World Thinking Day, February 22, not only gives Girl Guides and Girl Scouts a chance to celebrate international friendships, but is also a reminder that we here in North-Central Alabama are a part of a global community—one of 145 countries in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
“Think globally, act locally,” is the mantra for encouraging girls to participate in activities that increase cultural awareness and emphasize the positive connections between Girl Scouts in their area and their sisters throughout the world.
This year’s theme, "Together We Can End Extreme Poverty and Hunger," reminds us to help those in need. According to a 2005 report from the World Bank, 1.4 billion people (one in four) live on less than $1.25 a day. Nearly one billion people face problems finding adequate, nutritious food for themselves and their families every day.
Thinking Day was first created in 1926 at the fourth Girl Guide/Girl Scout International Conference held at Girl Scouts of the USA's Camp Edith Macy (now Edith Macy Conference Center). Conference attendees decided that there should be a special day for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from around the world to "think" of each other and give thanks and appreciation to their "sister" Girl Scouts. The delegates chose February 22 as the date for Thinking Day because it was the mutual birthday of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout movement, and his wife, Olave, who served as World Chief Guide.
To emphasize the global aspect of Thinking Day, members at the 30th World Conference, held in Ireland in 1999, changed the name from Thinking Day to World Thinking Day.
