A STRATEGY FOR SCOUTING

A Strategy for Scouting was adopted unanimously at the World Scout Conference in Thessaloniki in July 2002.

The growth and impact of Scouting world-wide has been a success over the past 95 years and Scouting continues to have an impact on the world to-day. As Scouting prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2007, it is important for our Movement to develop a strategy to meet the rapidly changing needs of the 21st century, so that it can maintain its impact and remain attractive to young people, particularly adolescents.

To do this it needs to re-affirm its purpose (agree its mission), identify what it wants to achieve (set out a vision) and then develop a plan which will focus on the key actions required to achieve the vision. A strategy involves all of these steps.

Developing a long-term strategy requires a shared vision, a focus on specific goals (strategic priorities) and setting clear objectives. The mission, vision and the strategic priorities are set on the following pages.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

Youth Involvement - revitalizing the Scout Method

This strategic priority aims at assisting National Scout Organizations in revitalizing this fundamental element of our Movement, which is crucial to its attractiveness and its ability to achieve its mission.

This strategic priority is a focus for the World Organization of the Scout Movement from 2002 - 2005

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: ADOLESCENTS

Adolescents - supporting their transition to adulthood

This strategic priority aims at supporting National Scout Organizations in responding effectively to the needs and expectations of adolescents. This will result in an increase in membership in this age-range and enhance Scouting's reputation as an organization which helps young people in their transition to adulthood.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: GIRLS AND BOYS, WOMEN AND MEN

Girls and Boys, Women and Men - respecting differences, promoting equality and sharing responsibility

The aim of this strategic priority is to identify the support and tools required to help National Scout Organizations offer equality of opportunity to girls and boys, women and men at all levels in Scouting. This should offer new opportunities for everyone and, through an increase in youth membership and adult leadership, result in a more even balance in the male:female ratio in associations.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4: REACHING OUT

Reaching Out - breaking down barriers and working with all segments of society

The aim of this strategic priority is to support National Scout Organizations in identifying and responding to the needs of young people, adults and society where Scouting is not currently having an impact. This should result in an increase in membership and increase Scouting's impact in the world today.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 5: VOLUNTEERS IN SCOUTING

Volunteers in Scouting - developing new approaches to broaden the base of adult support

This strategic priority aims at redefining the concept of volunteering as applied to Scouting and reviewing policies and practices to help National Scout Organizations recruit and retain a new group of adults in Scouting.

This strategic priority is a focus for the World Organization of the Scout Movement from 2002 - 2005.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 6: AN ORGANIZATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

An Organization for the 21st Century - becoming flexible, lean, innovative, participatory

This strategic priority aims at assisting National Scout Organizations, as well as WOSM itself at world and

regional levels, to adopt a strategic approach, to reviewing their structures, systems and management to enable them to be sensitive to the changing needs of society and to respond quickly and effectively.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 7: SCOUTING'S PROFILE

Scouting's Profile - strengthening communications, partnerships and resources

This strategic priority aims at strengthening Scouting's communications, partnerships and resources at all levels as these are vital in supporting the work to achieve the vision.

This strategic priority is a focus for the World Organization of the Scout Movement from 2002 - 2005

THE VISION

The Vision is positive, inspirational and sets the broad agenda for the long term

The Vision for Scouting is:

As a global Movement, making a real contribution to creating a better world.

We see Scouting entering its second century as an influential, value-based educational Movement focussed on achieving its mission, involving young people working together to develop their full potential, supported by adults who are willing and able to carry out their educational role.

We see Scouting world-wide as attracting and retaining more and more young people (especially adolescents) of both genders and coming from broader segments of society.

We see Scouting as attractive to adults, women and men, in all cultures - a Movement through which they can make a significant contribution to society by working with young people.

We see Scouting as a dynamic, innovative Movement with adequate resources, simple structures and democratic decision making processes where organization, management and communication are effective at all levels.