How we created our Scouts’ Manifesto

How did the idea for the Scouts’ Manifesto come about?

We wanted to create a clear and actionable document of policy asks. With a membership of over 450,000 young people, there’s a huge responsibility to create change for our members. To do this, we chose to focus on nine policies, which we believe could dramatically improve society, both in Scouts and more widely.

Through the input of Youth Leads nationally, and the participation of Scouts HQ and the Youth Advocate team, we’ve been able to deliver our ambitions directly to changemakers to help build brighter tomorrows.

Why is the Scouts’ Manifesto so important today?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people's lives and society around us have changed. The voluntary sector has struggled, facing significant operation challenges.

More than ever, extracurricular activities are key to young people’s development and wellbeing. Reports show young people’s mental health as declining and their skills gap increasing.

Our manifesto will help to pave the future of the sector and wider society. It’s a tool that’ll focus and direct the changes we need for Scouts and the voluntary sector, helping them thrive and offer more opportunities for young people to gain skills for life.

What did you do to help create the Scouts’ Manifesto?

As Youth Advocates, we were involved throughout the creation of the manifesto, sharing our own experiences of how policy has or could positively impact Scouts in our local areas.

We worked with Molly Taylor and Katie Jackson from the Scouts’ Policy and Public Affairs team to assemble our shared ideas and experiences into nine clear, actionable policy tasks – not an easy task!

Lived experience is a key part of the manifesto, shared through personal accounts from young people and volunteers.

What do you hope the Scouts’ Manifesto will achieve?

Change! There’s an unquestionable need for the youth sector to support the development of young people in today's world, providing opportunities to be outdoors, form new friendships, become active citizens, and learn skills for life.

Beyond policy changes, we’re appealing for a change in attitude towards the youth sector. We hope to shine a light on the challenges faced in the sector and push for more resources which are impactful and important for developing active, engaged citizens. 

What does it mean to be a Youth Advocate, and how’s your year in the role been?

As Youth Advocates, we show passion for the movement, whether that’s building support for it or contributing to meaningful change.

Over the last year, as well as helping create the manifesto, we’ve shared our stories and the important role Scouts plays in our society with a wide range of stakeholders, including ministers, shadow ministers, MPs and local decision makers.

We want to continue spreading this message with the Scouts’ Manifesto, targeting key policy areas which’ll deliver value to Scouts and the wider voluntary sector. 

Why should other young people apply to be Youth Advocates?

Being a Youth Advocate is about sharing your stories – your unforgettable adventures and the challenges you’ve overcome.

You get a platform to connect and engage with other changemakers to make sure Scouts and the youth sector more widely dominates the top of agendas.

So far, we’ve attended the UK Parliament and Party Conferences, organised for MPs to visit Scout Groups, launched the manifesto and delivered speeches, conversations, and discussions on building brighter tomorrows.

If you want opportunities to make changes for Scouts and wider society, join the team and become a changemaker!