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 ryuschak@girlscouts.orgr 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

globalgirlscouting@girlscouts.org

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