Global Girl Scouting strives to increase girls' awareness about the world, promote cross-cultural learning opportunities, and educate girls on relevant global issues that inspire them to take action. Our goal is to promote a global voice for girls and foster responsible global citizens who make the world a better place.

Global Girl Scouting continues the vision of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low, whose dream was to spread Girl Scouting around the world—to promote goodwill and friendship among the world's children, leading them, in turn, to work toward world peace. "Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding," she said, "can be the magic thread which links the youth of the world together."

Many Facets of Global Girl Scouting

Since 1925 USA Girl Scouts Overseas has helped ease the transition for families relocating to a new country by offering the familiar traditions and exciting opportunities of Girl Scouting. USAGSO now serves thousands of American girls living overseas and girls attending American or international schools.

• Girl Scouts of the USA is one of 145 member organizations of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). WAGGGS provides Girl Scouts with opportunities for international friendship and understanding through many fun and educational activities outside the United States.
  
  
• The International Commissioner is a member of GSUSA's National Board of Directors, and serves as the board chair's liaison to WAGGGS and its member associations. Debra Nakatomi is the current International Commissioner.

Global Opportunities

Through Global Girl Scouting, Girl Scouts can:

• Participate in World Thinking Day on February 22. On this day, all Girl Guides/Girl Scouts are encouraged to think of each other and what it means to be a part of a world movement.

• Visit the four WAGGGS world centers. Located in England, Switzerland, India, and Mexico, these centers, operated by WAGGGS, are wonderful places to connect with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world and learn about different cultures.

• Participate in international travel. By traveling to events in other WAGGGS member countries, girls can learn about other cultures, make new friends, build leadership skills, and share ideas with women and girls from around the globe.

• Help promote global friendship and understanding by supporting the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund.

• GSUSA is seeking applications from young women to join a pool of volunteers interested in Global Leadership Opportunities (travel stipends may be available). Members of this pool may be asked to represent GSUSA at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) leadership events and trainings, and will serve for a triennium (2009-2011).

• Take Action on global issues.

For more information, check Frequently Asked Questions or e-mail globalgirlscouting@girlscouts.org or call (800) 223-0624 or (212) 852-8556.

"The World Song," from Melinda Caroll Presents Girl Scouts Greatest Hits, Vol. 2, The Wind Beneath Our Wings, Legend Productions, 1998, used with permission of Melinda Caroll. Lyrics available through the Girl Scout Shop.