Food for thought...

To ensure that everyone knows we are part of the same organisation (Movement), it’s vital that we all share a uniform look and feel. If we are consistent with the use of our logo we will inspire familiarity, trust and reassurance and this in turn instantly tells people that we are a trusted successful brand.

When talking or writing about scouting, try and capture the energy, passion and commitment of our young people and adult volunteers. Often the best way of doing this is in pictures. Don’t forget your images need to reflect ‘skills for life’ and ‘belonging’ as well as fun, challenge and adventure. Go for active rather than ‘grip and grin’ and ‘football team’ style shots. You know the ones we mean!

Scouting is for girls and boys, young and old, all faiths and backgrounds – anyone who accepts scouting’s values can be a Scout. Are you doing everything you can to promote this?

The Scout Association’s Black, Minority and Ethnic (BME) membership is growing but there is more work still to do before Scouting fully reflects the diversity our local communities.

If people in your local community still think that scouting is all knobbly knees, big hats and woggles, why not surprise them with a few facts. Do they know that scouting has been continuously growing for the 14 years, that most people are no more than a mile from their nearest Scout meeting place and that we offer more than 200 activities?

It’s our passion for scouting that will enthuse others; let’s talk to people outside scouting and your enthusiasm will inspire others to join our adventure. If you are making presentations, putting up posters or showing videos, think about your audience. Would the time be better spent showing these to parents, local business and members of your community rather than people already in scouting?

There are a wide variety of tools and resources to help you project a positive and adventurous image of scouting.

At your next presentation, why not show the video ‘Think you know scouting? Think Again.’ It’s scouting in a nutshell and puts forward a succinct case for the need for more adult volunteers. Download it from www.scouts.org.uk/video