News | 07 August 2024

Responding to unrest this summer: Why Scouts choose hope not hatred

CJ Ledger, Deputy UK Chief Volunteer and Yousif Eltom, UK Lead Volunteer for Growth and Race Equity

As we're confronted by intolerance, racism and violence in our communities, we need to remember that Scouts is a powerful beacon of hope and positivity. Scouts brings together people from all backgrounds in a spirit of unity and friendship. Our Scout values of integrity, respect, care, belief and cooperation feel as relevant as ever.

We've been appalled by the violence and unrest in our towns and cities over this past week.

Deliberate misinformation on social media has sparked ugly scenes victimising and intimidating asylum seekers and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

In particular, we’ve seen clear examples of Xenophobia, Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric and behaviour, with extremists targeting members of this community leaving them fearful and badly shaken.

Zero-tolerance for racism

As Scouts, working at the heart of our communities, we reject racism and extremism in all its forms. We’re proud to be open to all, and everything we do is led by our values.

Within our movement, we have a zero-tolerance approach to racism and expect all members to meet these expectations, thinking carefully about our words and actions in person and online. This is in line with the Race Equity work we’ve been progressing together.

We bring people together, not drive them apart. We bridge divided communities and find common ground. We’re proud to help young people understand, respect and celebrate their differences.

At a time when our communities are troubled, we need to remember the powerful difference Scouts makes – creating opportunities to engage people from different communities in positive experiences, together.

Encouraging a spirit of mutual respect

This will be a worrying and unsettling time for our young people and volunteers. Most will still be on summer holidays and away from Scouts, and the stability they get from their regular Scouts sessions.

Through social action, such as The Big Help Out and our Million Hands initiative, we help over 250,000 young people each year improve the lives of people in our communities. Our programme helps young people understand and explore the faith and beliefs of others, encouraging a spirit of respect, curiosity, and openness.

We show young people that friendship and unity is more powerful than hatred and fear. We’ve seen that across so many Scout events this summer, not least our summer camps, and international Jamborees such as the Blair Atholl, Jamborette in Scotland, the Larkin Jamboree in Yorkshire, and the Essex International Jamboree. Tens of thousands of young people from over forty different countries have met in a spirit of peace, friendship, and mutual respect.

We should not forget the hugely positive work we’ve done across the UK, bringing Scouts to the most under-represented communities, especially the Muslim community, and the benefits this has brought to young people, families, and to Scouting.

We have much to look forward to, as we look to grow Scouts in Black communities, as part of our continued commitment to the inclusion, participation and support for young people from every community. At the Scouts we understand that acknowledging, accepting and celebrating our unique identities helps us grow individually and collectively, and helps marginalised groups feel that they too are welcome to join the Scouts family.

Taking positive action

Our volunteers are powerful and positive role models for our young people, showing that generosity and kindness always wins out in the end.

The work our volunteer leaders do is helping young people stay safe, in communities, in real life and online, recognising fake news and misinformation when it appears.

Taking care of ourselves and others

You may wish to reach out and share a simple message of support and reassurance with your young people. If you feel comfortable, explain that you’re happy to speak with anyone who feels worried.

You could highlight that those involved in this violence are in the minority. Most people in our communities are good and decent people, who help others. We’ve seen that in the way that people from different communities have helped clear up, rebuild and look after others following the violence.

It’s also vital to look after your own wellbeing. If you're upset or scared by what you’ve seen and experienced, please speak with members of your local team for support. Please also check in with other volunteers who may feel isolated, scared or frustrated.

Finally, if you see or hear words or actions either online or in person that go against our values, including from other Scouts, it's important we call it out, while keeping ourselves safe.

Thank you for all you do for young people and communities.