Chairman’s message on World Thinking Day

Thinking Day is the most important date in the WAGGGS’ family calendar! United by our Promise and Law, we celebrate the fun and friendship that we enjoy together as members of the largest international voluntary organization of girls and women in the world.

Although this special day provides us with the chance to learn more about each other, traditionally we have always translated “thinking” into “action”. I’ve already heard about many of the celebrations, programmes and events that Girl Guides and Girl Scouts have planned for this year’s World Thinking Day (WTD).

Our members have told us that adolescent health issues are a priority for WAGGGS. That’s why the 2008 WTD theme highlights the importance of water and its impact on our lives. Water is crucial to all of us and to the life of our planet. We need water to drink and to stay healthy. But over a million people in the world don’t have it and over two million people die from water-related diseases every year.

For Thinking Day this year we are focussing on the consequences, particularly for girls’ health, of the lack of access to clean water and sanitation. I know that many associations also have programmes and activities related to environmental issues so their focus on water can be placed in that context. 

We have developed a number of resources to help you to explore the issue of water and health. You will find details on the World Thinking Day website. The resources will also help you to fundraise for World Thinking Day. Raising money for WTD is a tradition dating back to 1932. February 22 is the birthday of both Robert and Olave Baden-Powell. With a little imagination, fundraising can be great fun any day but every contribution, however small or large, will benefit other members of our worldwide family of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting. Your help is needed just as much today as it was 76 years ago.

Another way you can support WAGGGS is by purchasing our new official World Thinking Day badge.

I really enjoy reading the World Thinking Day messages posted each day on the World Thinking Day website. Please also share your thoughts, ideas and details of your projects to inspire others!  

I am sure that with your help, 2008 will be the most successful World Thinking Day ever.

Elspeth Henderson