Juliette Low World Friendship Fund
and World Thinking Day

Honoring a world traveler

Juliette Gordon Low was an enthusiastic traveler, maintaining friendships around the globe. Inspired by Lord Robert Baden-Powell of England who introduced her to Girl Guiding, she founded Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912. As she developed Girl Scouts in the United States she remained committed to global sisterhood.

To honor its founder's love of travel and varied cultures, Girl Scouts of the USA created the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund in 1927. The original purpose of the Fund remains the same: to extend Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding around the world and to support international friendship through service projects, training events, and exchange visits. These unique opportunities for fostering international friendships connect Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from 145 nations.

The JLWFF supports participation in international travel opportunities, like Girl Scout destinations, to help Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors develop leadership and team-building skills. In 2009 and 2010, more than 150 girls across the country received travel scholarships to attend international Scouting jamborees, participate in service projects around the world, and to visit the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Centers in England, India, Switzerland, and Mexico.

World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

Formed in 1928, WAGGGS is an educational organization based on spiritual values and is open to all girls, regardless of creed, race, nationality, or any other circumstance.

As the world's largest and most diversified youth movement -with 10 million girls and members in 145 countries - WAGGGS is in a unique position to promote cross-cultural understanding. WAGGGS members adhere to the fundamental principles of the original Girl Guide Promise and Law.

Through its international education programs, Girl Guides/Girl Scouts:

• Explore other countries and cultures through activities, projects, and exchanges.
• Appreciate the similarity and diversity of peoples and cultures.
• Gain an understanding of world events, their implications, and their consequences.
• Broaden friendships.

World Thinking Day

February 22 was the birthday of both Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Boy Scouting, and his wife, Lady Baden-Powell, the former World Chief Guide of the Girl Guide/Girl Scout Movement. Girl Scouts are encouraged to contribute at least one dollar to the JLWFF on World Thinking Day. Each dollar helps make it possible for girls and young women in the United States to stay connected to their counter parts in other countries through destinations and WAGGGS projects.

Check out the Girl Scouts USA website for information on this year's World Thinking Day theme, activity ideas, and World Thinking Day award requirements.

Contributing to JLWFF

Donations may be sent at any time of the year. The most popular times are World Thinking Day (February 22), Juliette Low's birthday (October 31), and during Girl Scout Week (the week of March 12). Please submit Troop or service unit donations to the local Girl Scout council to be compiled and sent to the Friendship Fund department at Girl Scouts of the USA. You can make your donation online or fill out the mail-in form. Return to Juliette Low World Friendship Fund, Girl Scouts San Diego, 1231 Upas Street, San Diego 92103-5199.