WelcomeModule 7

Valuing Diversity

Description

Ensuring that Scouting is available to all and that

diversity is valued.

Aim

To promote the policies of The Scout Association that encourage diversity and to consider how individuals, in their roles, can help make Scouting available to all

ObjectivesThere are twelve overall objectives for this

module• State The Scout Association’s policy

regarding Co-education, Equal Opportunities, Minority Groups and Special Needs

• Explain and value The Scout Association’s Co-education policy

• Explain the steps necessary for a Scout Group to be open to both sexes

• Identify how Co-education can be built into the programme

• Accept the importance of The Scout Association’s Equal Opportunities Policy

• Demonstrate a commitment to the implementation of The Scout Association’s Equal Opportunities Policy

• Identify the wide range of Special Needs• Accept that Scouting is available to all young

people regardless of their needs

Objectives

Objectives

• Locate where information, advice and support is available to support Special Needs

• Value cultural, social and religious diversity within communities

• Explain how Scouting can meet the needs of diverse communities

• Explore the contribution Scouting can make locally in furthering the development of a more inclusive society

Session 1A diverse community

Key Objectives• Value cultural, social and religious

diversity within communities• Explore the contribution Scouting can

make locally in furthering the development of a more inclusive society

Definition of a diverse organisation

‘A diverse organisation is one which values difference. It is one which recognises that people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions. Diverse organisations encourage and harness these differences to make their services relevant and approachable. A diverse organisation draws upon the widest possible range of views and experiences, so it can listen to, and meet the changing needs of its users, staff, volunteers, partners and supporters’ National Centre for Volunteering

A diverse community

Task 1

In groups discuss the following:

• In what ways are the communities in which we live diverse?

• What positive value can the diversity bring to the community

A diverse communityTask 1

Possible answers:• In what ways are the communities in which we live

diverse?rural / urbanmulti-ethnicmulti-culturalsocial backgroundsnorms of behaviourincomedemographics – age, genderexpectations for the futureeducationunderstanding of what Scouting has to offer

A diverse communityTask 1

Possible answers:• What positive value can the diversity bring to the

community

ToleranceRaising awareness of other cultures and faithsUnderstanding of other races, religions and

cultural practicesAcceptance of people as just peopleConfronting ignorance

Session 2Individuals

Key Objectives• State The Scout Association’s policy

regarding Co-education, Equal Opportunities, Minority Groups and Special Needs

• Accept the importance of The Scout Association’s Equal Opportunities Policy

Equal Opportunities Policy

a. The Scout Association is committed to extending Scouting, its Purpose and Method to all young people in all parts of society

b. No young person should receive less favourable treatment on the basis of, nor suffer disadvantage by reason of:

Equal Opportunities Policy

• Class• Ethnic origin, nationality (or statelessness) or race• Gender• Marital or sexual status• Mental or physical ability• Political or religious belief

All members of the Movement should seek to practice that equality, especially in promoting access to Scouting for young people in all parts of society. The Scout Association opposes all forms of racism

Individuals

Task 1

• In pairs, and without speaking, complete worksheet 1

• Once it is complete, discuss whether your assumptions about each other were correct

IndividualsTask 2

In groups discuss one of the following:1. We are all prone to making assumptions about other

people. When recruiting adults, what assumptions might we tend to make about them in the following areas; ability, finance, culture, age, existing skills, family situation, gender, beliefs and values

2. We are all prone to making assumptions about other people. When planning a programme, what assumptions might we tend to make about young people in the following areas; ability, finances, parental background and support, gender, other hobbies, culture – (e.g. food, clothing, social norms, religion) and at camp

Session 3Facts and policy

Key Objectives• State The Scout Association’s policy regarding Co-education,

Equal Opportunities, Minority Groups and Special Needs• Explain and value The Scout Association’s Co-education

policy• Explain the steps necessary for a Scout Group to be open to

both sexes• Identify the wide range of Special Needs• Accept that Scouting is open to all young people regardless

of their needs• Locate where information, advice and support is available to

support Special Needs• Value cultural, social and religious diversity within

communities

Facts and policy

Task 1

In small groups, discuss possible barriers to implementing the Equal Opportunities Policy, and ways to overcome them.

Facts and policy

Co-education policyIn groups, using the One Movement Working Together leaflet, create a prompt card that explains the following:

• The key points of the Co-education Policy

• The steps that need to be taken to open a Group to boys and girls

Session 4Practical application

Key Objectives• Identify how Co-education can be built into

the programme• Demonstrate a commitment to the

implementation of The Scout Association’s Equal Opportunities Policy

• Explain how Scouting can meet the needs of diverse communities

Practical application

Task 1

In small groups, discuss the case study given on the handout. Be prepared to give a short summary of your discussion

Session 5Action plans

Key Objective

• Demonstrate a commitment to the implementation of The Scout Association’s Equal Opportunities Policy

Action plans

Validation – Option 4

Using worksheet 2, produce a plan to increase the diversity of Scouting in your area

Thank you