{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"CJ Ledger, Deputy UK Chief Commissioner | Yousif Eltom, UK Lead Volunteer for Growth and Race Equity | Aidan Jones, Chief Executive","standfirst":"","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EThis summer, very sadly, we\u2019ve already seen instances of intolerance, racism and violence in our communities.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome of this has affected young people directly, which has been incredibly hurtful. In addition to racist behaviour, activity on social media often makes the situation worse, with misinformation and comments victimising and intimidating those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re proud that Scouts offers inclusive and welcoming spaces in our communities. The safety and wellbeing of young people remains a key priority for us. We will be continuing to support our members to keep them safe and free from harm.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003ETaking positive action \u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn Scouts, we\u2019re taking action by speaking out against racism, and increasing our support for volunteers, helping them keep young people safe. This is set against a backdrop of an increasingly hostile environment in the UK towards asylum seekers and those from minority ethnic communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen we see unrest and division in our communities, we need to remember the powerful difference Scouts makes. We create opportunities to engage people from different communities in positive experiences, together.\u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003ELed by our values \u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs Scouts, working at the heart of our communities, we reject racism and discrimination in all its forms. We\u2019re proud to be open to all, and everything we do is led by our values.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWithin our movement, we have a zero-tolerance approach to racism and expect all members and those who work with our Scouts to meet these expectations, thinking carefully about our words and actions in person and online. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe bring people together, not drive them apart. We bridge divided communities and find common ground. We\u2019re proud to help young people understand, respect and celebrate their differences.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EEncouraging a spirit of mutual respect\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe know that these incidents will be worrying and unsettling for 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. \u202F \u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur programme helps young people understand and explore the faith and beliefs of others, encouraging a spirit of respect, curiosity, and openness. \u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EShowing unity and international friendship this summer\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn Scouts, we show young people that friendship and unity is more powerful than hatred and fear. We\u2019ve seen that across so many Scout events this summer, not least our summer camps, including the Festival of Scouting and Guiding in Kent, NorJam in Norfolk and those who attended the World Scout Moot in Portugal. Tens of thousands of young people from across the UK, as well as many different countries have met in a spirit of peace, friendship, and mutual respect. \u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe should not forget the hugely positive work we\u2019ve 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 Scouts. We\u2019re also supporting the development of Scouts in Black communities, as part of our continued commitment to the inclusion, participation and support for young people. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe 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.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EPositive role models\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur volunteers are powerful and positive role models for our young people, showing that generosity and kindness always wins out in the end. \u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe 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. \u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003ETaking care of ourselves and others\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou 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\u2019re happy to speak with anyone who feels worried.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou could highlight that those involved in this behaviour are in the minority. Most people in our communities are good and decent people, who help others. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s also vital to look after your own wellbeing. If you\u0027re upset by what you\u2019ve seen and experienced, please speak with members of your local team for support. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFinally, if you see or hear words or actions either online or in person that go against our values, including from other Scouts, it\u0027s important we call it out, while keeping ourselves safe. You can speak with your volunteer line manager or contact us at \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:support@scouts.org.uk\u0022\u003Esupport@scouts.org.uk\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThank you for all you do for young people and communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Image top","cta":"Discover the activities","body":"\u003Cp\u003EScouts volunteers can use these activities in meetings to help young people feel safe and included.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"How to help young people feel safe and included","id":null,"url":"/news/2025/august/how-to-help-young-people-feel-safe-and-included/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#003982","title":"How to help young people feel safe and included","image":"/media/2194/understanding-disability2.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae19ad41cee90","imageFocus":"","imageId":7085,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"14 August 2025","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Talking about race and racism","url":"/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/race-and-ethnicity/talking-about-race-and-racism/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"How to have difficult conversations with young people who have experienced prejudice","url":"/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/race-and-ethnicity/supporting-people-whove-experienced-racism/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Steps to take when a discriminatory incident occurs","url":"/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/race-and-ethnicity/responding-to-and-reporting-racism/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Activities to help young people feel safe and included","url":"/news/2025/august/how-to-help-young-people-feel-safe-and-included/","newWindow":false}],"relatedLinks":[],"id":86732,"nodeName":"Keeping young people safe with zero-tolerance for racism","title":"Keeping young people safe with zero-tolerance for racism  ","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/5857/fdl-blog.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1d9becd082b5150","caption":"FDL Blog","type":"jpg","size":85068,"width":1200,"height":628,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Keeping young people safe with zero-tolerance for racism  ","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Scouts are taking action by speaking out against racism, and increasing our support for volunteers, helping them keep young people safe","browserTitle":"Keeping young people safe with zero-tolerance for racism","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84NjczMiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2025/august/keeping-young-people-safe-with-zero-tolerance-for-racism/"}