March 2011
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When we reflect back on an experience it is often difficult—if not impossible—to actually assess its impact. But on rare occasions—and for especially unique experiences—we know that something very special, and possibly transformative, has occurred. The magic moment when the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund was conceived in 1927 was synchronicity: joining the vision of fostering international friendships through service projects, trainings, and exchange visits. Juliette memorably called these unique experiences the “magic thread” that would link the youth of the world together. More… |
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The JLWFF fund supports participation in Girl Scout destinations, international travel opportunities to help girls (Cadettes and older) develop leadership and team-building skills. In 2009 and 2010, more than 150 girls received travel scholarships to attend the WAGGGS World Centers, international Scouting jamborees, and service-learning trips. More… |
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Twenty-four girls from 10 countries participated in the Girl Scout national convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, in October 2008, thanks to financial support from the JLWFF. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from Canada, Ecuador, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Kenya, Singapore and the United Kingdom attended the Girl Scout Leadership Institute, observed the national council session and actively participated in exhibition hall activities. More… | ||||
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In 1932, the first Juliette Low Seminar provided an opportunity for young women to develop international friendships and leadership skills. WAGGGS has continued this tradition by offering two Juliette Low Seminars each triennium. Funds from the JLWFF helped finance the Juliette Low Seminar (JLS) held in August, 2009, in Nairobi, Kenya. The theme for each seminar is different, but always focuses on international exchange and leadership. In 2009, Melanie Perry, a young volunteer from Central Indiana represented GSUSA at the seminar themed “A safari in leadership.” More… |
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In 2009, Girl Scouts of the USA established the Global Leadership Opportunities (GLO) pool. The pool is comprised of volunteers (ages 18-35) who can be selected to represent Girl Scouts of the USA at WAGGGS leadership events, such as the Helen Storrow Seminar at Our Chalet, Young Women’s World Forums and regional leadership trainings. The JLWFF provides volunteers with travel stipends. More… |
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In December, 2009, 23 young women from seven developing countries and six developed countries attended the United Nations climate change conference (COP 15) in Copenhagen, Denmark, as part of the WAGGGS delegation. Representatives from 193 countries negotiated and agreed upon a way to tackle climate change. The JLWFF supported travel scholarships to the summit for Emily Rodriquez, a GSUSA member, and Luiza Araujo, a volunteer from Brazil. More… |
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Sheila Waithera Wangui and Miriam Oluoch Otieno, two Girl Guides from Kenya, attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in 2009, thanks to funding from the JLWFF. The Kenyan Girl Guides, along with a delegation of WAGGGS representatives from six countries, including the US, contributed to the conversation about the equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including caregiving in the Context of HIV/AIDS. More… |
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On February 22, the birthday of both Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout movement, and his wife, Olave, who served as World Chief Guide for WAGGGS, girls celebrate their friendships by making contributions through their councils to the JLWFF, and by participating in World Thinking Day activities to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries. World Thinking Day is part of the WAGGGS Global Action Theme (GAT) based on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, which aim to improve the lives of the world's disadvantaged populations. Each year, the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund (JLWFF) contributes $100,000 to the World Thinking Day Fund. This fund is managed by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and funds are used to develop and sustain Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting in new and developing countries. |
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Mutual Aid projects are designed to improve the lives of girls and young women, and their communities by promoting international cooperation, friendship and understanding between member organizations of WAGGGS. The following projects were funded by the JLWFF. In 2010, GSUSA awarded $3,000 to the Association des Guides Catholiques de Côte d’Ivoire to acquire a plot of land to build a training center. The center will promote Girl Guiding and training of at least 100 new Girl Guides and the expectation is that new Girl Guiding units will be created. In 2009, the Asociación Nacional de Muchachas Guías de Nicaragua used its $3,550 mutual aid grant to recruit and maintain a network of trainers throughout the country. The trainers received monthly distance learning training supported by face-to-face training every three months. |
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A contribution from the JLWFF helped cover the costs of the 12th Western Hemisphere Conference, held in Lima, Peru, in June 2010, under the centenary theme '100 years of changing lives.' One hundred and four delegates from 31 member organizations discussed the development of quality Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting for the region and made decisions to advance the strategic direction of the WAGGGS. More… |
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Voluntary contributions to the fund come from individual girl and adult members, Girl Scout groups and troops, Girl Scout councils, members of U.S.A. Girl Scouts Overseas, and friends of Girl Scouting. For a breakdown of annual revenues and expenditure, go to financials. |
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Donations may be sent at any time of the year, but popular times are World Thinking Day (February 22), Juliette Low's birthday (October 31), and during Girl Scout Week (the week that includes March 12). Troop or service unit donations should be sent to local Girl Scout councils rather than to Girl Scouts of the USA. Councils will batch the donations and send them to the fund periodically. Councils and the general public can make their donations online or send donations to: Girl Scouts of the USA Councils: Please make checks payable to Girl Scouts of the USA. Add JLWFF on the memo line to ensure the money is credited to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund. |
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For a complete list of contributors in 2009 and 2010, go to contributors. |
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IN THIS REPORT |
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Contact us at globalgirlscouting@girlscouts.org
Issue: 2009/2010 Annual Report
© 2011, Girl Scouts of the United States of America. All Rights Reserved