Global Girl Scouting An overview Welcome to this overview presentation on Global Girl Scouting. This presentation is designed to introduce Girl Scouts and our partners to Global Girl Scouting and the opportunities to connect with our Girl Scout sisters through the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. [Please feel free to adapt this presentation to your audience based on the relevance and your needs.] Global Girl Scouting An overview

Leadership Keys As you may know, Girl Scouts is a leadership development program for girls. We believe that leadership is experienced through three keys: Discover, Connect and Take Action. These represent the leadership outcomes or benefits that girls may gain from participating in Girl Scouting. Through learning by doing, collaborative learning, and a girl-led experience, girls discover who they are and what they value. In the process, they may also develop a strong sense of self, positive values, and practical life skills. They seek challenges in the world and develop critical thinking skills. Girls also connect with one another to build healthy relationships through teambuilding and cooperation. They learn to resolve conflicts. Specifically, they also develop global competencies such as advancing diversity in a multicultural world and feeling connected to their community, locally and globally. Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls take action by identifying community needs, becoming resourceful problem-solvers, and educating and inspiring others to act. By advocating for themselves and others, locally and globally they feel empowered to make a difference in the world.

Leadership Outcomes & Global Girl Scouting Girls advance diversity in a multicultural world Girls feel connected to their communities, locally and globally Girls advocate for themselves and others, locally and globally Here are three of the leadership outcomes that specifically relate to the world at-large. You can see from these benefits that girls are not just learning about themselves, but they are engaging in their communities, both locally and globally. Developing global competencies and increased awareness about the world is intrinsic to this process. Now, let’s talk about how girls can do this in Girl Scouting.

of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts 145 member countries Serving 10 million girls and adults five regions Mission: To enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential to become responsible citizens of the world The Girl Scouts of the USA is one 145 countries that are members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. It is important that girls understand that they are 1 in 10 million girls around the globe that are Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The World Associations supports all 145 member organizations, develops leadership education programs and advocates for girls globally. The WAGGGS world is represented by five key regions and the mission of WAGGGS is very similar to our own: “To enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential to become responsible citizens of the world”.

WAGGGS World Here is a map of the five regions of WAGGGS: Africa in dark blue The Arab region in green Asia pacific in light blue Europe in purple The Western Hemisphere, our region in orange. WAGGGS is run by a World Board of global volunteers. Every three years there is a world conference to address governance issues. There are also regional conferences every three years to address issues in the region.

WAGGGS–GSUSA Relationship World-Wide Sisterhood Opportunities for girl members to develop global competencies Global reach distinguishes GSUSA from other youth serving agencies What is our relationship to WAGGGS? Girl Scouts of the USA is a member of WAGGGS similar to how the United States is a member of the United Nations, which works to represent the interests of all member organizations. By having a world association, we are developing a global sisterhood and help girls develop global competency skills, such as resourcefulness, courage, self-reliance, self-awareness, independence, and an appreciation of diversity – among many other competencies (see additional competencies below) Being part of a global network, distinguishes Girl Scouts of the USA from many other youth service agencies. Girls have an opportunity to connect with one another and learn about each other through their common experience of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting. Additional global competencies: Initiative • Enthusiasm • Inquisitiveness • Interest in continuous learning • Courage • Self-reliance • Self-confidence • Self-control • Self-knowledge • Positive outlook toward adversity • Independence • Appreciation of Diversity • Perseverance • Creativity • Flexibility • Comfort with uncertainty • Open-mindedness • Language and communication skills • Assertiveness • Sense of humor • Adaptability • Resourcefulness

This map shows the 145 member organization locations served by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. We are, of course, one of the countries of WAGGGS – as are some of the countries where we have USA Girl Scouts Overseas operations.

This map shows all the places where USA Girl Scouting operates This map shows all the places where USA Girl Scouting operates. Girl Scouts of the USA Girl Scouts Overseas is in 94 countries. That means American girls who live overseas can participate in Girl Scouting in many locations around the globe. Everywhere you see a dot you will find Girl Scouting supported by USA Girl Scouts Overseas. Our total number of members living overseas is over 16,000.

And this picture shows GSUSA and WAGGGS together. We are touching girls in 158 countries around the world. As a global movement we serve over 10 million girls worldwide. Can you imagine the impact of 10 million girls …. Of course we can (and we do) change the world!

What does WAGGGS do? Education World Thinking Day Badge Global Action Theme Badge Leadership Development Young Women’s Leadership Seminars E-learning Advocacy Stop the Violence Against Girls United Nations Millennium Development Goals WAGGGS not only provides support services to all 145 member organizations, but they also develop education resources such as the World Thinking Day activites and the Global Action Theme badge to educate girls about issues that impact girls. They offer leadership develop seminars to girls and woman at the World Centers around the world. Now they are also offering leadership development programs virtually through their e-learning program. WAGGGS also advocates on behalf of girls on issues that affect girls such as extreme poverty through the United National Millennium Development Goals and ending violence against girls.

WAGGGS World Centers Our Cabaña Our Chalet Pax Lodge Sangam Africa (rotating) As just mentioned, WAGGGS runs World Centers, you can see them listed here. These are lodges where girls, their Girl Scout groups and troops and even families can go to meet with girls from other parts of the world and participate in leadership development programs. The World Centers are located in Cuernavaca - Mexico, Adelboden – Switzerland, London – England, Pune – India. WAGGGS also has a “virtual” world center in Africa, that rotates its location, and that offers programming throughout the continent. These are wonderful places for Girl Scout Cadettes and above to visit and experience the global sisterhood firsthand. World centers welcome Girl Guides and Girl Scout, individual groups, families and friends for an overnight stay, day visit or as participants at international leadership events or specially-tailored programs.

World Thinking Day February 22nd 2013 Theme: girls worldwide say "together we can save children's lives." World Thinking Day Resource Guide: www.girlscouts.org/world_thinking_day/ Each year on February 22, World Thinking Day, girls participate in activities and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries. World Thinking Day is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Global Action Theme (GAT), based on the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which aim to improve the lives of the world's poorest people. Girl Scouts of the USA is addressing the following theme for World Thinking Day 2013: girls worldwide say "together we can save children's lives." This theme is based on Millennium Development Goal 4, which is focused on reducing child mortality rates around the globe. World Thinking Day not only gives girls a chance to celebrate international friendships, but is also a reminder that Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a global community. WAGGGS selected five countries of focus for World Thinking Day 2013 to represent the five WAGGGS regions: Jordan (Arab Region), Malawi (Africa), Pakistan (Asia/Pacific), Republic of Ireland (Europe) ,Venezuela (Western Hemisphere).

Global Action Theme 2000 Millennium Summit United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals 2000 Millennium Summit Eight Goals to Achieve by 2015 to end global poverty World Thinking Day is part of the WAGGGS Global Action theme dedicated to raising awareness to end extreme poverty around the globe. At the 2000 Millennium summit, the United Nations set forth eight goals to achieve by 2015 to end extreme poverty. These eight goals are the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals, or MDGs. By galvanizing Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to participate in the Global Action Theme and learn about the MDGs, girls are contributing to efforts to reduce global poverty.

Global Action Theme MDG 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger girls worldwide say   “together we can end extreme poverty and hunger” MDG 2: Achieve universal primary education girls worldwide say “education opens doors for all girls and boys” MDG 3: Promote gender equality and empower women girls worldwide say “empowering girls will change our world” MDG 4: Reduce child mortality girls worldwide say “together we can save children’s lives” MDG 5: Improve maternal health girls worldwide say “every mother’s life and health is precious” MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases girls worldwide say “we can stop the spread of AIDS, malaria and other diseases” MDG 7: Ensure environmental sustainability girls worldwide say “we can save our planet” MDG 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development girls worldwide say “we can create peace through partnerships” Here you can see the eight Millennium Development Goals, or MDGs in green, along with the WAGGGS commitment in blue. Together we can change the world is the Global Action Theme. You can see here that these goals range from ending hunger to education access and gender equality to improving maternal health and combating diseases.

Challenge: Human Sexuality WAGGGS’ Position: Girls and young women should have access to age appropriate education.   Girls and young women should be empowered to make healthy choices about their own lives, by understanding the issues as well as having the skills and opportunities to make those decisions (ex. self esteem, negotiation, leadership). Some of these educational efforts may touch on issues of human sexuality, and therefore it is important to note the difference between WAGGGS position on human sexuality and Girl Scouts of the USA. WAGGGS says that girls and young women should have access to age appropriate education. Girls and young women should be empowered to make healthy choices about their own lives, by understanding the issues as well as having the skills and opportunities to make those decisions (ex. self esteem, negotiation, leadership).

Challenge: Human Sexuality GSUSA’s position: Human Sexuality Girl Scouts of the USA does not take a position or develop materials on these issues. We feel our role is to help girls develop self-confidence and good decision-making skills that will help them make wise choices in all areas of their lives. Parents or guardians make all decisions regarding program participation that may be of a sensitive nature. Consistent with that belief, GSUSA directs councils, including volunteer leaders, to get written parental permission for any locally planned program that could be considered sensitive. Girl Scouts of the USA does not take a position or develop materials on these issues. We feel our role is to help girls develop self-confidence and good decision-making skills that will help them make wise choices in all areas of their lives. Parents or guardians make all decisions regarding program participation that may be of a sensitive nature. Consistent with that belief, GSUSA directs councils, including volunteer leaders, to get written parental permission for any locally planned program that could be considered sensitive. [This may be a good time to stop and ask if there are any questions]

Global Girl Scouting Initiatives Offers girls: Cross-cultural experiences Travel with a purpose Meaningful exchanges with girls worldwide Opportunities to broaden their horizons Global Girl Scouting can provide girls with leadership benefits by offering cross-cultural experiences, travel with a purpose and meaningful exchanges with girls around the globe. All of these opportunities help to increase girls’ awareness of the world and broaden their horizons. Many girls and woman have reported having had life changing experiences in Girl Scouting through travel programs and cross-cultural exchanges.

Opportunities: Connecting Globally through Twinning Connecting Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world Twinning Toolkit Practical Tips Case studies Customizable templates Resources Frequently Asked Questions www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/global/twinning/ For example, through twinning - connecting Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in WAGGGS member organizations to GSUSA Girl Scout Councils, girls can learn about one another and develop partnerships. Working together, Girl Scouts and their WAGGGS sisters provide leadership, inspiration, and service that is global. Twinning is a powerful and positive example of how Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting are truly “something for all the girls of the world.” Currently, we have over 20 active twinning partnerships between Girl Scout councils and member organizations of WAGGGS. Most of these are focused on environmental action projects, where the girls in each respective location are working with their peers to address critical environmental issues. We have a twinning toolkit on our website, where you can learn more about twinning partnerships between Girl Scouts in the USA and abroad.

2013 Adventures Incredible India London: The Global City Swiss Challenge, Our Chalet New Year’s in London:2013 Stravanger Jamboree Norway New Zealand: Twenty Thirteen The Great Panda Adventure Galapagos Islands Amazon Adventure: Peru Sea Turtle Retreat Costa Rica Girls also connect and meet other girls through our destinations program – a national program that is hosted by individual councils to take girls on trips. Here you can see our upcoming global opportunities for girls. Generally these trips last from a week to three weeks, and involve Girl Scouts from across the USA and overseas.

Learn more about all of the wonderful travel opportunities for girls including destinations on our website at www.girlscouts.org/travel. There you can find videos, slideshows, testimonials from girls as well as resources on trip planning and different getaways and destinations for girls. www.girlscouts.org/travel/

Global Leadership Opportunities For Young women ages 18 to 35 Actively volunteering with council/committee Open to international travel Committed to sharing the experience Girl Scouts also has programs for young women volunteers called Global Leadership Opportunities. These are leadership development seminars and events hosted around the globe to which WAGGGS invites women, ages 18-35. These are great opportunities for our younger leaders and volunteers to develop a global perspective of the organization, and bring back those experiences to their local communities whether working with girls or with other volunteers. This is a photo of Melanie Perry, a young woman who had the opportunity to meet the US Ambassador to Kenya during a Juliette Low Seminar held in Nairobi in 2009. The number of Global Leadership Opportunities varies from year to year – generally there are at least 3-4, and we keep a “ready” pool of interested young women so we can respond quickly whenever an opportunity arises. We encourage any volunteer, age 18-35 who is interested to join the Global Leadership Opportunities pool by going to www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/global/global_leadership_opportunities.asp www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/global/global_leadership_opportunities.asp

Juliette Low World Friendship Fund Travel scholarships for girls and young women to participate in WAGGGS and Global events www.girlscouts.org/juliette _low_fund Opportunities such as the destinations program and global leadership development seminars would not be possible for some girls and young woman if it were not for the support of the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund. Juliette Gordon Low believed that Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting could be the magic thread that connected girls around the world. The Juliette Low World Friendship Fund supports her original dream. Since 1927 the fund has provided travel scholarships to girls who participate in international leadership at the World Centers and elsewhere. The fund is fueled by individual contributions and donations from girls through their local Girl Scout council. You can learn more at: www.girlscouts.org/juliette_low_fund

Learn More Where can you find all this great information? www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/global/ On the web – There is a section of our web site called Global Girl Scouting under the Who We are where you can find more info about WAGGGS The World song World Thinking Day Girl Scouts Global Action award Global Leadership Opportunities The Juliette Low World Friendship Fund Twinning And more.

Questions?