On International Women’s Day the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) pledged to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of individuals in the community (Medicine Hat & surrounding area) who lead, inspire, and motivate women and work to break the bias towards advancing gender equity. Each month the MHPS, in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Association, selects a local individual(s) to highlight with the “Be The Change” award, and celebrate the achievements of these individuals who are catalysts for change in our community.
This month, Linda Gove was chosen as the recipient of the MHPS “Be the Change Award” in recognition of her over 40 years of dedicated volunteer service with Girl Guides of Canada (GGC). As an organization, GGC has a vision of “a better world, by girls” and a mission “to be a catalyst for girls, empowering girls”, with programming available for girls as young as five all the way up to 17 years of age. At its heart, Girl Guides provide girls and young women with safe and inclusive space to explore their interests and a platform to speak out on the issues that matter to them.
In many ways, the Girl Guide movement’s own story is one that started with a demand for gender equality: in 1909, girls in England demanded to take part in a Boy Scouts rally organized by Lord Baden-Powell at the Crystal Palace in London. Baden-Powell was impressed and asked his sister, Agnes, to create a program just for girls. This was the beginning of the Guiding movement, with its early days being characterized by girls advocating for access to the same opportunities afforded to boys – in essence, gender equality.
Today, GGC recognizes and values the richness of human diversity in its many forms, and therefore strives to ensure environments where girls and women from all walks of life, identities, and lived experiences feel a sense of belonging and can participate fully. As such, persons who identify as girls and women are welcome to join GGC, including transgender girls and women.
Through her volunteer service with GGC, Linda has had the opportunity to fill many different roles from unit guider to Commissioner, to public relations advisor. She has organized and led participants from the local units on several exciting adventures including a trip with the Pathfinders to Europe in 2014 and then a bus tour of the maritime provinces in 2016. She is currently involved with her Guiding District planning an area rally for all age groups that will be held at Echo Dale Park this month.
When asked about what motivates and inspires her to continue volunteering, Linda says it is the many lasting relationships she has formed with the girls that have continued into well into their adult years. Whether it is at the weekly meetings, or during the overnight camps, Linda loves watching the girls have fun, while learning new skills and forming friendships. She has taken a particular interest in mentoring young women by providing them with junior leadership opportunities that allow them to give back while gaining increased self confidence as leaders in their community.
Linda’s dedication to the girls was demonstrated during the pandemic, when many clubs were forced to cancel due to the health restrictions, and they were no longer able to meet in the schools, Linda adapted by hosting unit meetings in her backyard, social distanced around a campfire. Over the years, she has recognized how important it is for the girls to have a place where they can keep active, explore the outdoors, and have an opportunity for social connection.
In addition to her service with GGC, Linda has given back to the community in many other ways over the years including as past president of the Medicine Hat Inline Hockey league, billeting Medicine Hat Tiger players, volunteering with figure skating, air cadets and karate all which have been a part of her family’s life in one way or another. In her spare time Linda enjoys dragon boat racing and spending time with her husband Ray, children, and grandchildren. She looks forward to continuing to lead, inspire and motivate others for many years to come!
For more information on how the GGC including how to get involved with a local club visit www.girlguides.ca.
If you know of a role model in our community who would be deserving of the Be The Change award recognition, nominations can be submitted via the MHPS website or mobile app for consideration. The nominations will be reviewed by a committee comprised of women who serve with the MHPS and each month they will select and arrange to meet with the winner to celebrate their accomplishments.
Media Contact:
Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416