Global Girl Scouting O
Transcript of Global Girl Scouting O
Making the world a better place
FALL 2006 LEADER 13
Global Girl Scouting
O pening the world to girls is nothing new in
Girl Scouts. And with the shrinking of the world
through the Internet, fast travel, podcast enter-
tainment and news, the need to rededicate eff orts
in helping girls think globally and understand the world—
their world—is one of the focused activities of the Girl Scout
Movement.
Girl Scouts of the USA, and every member of it, automati-
cally belongs to the World Association of Girl Guides and
Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Interweaving their international
scope is complex, encompassing 144 organizations through-
out the world. Yet the purpose of this worldwide Movement is
clear, especially when you consider the new mission statements
of WAGGGS and GSUSA, the largest of the Member Organiza-
tions. All of these organizations reciprocally encourage interna-
tional understanding, travel, and friendship that support girls
as they take their places as global citizens, better still—global
leaders of the future.
At GSUSA the implementation of a new strategy, and an
alignment for the future brought also a reorganization of the
offi ces concerned with international activities. Th e result is a
new department in the new Mission-to-Market Group, called
Global Girl Scouting, which is designed to elevate global ini-
tiatives within Girl Scouts of the USA. Th e two departments
of the group are Global Action, and the long-established,
USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO), both of which con-
centrate on ways to increase global awareness among GSUSA
members. As it works to address worldwide issues aff ecting
girls, the Global Girl Scouting department aims to cultivate
long-lasting, inter-organizational partnerships, and engage
girls as change-agents at the global level.
Th e Global Action team has four main goals: 1) to raise the
global awareness of girls, councils, and national staff ; 2) to en-
hance girls’ cross-cultural opportunities by creating enriching
experiential and service-learning opportunities for girls at a
global level; 3) to take girls’ voices to the global stage by par-
ticipating in global conferences and events; 4) to create more
girl leadership opportunities at the global level.
Girl Scouts Mission: Girl Scouting builds
girls of courage, confi dence and character,
who make the world a better place.
WAGGGS: Our Mission: to enable girls and
young women to develop their fullest potential
as responsible citizens of the world.Photos © WAGGGS
Girl Guides of Taiwan
USA Girl Scouts Overseas, currently serving approxi-
mately 18,000 girls and adults in 90 countries, also has
four major goals: 1) to off er American girls living overseas
a top-quality Girl Scout experience that matches that of
their sister Girls Scouts within the States; 2) to have girl
members connect with their host nation Girl Guides and
Girl Scouts to collaborate on program and service learn-
ing opportunities; 3) to build the capacities of trainers and
volunteers for both USAGSO and WAGGGS trainers; 4)
to make full use of electronic resources and programming
to better serve both adult and girl members at the global
level.
Girl Scouts and Girl Guides, and the many ways through
which they interact—WAGGGS, the World Foundation, the
World Centers—comprise an international sisterhood to en-
sure that girls everywhere will be represented, and enabled to
have and speak in their own voices; and to make a profound
diff erence for girls throughout the world.
WAGGGS: What is it?
Th e World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, fre-
quently called WAGGGS, is a worldwide organization com-
prised of 144 Girl Guide/Girl Scout national associations,
including Girl Scouts of the USA. WAGGGS not only pro-
vides the structure for uniting all its member organizations,
but also promotes and establishes the Girl Guide/Girl Scout
program in new countries. Headquartered at its World Bu-
reau in London, WAGGGS also owns and operates four world
centers. Girl Guides/Girl Scouts can visit these program cen-
ters in England, Switzerland, India, and Mexico.
WAGGGS has six teams at United Nations locations around
the world. Each team has members promoting issues aff ect-
ing girls and young women. GSUSA works closely with the
WAGGGS UN teams at the UN in New York.
The WAGGGS Member Organizations represent five
regions of the globe: Africa, Arab, Asia Pacifi c, Europe,
Western Hemisphere.
Our Rights & Responsibilities WAGGGS Triennial Theme
Th e WAGGGS objectives for this triennium under the theme
“Our Rights, Our Responsibilities” are intended to raise aware-
ness about basic human rights, and help girls to take active
and positive responsibility for claiming those rights for them-
selves and others. Th e initiative is based on the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child, a human rights treaty
adopted in 1990 to encourage countries around the world to
safeguard the rights of children. Th e treaty highlights the need
to protect children from abuse, violence, and exploitation, and
to provide access to adequate nutrition, healthcare, and pri-
mary education.
Junior Girl Scouts can earn the “Our Rights, Our Responsi-
bilities” participation patch by completing at least one activity
from each of the six theme areas:
Th e right to be me
Th e right to learn
Th e right to be heard
Th e right to live in peace
Th e right to be happy
Th e right to work together
Girls can fi nd patch activities online at www.girlscouts.orgr .
1.2.3.4.5.6.
The World FoundationBuilding Ties that Bind
by Karen Scheuerer
Like most people, Gail Tsuboi will never forget where she
was on September 11, 2001. She was in India at the Sangam
WAGGGS World Center. She spent that day glued to the
scratchy little black and white TV in the Sangam library watch-
ing the news, and she was profoundly aff ected by something
that happened the next day. She and a couple of friends were
in the marketplace when a wrinkled, elderly Indian woman ap-
proached the group and asked “American? American?” As the
only American in the group, Gail came forward. Th e woman
grasped Gail’s hands, looked deeply into her eyes, and could
only say, “New York, New York.” Gail writes, “Experiences like
that cause you to see yourself as more than just an American;
indeed, we are all global citizens.”
Th rough numerous visits to Sangam, Gail came to under-
stand the vital work that WAGGGS was doing throughout the
world, especially in underdeveloped countries. Eventually, Gail
became the Chair of the Friends of Sangam and a member of
the World Foundation. “I felt it was the best way to make a con-
tribution that would have an impact through an organization
for which I am passionate.”
A shared fervor for the work of the World Centers seems to
be the tie that binds all members of the World Foundation for
Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Inc. Established in 1971, the World
Foundation has worked closely with GSUSA and WAGGGS
to promote international understanding through Girl Guiding
and Girl Scouting around the world. Comprised of nearly 200
members, the World Foundation raises funds to provide grants
for travel opportunities, leadership trainings, and international
events at the World Centers. Contributions are also used for
physical improvements and equipment for the centers.
“Th e World Foundation off ers a vehicle for people who have
experienced a World Center or a WAGGGS program to give
back, or for people who just want to help empower girls and
women around the world,” said Amy Baker the Vice Chair of
the Friends of WAGGGS.
One example of their eff orts was last April when the World
Foundation provided nine travel scholarships for international
participants to attend the Helen Storrow Seminar, a young
women’s leadership conference at Our Chalet in Switzerland.
Th e nine participants came from Brazil, Mexico, Sri Lanka,
Trinidad/Tobago, South Africa, Singapore and Lebanon, adding
to the diversity and geographic representation of 26 delegates at
the conference. (See Gaining a Global View page 16.)w
In the words of Phylis Crook from the Friends of Our Cabaña,
“the Foundation provides a means for girls and young women to
come together in a safe setting and share their hopes and dreams,
for themselves, their countries and the world. Th ey learn about
one another by living, working and playing together, how they
are diff erent, and probably more importantly, how they are alike.
Th is can’t help but make our world a better place.”
To get involved in the World Foundation, please contact
Robin Yuschak, Administrator, at [email protected] or g
(212) 852-8612. Or visit: http://www.worldfoundationgggs.org/gg
FALL 2006 LEADER 15
Approximately 200 USAGSO girls and Girl Guides completed the Lady Baden Powell award. This award is considered by USAGSO to be the Gold Award of International Girl Scouting and can only be earned with the host nation Girl Guides and USAGSO girls working together to fulfi ll fi ve requirements in the areas of outdoor, culture, crafts, service, and language.
Girl Guides representing Japan, Caribbean, Latvia, Hungary, Iraq and Afghanistan participated in USAGSO conferences.
100% of USAGSO-West Pacifi c troops in mainland Japan have connections with host country Japanese Girl Scout sister troops and meet for activities at least twice a year.
Kirya Exchange has been celebrated for 43 years. USAGSO girls enjoy home-stay with their Japanese sisters for three days.
USAGSO-West Pacifi c staff trained 40 trainers for Girl Scouts of Japan.
USAGSO troops in Okinawa have sister troops from the Girl Scouts of Japan for ongoing projects: Kabuki theater day, Red Ribbon Week activities, Mikan picking, parades, holiday celebrations, Ikego Friendship Garden and a Snowfl ake Ball.
USAGSO-North Atlantic: In progress is a project to connect USAGSO-North Atlantic with girls in the Ukraine, Armenia and Azerbaijan that will focus on healthy living and technology.
Atyrau, Kazakhstan: Making small toiletry bags for local orphanages. Participate in World Watering Monitoring Day on the Ural River.
Sigonella and Vicenza Italy USAGSO girls and local Guides collaborating on beautifi cation projects.
Sembach and Spangdahlem participated with the French Guides for Memorial Day services. Groups worked together preparing graves and presenting wreaths to dignitaries.
Hohenfels: Working with local Polish club to collaborate in building a playground for a local orphanage in Poland.
Thessalonica, Greece: Ongoing projects with Sisters of Mother Teresa. Purchased quilt for 80-year-old woman with no heating or hot water.
Suri Sumatra Indonesia: Working with local Girl Guides and Boy Scouts to improve camping area. Tree planting.
Darmstadt Germany: ongoing projects with Guides building friendship bridge, World Thinking Day, beautifi cation projects.
South Korea: Ongoing projects with a local orphanage
USA Girl Scouts Overseas
Highlights of recent activities Serving others, learning and working together
The World Trefoil Pin and Flag Special Meaning for Members
The World Trefoil pin is the unifying symbol
of the World Association of Girl Guides and
Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and is worn by members
worldwide. It was introduced in the United
States at the 1949 GSUSA National Council
Session. In 1991, WAGGGS unveiled a new
contemporary design and the World fl ag.
The World Trefoil and the World Flag have symbolic meaning.
The golden Trefoil on a bright blue background represents
the sun shining over all the children of the world; the three
leaves represent the three-fold Promise as originally laid
down by the Founder; the base of the stalk represents the
fl ame of the love of humanity; the vein pointing upwards
through the centre of the Trefoil represents the compass
needle pointing the way; and the two stars represent the
Promise and Law.
On the World fl ag, a white blaze in the lower, right-hand
corner represents commitment to peace; this is crowned
by three golden blocks symbolizing the three-fold Prom-
ise. The fl ag is used at the World Centres, the World Bureau,
WAGGGS gatherings and by all Member Organizations,
often as a unit fl ag.
Tell us what you’re doing. Are you a leader who promotes global awareness or
cross-cultural understanding? Please let us know about
the projects, trips, plans and ideas that you have to help
girls make the WORLD a better place. Would you like to
do more? Are you looking for ideas? Ask questions, and
together we’ll fi nd the answers. Send us an email at
Girl Guides of Kenya
14 LEADER FALL 2006
Thenewlook forWAGGGS2006
Our Cabaña, located only 47
miles from Mexico City, is a
compound of contemporary
cabanas reminescent of a hide-
away surrounded by nature.
Th e largest of the four World
Centers it can accommodate
up to 90 guests. The center
off ers fi ve, eight and nine-day
stays throughout the year
to girl and adult members,
including Girl Friendship
sessions and Adult Adven-
ture programs. Check out:
www.ourcabana.orgr for moreg
information.
Our Chalet was the fi rst World
Center built by WAGGGS. Lo-
cated in the picturesque Swiss
Alps, Girl Scouts, Girl Guides
and their families can explore
the network of trails and
footpaths around Our Chalet
that lead to snow-capped
peaks, crystal-clear waters,
alpine forests and wild-fl ower
meadows. Th e center off ers a
wide array of programs from
high adventure activities such
as skiing or hiking to leader-
ship seminars. Learn more by
visiting: www.ourchalet.ch/
Pax Lodge is located in Hamp-
stead Village, 20 minutes by
subway from London’s center.
Th e lodge is an ideal base from
which to explore the rich his-
tory, tradition and culture of
London. Th e Center off ers a
vibrant selection of cultural
programs for youth and adults
as well as leadership seminars
and day activities. Check
out their program schedule
and list of events online at
http://paxlodge.org/gg
Sangam, situated along the
banks of the Mula River,
is only a few hours from
Mumbai (Bombay). The
name Sangam means ‘coming
together’ in Sanskrit, and the
center strives to make that
happen through programs
that bring Girl Guides and
Girl Scouts together from
around the globe. Events are
scheduled throughout the sea-
son from June to March. Event
themes vary but all emphasise
cultural sharing, common
Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting
links and the rich cultural
heritage of India, which one
would not typically discover
as a regular tourist. Visit
www.sangamworldcentre.orgr
to learn more.
The World CentersTh e four World Centers: Our Cabaña in Cuernavaca, Mexico; Our Chalet in Adelboden, Switzerland; Pax Lodge in
London, England; and Sangam in Pune, India, are owned and operated by the World Association of Girl Guides and
Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Staff ed by paid international employees and volunteers, the centers off er Girl Scouts and
Girl Guides a comfortable, safe place for short stays or long-term accommodations, seminars, trainings and inter-
national events. Members of the Girls Scouts of the USA and their families are encouraged to visit the centers, meet
girls from other countries and hopefully build lasting friendships with other guests.
Gaining a Global View: An Interview with Stefanie Argus, GSUSA’s Delegate to the Helen Storrow Seminar
by Karen Scheuerer
Q: What motivated you to attend the seminar?
I wanted to get a better understanding of WAGGGS and gain an
appreciation for how diverse Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting are
around the world. And the opportunity to travel excited me.
Q: What kind of bonds did you build there?
Bonding happened on two diff erent levels. First, we felt a connec-
tion based on our enthusiasm for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides.
Not all women spoke English. So, it was truly amazing to see
all of us come together around our shared passion, despite the
language diff erences. Secondly, bonding occurred in simply en-
joying one another’s company. We explored Geneva, visited the
UN, went dancing, and made personal connections that extend
beyond formal shared interests.
Q: What did you take away from the experience?
Before, I went to Switzerland, my only reference to Girl Guiding
was this image of an African Girl Guide standing next to an
American Girl Scout that I had seen when a Brownie Girl Scout.
Now, I understand how universal our Movement is at a very
fundamental level; I can appreciate the commitment and dedi-
cation of each one of the phenomenal women that participated
in the seminar.
Q: Tell us about Our Chalet. What is it like?
Our Chalet is in Adelboden, a quaint Swiss town nestled per-
fectly in the Alps. Th e site was carefully selected by Helen
Storrow, an American philanthropist and active Girl Scout, as
an ideal spot for international meetings. Th e landscape is so
breathtaking that it didn’t seem real. While we were there, it
snowed, which added another layer of magic to the event be-
cause many of the women had never seen snow.
Q: What did you fi nd the most gratifying?
I benefi ted from gaining a global view of the worldwide Move-
ment. Seeing girls and young women from across the interna-
tional scene all striving for our common goals based on the
WAGGGS theme “Our Rights, Our Responsibilities” was in-
spiring. It also fostered friendships with young women from
around the world. I enjoyed the companionship of the many
passionate, dedicated young women who attended.
Q: How would you like GSUSA to support global
Girl Scouting?
I would like to see GSUSA promote more global opportunities
through its relationships with WAGGGS so young women can
become educated about the worldwide Girl Scout Movement.
Last April, Stefanie Argus (19), a sophomore at Mt. Holyoke College and a Girl Scout alumna from the Great
Valley Council of Eastern Pennsylvania attended the annual Helen Storrow Seminar at the World Association
of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Our Chalet World Center in Switzerland. Th e seminar is designed
to cultivate leadership skills and promote world citizenship. Specifi cally, the seminar focused on the WAGGGS
Our Rights and Responsibilities campaign, to advance awareness of human rights (see sidebar). Twenty-six
delegates from 19 countries, including South Africa, Brazil, Lebanon, Taiwan, Hungary, Mexico, and Japan
attended the event. All women were under 26 years of age. Th e experience was signifi cant for Stephanie, in
becoming more aware of the scope of the world-wide infl uence of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout organizations.
Here’s what she said in an interview for LEADER magazine:
16 LEADER FALL 2006 FALL 2006 LEADER 17
Girl Guides of Ireland
Girl Guides of Japan
Dolphin Guides of Malta
Girl Guides of Thailand Girl Guides of England Girl Guides of Czech Republic
Girl Guides of GhanaGirl Guides of Canada
Girl Guides of Korea
Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Guides of Malta
Girl Guides of Kuwait
Girl Guides of Germany
Stefanie Argus
by Ar iel le Semmel
Is your troop ready to get out and explore the world? Are
you on a tight budget? Hostelling International off ers
4,000 hostels worldwide which are safe, clean and aff ord-
able accommodations with dormitory-style rooms and
plenty of common space to meet fellow travelers. Hostels
are more than just a place to stay—hostelling is a way to
make friends from diff erent cultures and learn new ways
of thinking.
Before taking off on your global adven-
ture, check out some of the hostels closer to
home.
Hostelling International USA has a network
of over 70 hostels in the United States. Pro-
grams designed especially for Girl Scouts help
girls build their travel skills and to feel at ease
learning about new people and places. Girls can
earn the Discover the World Patch, participate in
programs like Trip Planning 101, or go on a Get-
away to another part of the country. To learn more,
visit www.hiusa.org and click on ‘Programs’,
then ‘Girl Scouts’.
18 LEADER FALL 2006
STUDIO B® destinations in Easy Stepsby MariClare Krzyzewski
STUDIO 2B® destinations literally take girls all over the world. Last summer’s destinations included locales as far fl ung
as Ecuador, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Norway and India, to name just a few. Ashley, from Girl Scouts of Kaw Valley Council,
Kansas, wrote of her India adventure: “I realize how it has changed my perspective on the world we live in. I have opened
my mind to a broader range of thoughts, and have a greater appreciation of family and community from the people I
met along the way. This trip will be one I will never forget and will have an impact on the way I live the rest of my life.”
In six easy steps, help girls gain a life-changing experience through the destinations activities in Girl Scouts.
Here’s how:
The STUDIO 2B destinations 2007 Timeline
NOTE: Local Girl Scout Councils’ deadlines are earlier than December 1 and must be met fi rst!
December 1, 2006 ‘Early’ application deadline
January 15, 2007 ‘Early’ applicants notifi ed of status
February 1, 2007 Deposits due to event sponsors.
February 15, 2007 ‘Late’ applicants notifi ed of status
March 1, 2007 ‘Late’ applicants’ deposits due to event sponsors
1. Check here fi rstEach Girl Scout council has its own
application deadline, so check with them
fi rst. The destinations deadlines come later
than the local council deadlines.
2. Do the ResearchGirls can check out destinations options online at:
http://www.studio2b.org/escape/destinations/. There, they
can search by location, date, type of event, age require-
ment or keyword. A description of each event is listed with
essential details and event sponsor information. Contact
event sponsors to fi nd out the specifi cs. Apply through
your home Girl Scout council; not directly to the event
sponsor. (NOTE: Council deadline in Step 1 above.)
3. PrioritizeGirls are encouraged to apply to more than one event, but
at some point, they’ll have to prioritize which destination appeals to them most and is the most feasible based on
cost, date and distance. Although the applications may
be similar, a separate essay is required for each destina-tion. However, the same references can be used for each
application. If a girl can attend more than one, she may.
However, she can qualify for funding from her council or
GSUSA for only one event.
4. Apply—It’s easier than you think…Don’t let the application process be daunting. Usually girls
can answer most of the application questions in about 15
minutes. Encourage them to be creative and have fun with
the process. While the application process is not a “fi rst
come, fi rst served” process, applying within the fi rst round
(December) increases the chances of getting accepted.
5. BudgetMoney is an important factor, but don’t let the cost of des-tinations scare you! Although STUDIO 2B destinations are generally not free, comparatively speaking, they are a
travel bargain when you consider the benefi ts that broader
horizons bring with each experience. Councils can help by
off ering fi nancial assistance or ideas for money-earning.
Girl Scout Central on http://www.girlscouts.org/ also off ers
fundraising tips. Look for Money-Earning Guidelines.
6. Bring it Homedestinations is a “growing” experience for girls and helps
them develop the qualities and awareness they need as
world citizens. They broaden their horizons, learn new
skills and enrich their lives culturally. So, after they return,
encourage girls to share their experiences with their
council, community and other girls.
IMPORTANT
Have fun!
Discover the World: Go Hostelling
How Girl Scouts living in the USA can travel
FALL 2006 LEADER 19