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Citizenship

14.1.1.1 The Scout movement is not connected with any political body.

14.1.1.2 Members of the movement in uniform, or individuals when acting as representatives of the movement, must not take part in any party political meetings or activities that endorse any particular political party or candidate.

 

14.1.2 Citizenship and Participation

14.1.2.1 The Scout Association, being concerned to help young people prepare for and take a constructive place in society, encourages, through its programme, the development of a positive attitude to the needs of the community.

14.1.2.2 In pursuance of The Scout Association's Purpose, each member of the movement shall, within the bounds of age and mental maturity, be encouraged to:

  1. become involved in the processes by which decisions are made within The Scout Association and, to that end, to understand the organisation of The Scout Association
  2. become more aware of major social issues at local, national and international level
  3. understand the processes of decision-making by organisations and by government, and to become aware of the individual's role in such processes

14.1.2.3 It is accepted that this will involve members of the movement with current social issues, some of which are controversial and may therefore have a political dimension. However, individuals representing The Scout Association must not endorse any particular political party or candidate.

14.1.2.4 If a recognised public authority makes a public request for volunteers to take action to avoid grave public danger or inconvenience, whether it arises from an industrial dispute or not, a Group Scout Leader, the Leader of an Explorer Scout Unit, or a Scout Network Leader may, with the consent of the District Commissioner, offer the services of Scouts provided that each individual participates voluntarily.

 

14.1.3 Expressions of Opinions of The Scout Association's Policy

14.1.3.1 Members of the movement must not express opinions on matters of policy or on any matter if it will appear that they are speaking or contributing on behalf of The Scout Association when appearing on television, speaking on the radio or writing for or being interviewed by the press, unless they have previously obtained permission to do so from UK Headquarters.

14.1.3.2 Members of the movement must not address correspondence on matters relating to Scouting or as representatives of The Scout Association to any Royal personage, Department of State, Embassy or Legation at home or abroad, to any Scout Association Headquarters abroad, or to the World Scout Bureau, World Scout Committee or World Scout Conference except after consultation with and through Headquarters.