Chairman’s message on World Thinking Day
22 February 2007
This time last year, I was celebrating World Thinking Day with guiding friends in South Africa. This year I will be in London, where I will celebrate with staff and volunteers from the Bureau and Pax Lodge.
World Thinking Day on 22 February is a very special day in the WAGGGS calendar. In 1926, delegates attending the 4th International Conference decided that this should be the particular day in the year when Girl Guides and Girl Scouts would especially "think" about each other. This date was chosen because Robert and Olave Baden-Powell were both born on that day. In 1999, delegates attending the 30th World Conference agreed to change the name from Thinking Day to World Thinking Day.
World Thinking Day on 22 February is a very special day in the WAGGGS calendar. In 1926, delegates attending the 4th International Conference decided that this should be the particular day in the year when Girl Guides and Girl Scouts would especially "think" about each other. This date was chosen because Robert and Olave Baden-Powell were both born on that day. In 1999, delegates attending the 30th World Conference agreed to change the name from Thinking Day to World Thinking Day.
World Thinking Day is not simply an opportunity to raise funds. The idea behind our celebrations on 22 February is as valid now as it was over eighty years ago. World Thinking Day provides us all with an opportunity to learn more about each other from each other. I am enjoying reading the World Thinking Day messages that are being posted each day on the World Thinking Day micro site. It is clear that celebrations, programmes and events are being planned by groups around the world.
No other voluntary movement in the world brings together girls and women from so many countries and backgrounds. We belong to a unique international community, united by our promise and law. Our shared values and friendships have inspired Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to "help each other". One expression of this can be through donations to the World Thinking Day fund. Every contribution, however small or large, means that individual members of WAGGGS are providing money that will be spent for the benefit of other members of our worldwide family of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting.
Another way you can support is by purchasing from the World Thinking Day website the new official World Thinking Day badge that WAGGGS has produced. On the website you will find other tips and fundraising ideas.
This year we have set our target at £450,000 and I invite you to join with everyone else in helping us to reach it.
Elspeth Henderson
Elspeth Henderson
