I am so happy to be celebrating another World Thinking Day with you all, a day the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting movement has celebrated since 1926. Today, we come together to celebrate the joys of sisterhood, and the impact that we have around the world and in our communities. Each year we fundraise to support amazing projects which help to transform the lives of girls and young women, we take part in fun activities, and we connect with each other through post cards or emails.
Although it will still be a day of celebration, World Thinking Day this year will look a little different for all of us. With the impact of COVID-19 still being felt around the world, most of the activities we would have been enjoying together in person will be taking place instead in online spaces. The global pandemic has brought many changes to our work, putting plans on hold and preventing us from meeting together as we always have. But despite this, as a Movement we are united and I have been so proud – though not surprised – to read about the amazing ways in which Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world have reacted to the pandemic, offering support and leadership to their communities. From sewing face masks, distributing much needed supplies to vulnerable communities, and conducting information sharing sessions, Guides and Scouts have stepped up to be amazing beacons of hope in a difficult time.
The theme for World Thinking Day this year is Stand Together for Peace, and it is a wonderful opportunity for us to think about the importance of peace and conflict resolution, and the many strengths of Guiding and Scouting which unite us. We are united also with our brothers in the World Organization of the Scout Movement who join with us today in celebrating Founder’s Day.
Since I joined the World Board in 2016 I have seen the Movement go through many changes, and am proud that we are always adaptable and always responding to what is going on in the world around us. I want to wish you a very happy World Thinking Day, and to thank all of you for working so hard this year to keep the flame of Guiding alive where you are.
Heidi Jokinen
Chair of the World Board