2014 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. The theme for World Thinking Day 2014 is girls worldwide say “education opens doors for all girls and boys.”
This theme is based on United Nation’s Millennium Development Goal 2, to achieve universal primary education, and is especially focused on making sure girls have access to education. Educating girls is one of the most powerful and effective ways to reduce global poverty.
See our Frequently Asked Questions below!
Did you know…?
- 66 million girls are out of school globally (UNESCO). That’s even more girls than all the girls in Canada, Mexico and the United States combined!
- There are 33 million fewer girls than boys in primary school. (Education First) That’s approximately the number of all school-age girls in the United States.
- In some places, there are 90 students to one teacher. (Global Campaign for Education)
- A child born to a literate mother is 50% more likely to survive past the age of 5. (UNESCO)
- A girl with an extra year of education can earn 20% more as an adult. (The World Bank)
- Girls with 8 years of education are 4 times less likely to be married as children. (National Academies Press)
- 14 million girls under 18 will be married this year. That’s 38,000 girls today. (UNFPA)
- Even though K-12 school is free in the United States, almost one in every seven US adults cannot read. (U.S. Department of Education, National Institute of Literacy)
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—one of nearly 150 countries with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. WAGGGS selected the following countries of focus for World Thinking Day 2014 to represent the WAGGGS regions:Egypt (Arab Region), Benin (Africa), Bangladesh (Asia/Pacific), and Armenia (Europe).
The World Thinking Day award activities are designed to complement the Girl Scout leadership journeys and theGirl Scout Leadership Experience (PDF) with an enhanced global focus. A specific benefit of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience is girls advancing diversity in a multicultural world, which means that girls learn to think and act in a way that promotes an inclusive environment, respecting and valuing diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, and life experiences.
Before getting started please read our Statement of Trust (PDF).
The World Thinking Day Award for:
- Girl Scout Daisies
- Girl Scout Brownies
- Girl Scout Juniors
- Girl Scout Cadettes
- Girl Scout Seniors
- Girl Scout Ambassadors
To order the 2014 World Thinking Day award, visit the Girl Scout Shop.
Read about the history of World Thinking Day.
Learn more about the Millennium Development Goals by participating in the Girls Scouts Global Action Award.
Source: GSUSA
FAQs
PLANNING FOR WORLD THINKING DAY?
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to help you!
1. What is World Thinking Day, and when is it?
World Thinking Day is celebrated annually on February 22nd by all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world by learning about their international sisters in various countries. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts have been celebrating World Thinking Day since 1926! Troops will select a country and do their research! Girls come dressed up in traditional clothing of their selected country, prepare dishes to share with others, or create swaps and play games to teach others about what they have learned. For 2014 the theme is achieving universal primary education. The messages for this theme are: “Every girl has the right to learning so she reaches her fullest potential” and ”Education opens doors for all girls and boys”.
2. What forms do I need to complete if our troop is participating as part of our Service Unit?
We are working on revamping our forms so that you can complete them online. Until that takes place, please continue to use the “Day Trip Application form (hyperlink)”. One form is needed PER service unit, and can be emailed to Jenn Kondo no less than 2 weeks prior to the event.
3. Do we need to purchase additional insurance?
If you expect non-registered participants to be in attendance, it is best that you purchase Plan 2 insurance for $0.11 per person (Minimum payment of $5.00). An approved Trip Application must accompany the request for additional insurance, and all insurance plans must be purchased for 100% of the attendees, covering both Girl Scouts and Non-Girl Scouts. Purchase your insurance online.
4. Can we just use the Uninsured Attendee Waiver in lieu of purchasing additional insurance?
We advise all troops to purchase the additional insurance if non-registered members will be attending or participating in an event. Uninsured attendees, including tagalongs, are NOT covered by any of the insurance plans. If you choose to not purchase insurance and prefer to collect the Uninsured Attendee Waiver, you must have a form completed for every non-registered participant (child and adults). In the hustle and bustle of coordinating an event, this may not be a feasible option.
5. Do we still need to bring Girl Health History forms and Parent Permission Slips?
Yes, absolutely. The leader-in-charge should always carry updated Girl Health History forms and parent permission slips with them on the day of the event. Don’t forget your emergency contact information cards as well.
6. What happens if the facility we are using requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the Girl Scouts?
Please email Jenn Kondo with your request. Please include the following information and a Certificate of Insurance will be issued within 5 business days.
- Date and Location of event
- Agency and address that should appear on the COI
- Is this for the use of the facility only, or will you need to be additionally insured?
- Contact person and phone number should we have any questions.
7. Are patches available?
Yes, World Thinking Day patches will be available in mid to late January for $1.25 each.
To pre-order your patch, please call the Shop at 675-5507.
