Valuing, Promoting, Supporting

My name is Anne and, as many of you may be aware, I now have responsibility for Diversity throughout the county.

This is both exciting and scary! Everyone 'knows' that 'Scouting is for boys' and white, middle-class, Christian boys too! Well, I see 'Diversity' as ensuring that scouting is made accessible to all, as long as they accept our fundamental values. Thus it encompasses:

• Gender
  The general public is still unaware that girls can be members of scouting despite the massive publicity from our centenary celebrations, and there are still too many leaders who are providing obstacles to their admission. There is therefore much work to be done to educate and persuade people about the advantages that girls bring to the sections.
• Faith
  All the major faith groups have approved the Religious Policy of the Scout Association but many seem to feel that scouting excludes them. We need to change this perception through education and advertising. And see whether we exclude groups through our thoughtlessness.
• Ageism
  We have a younger age limit but not an older one. Out there are many who have much to offer us even if not as a section leader. How about as treasurer, secretary, fund raiser or quartermaster?
• Sexism
  We need to be aware that problems may arise for our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of all age. We need a confidential service to deal with these matters.
• Multiculturalism
  There are many groups out in the community with whom we could develop links to benefit us both. Again education makes us aware of cultural needs.
• Disability
  Working closely with the county special needs advisor, there is much that could be done to allow a wider group of people, with appropriate support, be a scout.
• Encompassing community
  This area is about allowing all sections of our county access to scouting. I am thinking of villages that are not big enough to support a group, estates where youngsters cannot afford to be a scout, adults that do shift work, afterschool clubs.

So, what do I intend to do?

I want to lead a team to reach out into all these areas, working closely with districts and supporting agencies, so I need people to head up the areas outlined above. I want people who can access funds. I want someone to design a logo and someone to keep a web page up-to-date. I want you if you think that you could offer a small or large amount of time for projects.

This is an exciting venture - GET INVOLVED!

If you are interested, send me an e-mail

Anne Diversity Coordinator