for both individuals and units. Check back on this page frequently for the latest updates and content related to your Centenary Programming. 



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