Making a difference with the Changemaker Challenge

Following the launch of our Scout Manifesto, Joseph, the District Youth Lead for Royal Greenwich, felt inspired to create the Changemaker Challenge.

The Changemaker Challenge is designed as a fun and engaging way for young people to explore decision making, learn about our Scout Manifesto, advocate for change, and represent themselves to local decision makers – all while earning some badges!

It helps young people earn their Changemaker badge and YouShape Award, with the ultimate aim of the challenge being to help young people become active citizens who are aware of, and engaged in, the world around them.

Thanks to his Youth Lead experience, Joseph knows the power young people’s voices have in shaping decisions. In his role, he’s got the District diary planned by young people, formed a youth team, and made sure young people are at the heart of every decision.

Impact of the Scouts Manifesto

When Joseph first learned about the Scout Manifesto's launch in March, he considered its potential impact on the District. Initially, he sent copies of the manifesto to all local MPs on behalf of the District.

This initiative evolved into planning youth hustings for when the upcoming general election would be called.

After chatting with the District team, it was suggested that creating a challenge could be considered a project for the Scout Of The World Award. This was the start of the Changemakers Challenge!

Starting the Changemakers Challenge

As part of achieving the Scout Of The World Award, there’s a discovery weekend where participants learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, understand the mechanics of the award, and map out their path to attainment.

During the weekend, Joseph introduced the Changemaker Challenge. He stressed the vital role of youth voices in making meaningful change, as well as ticking off the goals of improving education in regard to democracy, and promoting the institution of government and the role young people can play in it.

His first step was to look into what already existed and related to democracy education and youth empowerment. As a Youth Lead, this was also a great opportunity to encourage the YouShape Awards.

Joseph found impactful initiatives, like UK Parliament Week, the British Youth Council, and Scouts Cymru Democracy Challenge activities – all of which informed the framework of the Changemakers Challenge.

By collaborating with the Royal Greenwich Scouts Programme Team, he made sure the challenges were suitable for all ages, from the youngest Squirrel to the eldest Network member.

With the general election announcement, he made the decision to launch the challenge promptly. On 3 June, the Changemakers Challenge officially started in Royal Greenwich!

Being a changemaker

As part of the Changemaker Challenge, Royal Greenwich hosted three youth husting events. At these events, it was clear that young people do have a voice that needs to be heard by decision makers.

The young people asked questions about education, reaching net-zero and what the candidates could do to help more young people gain skills for life. 

Being a changemaker and getting young people involved is essential for developing their leadership skills, promoting active citizenship, and bringing fresh, innovative ideas to modern day issues.

It empowers young people to speak up and dream big, while making a difference in the community around them.

As Scouts, we’re supporting today's young people to build brighter tomorrows. That starts with them developing their understanding of what democracy is, advocating for change and using the power of their voice to represent themselves to decision makers.