{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Lewis Dangerfield, UK Commissioner for Programme, and Callum Kaye, International Commissioner\u202F ","standfirst":"","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EAt Scouts, young people are always our focus.\u202F\u202F\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs volunteers, we give our time to help them gain skills to make sense of the world around them. We also support them to play their part as active citizens, for today and all our tomorrows.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EConflicts continue to dominate the news agenda. It\u2019s a stark reminder of the\u202Fchallenging world we live in. This\u202Fraises issues our young people may\u202Fbe dealing with or trying to understand.\u202F\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn this blog, we aim to provide clarity and context on our role as Scouts (and volunteers)\u202Fand to support our young people with a three-step process:\u202F\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStep 1:\u003C/strong\u003E Raising awareness of global events and their impact.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStep 2: \u003C/strong\u003EAccepting responsibility for a better future.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStep 3: \u003C/strong\u003ETaking practical action to make it happen.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EHow Scouts might be affected\u202F\u00A0\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EConflicts take many forms, and the media doesn\u2019t cover them all equally. Yet, many of our own members will have links with people and places affected. This could be through personal connections, school exchanges, family holidays or Scout trips. Let\u2019s also remember that conflicts may also affect young people who live in, or who have recently settled in, the UK from these regions too.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EHow to use programme material\u202F\u00A0\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIncorporate \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/global-scouting/international-crises/activities-for-understanding-crises/\u0022 title=\u0022Activities for understanding crises\u0022\u003Eprogramme ideas\u003C/a\u003E into your meetings in a way you find comfortable and fitting for the community you support:\u202F\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EExplain to your Scouts that today we\u2019re thinking especially about conflict they may have seen in the media. \u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPoint out that as Scouts we work for justice, peace and reconciliation \u2013 and for a better future for all. You will know best how to express this with your Scouts, depending on their ages.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAfter an activity, try to spark a discussion (in a way that\u2019s suitable for the ages of your Scouts), to encourage them to think what they can do to help.\u202F\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EStress that the Scout Movement is not a political organisation. We cannot take sides, nor allow ourselves to share propaganda\u202F\u202F\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur purpose is to help Scouts to express their feelings and to open their minds to the realities and consequences of conflict. We need to challenge short term thinking, hate and prejudice. We also need to show solidarity with people around the world who are the victims of conflicts.\u202F\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/20762/db-20210929-71060-4877.jpg","width":5000,"height":3333,"altText":"A volunteer looks at a Scout and points at a blank piece of paper on the floor.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EOur role in supporting young people\u202F\u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn recent weeks many of our Scouts will have been exposed to the horrific news of innocent lives cut short, whether on social media or TV.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs our young people attempt to make sense of what they\u2019ve seen and heard, we might take the view that these issues are too complex for us to do or say anything about. We might therefore choose to do nothing for fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. This is an understandable reaction.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHowever, as Scouts, we believe we have a part to play in creating a better world. We\u2019re part of a worldwide Movement that promotes peace. It\u2019s through our programme, close to home, where we can take action to make it a reality.\u202F\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EPractical support for you\u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe therefore want to support you as much as possible so you can help your young people coming to terms with these events, during your normal section meetings. To help we\u2019ve pulled together some ideas and links to existing resources that you might find helpful. Take a look at our \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/global-scouting/international-crises/activities-for-understanding-crises/\u0022 title=\u0022Activities for understanding crises\u0022\u003Eactivities for helping to understand crises\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese programme activities are intended to help Scouts:\u202F\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUnderstand some of the impact of conflicts on themselves, on other young people and their families.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETake part in practical activities which help this process.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPlay their part as citizens, increasing their awareness and understanding of their place in the world. \u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EPart of a worldwide family working for peace\u202F\u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELet\u2019s never forget that UK Scouts are a part of a worldwide family standing together for peace and against violence in all its forms.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENational Scout Organisations throughout the world and The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), which UK Scouts are a part of, have responded to conflicts, wars and terrorist attacks by offering sympathy and support.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs UK Scouts, it\u2019s important we play our role too \u2013 speaking up for peace and supporting our young people to understand the fundamental importance of global peace and understanding. As an educational movement, we have a duty to help Scouts come to terms with global events.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETogether, we can help think about practical steps they can take as both individuals and as part of a global Scouts movement to make the world a more peaceful and safer place.\u202F\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/18328/cub-making-heart.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A Cub in a green jumper and necker looks at the camera while making a heart shape with their hands.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ESome considerations around safety and sensitivity\u202F\u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMany young people will have been exposed to images in the media which are deeply upsetting. The short, medium and long term consequences of this are uncertain.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt may be that there are members who\u2019ve lost loved ones, who have family in danger, or who are involved in any number of other ways. We should, of course, be especially careful here. Dealing with it at Scout meetings is challenging. It\u2019s important therefore to:\u202F\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAcknowledge the emotional state of adults and young people, including the impact on home and social life for families and individuals.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAllow people time and space when and where it\u2019s needed.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemember that some volunteers may not wish or feel able to be directly involved in these activities.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhere possible, try to make that it\u2019s not the same adults who support this work every time.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERecognise that the situation may act as a trigger to people, especially young people who are emotionally vulnerable. This may result in difficulties in behaviour and relationships.\u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EExamples of how you may take a sensitive approach can include:\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUse moderate, balanced and empathetic language, avoiding accusations or expressions of anger or intolerance. \u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAddress and condemn all forms of hate speech, and not condemning or blaming those of a particular nationality, cultural or religious background.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EArrangements could be made to express sympathy to those families known to us and directly affected by the incident.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemember the anniversaries of traumatic events as emotional moments that can be planned for and handled with sensitivity.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EView and read the media critically, and try to avoid trusting or sharing extreme or provocative statements.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAvoiding inciting panic or fear.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBelieve in our role in educating young people for peaceful world.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/20187/a-leader-playing-a-game-and-chasing-some-beavers-on-a-field-with-her-arms-open-wide.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A volunteer with her arms out wide runs with a group of Beavers on a field outside","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EIn summary: A three-step process\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe three-step process which we are trying to encourage is:\u202F\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStep 1:\u0026nbsp;Raising awareness of global events and their impact.\u003C/strong\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUsing suitable activities to make the necessary points.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EExplaining the context to the Scouts.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStep 2:\u0026nbsp;Accepting responsibility for a better future.\u202F \u003C/strong\u003E\u202F\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEncouraging discussion and debate with moderate and empathetic language.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStep 3:\u0026nbsp;Taking action to make it happen.\u003C/strong\u003E\u202F\u0026nbsp;\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPersonal commitment.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EReviewing at intervals to consider further action.\u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EThank you\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThank you to all our volunteers supporting this challenging work. You\u2019re playing your part to creating a better, and more peaceful world.\u202F\u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"28 November 2023","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Read the political campaigning guidance","url":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/community-impact-and-political-campaigning/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Discover the activities for understanding crises","url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/global-scouting/international-crises/activities-for-understanding-crises/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Learn how to include everyone","url":"/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/","newWindow":false}],"relatedLinks":[],"id":77901,"nodeName":"Responding to conflicts: supporting young people and working for peace","title":"Responding to conflicts: supporting young people and working for peace\u202F\u202F ","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/20762/db-20210929-71060-4877.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae9843e5b32d0","caption":"Volunteer helping Scouts make a poster","type":"jpg","size":6604527,"width":5000,"height":3333,"altText":"A volunteer looks at a Scout and points at a blank piece of paper on the floor."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Responding to conflicts: supporting young people and working for peace\u202F\u202F ","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Discover how we can support our young people with a three-step process.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC83NzkwMSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2023/november/responding-to-conflicts-supporting-young-people-and-working-for-peace/"}