Why we believe Black Lives Matter

As a movement, and as a community, we were shocked at the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on 25 May. You will have seen the wave of anger and injustice that has swept the world. 

As Scouts we stand together against racism, which is why we support Black Lives Matter. This is a global human rights network that brings justice, healing, and freedom to Black people across the globe.

Inclusion and acceptance are at the heart of what we do as Scouts. But we must always reflect on how we live up to those values and strive to do better.  

We celebrate difference at our international Jamborees, and every day as Scouts, guided by our values of integrity, respect, care, believe and co-operation. Our Founder Baden-Powell himself reminded us that ‘there is only one way of driving out hate in the world, and that is by bringing in love.’

Our movement is built on a strong foundation of fairness, friendship and equality. We’re proud to help young people learn to look out for each other, to discover and celebrate their differences. Every one of them is different and every one of them matters. We’ll always call out racist language and behaviour and stand up for what we believe in. 

That’s why we’re adding our collective voice as a movement of 640,000, to publicly support this vital cause. We’ll also be sharing content on social media over the next few days with advice and support on talking about racism with young people. 

Our thoughts are with the family of George Floyd and to every person and community impacted by prejudice. We are a movement that inspires openness, kindness, understanding and the power of community and friendship. We stand against racism, always, and make a commitment not just to be ‘not racist’ but actively ‘anti-racist’. We’ll confront racial injustices even when it is uncomfortable.

Thank you for your own commitment to living and upholding these values.