The European Region launches the #PassItOn campaign!

On behalf of its Youth Empowerment Priority Project Group (YEPPG), the European Scout Region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) launches the #PassItOn campaign!

Within the #PassItOn campaign we want to take youth empowerment far beyond its conceptual discussion. We want to talk about how it is taking effect in our lives and how it is such a fundamental part of bringing up new generations of world citizens.

It’s a journey! – Youth empowerment is not something that happens from one day to the other. It’s not a result. It’s a process that starts with small steps and which evolves with time of experience. In journey reports, we will share stories of several people and how their feeling of being empowered has influenced their lives and achievements.

Ask the boy! – By using this classic quote by B-P we want to challenge the idea that youth empowerment is just about adults stepping back and letting young people take over. We want to reflect on how it is more about letting young people speak up, listening to them and putting adults’ experiences and resources at the service of helping young people reach their goals and dreams.

Made by B-P! – Youth empowerment is a fairly recent expression, but its practice is deeply rooted in the Scout Method. We will give some pointers to the basics of Scouting to show how truly visionary Robert Baden-Powell (B-P) was!

Don’t forget the Cub Scouts! – Youth empowerment starts from the very beginning. We will talk about how important it is to encourage youth empowerment starting in the Cub Scouts (who, by the way, celebrate their centenary in 2016 – #cubs100).

Go on light this fire! When you motivate someone, you give them a little spark which helps them light a fire and if their fire gives some sparks to light other fires, then it will be passed on. If not, it will eventually die out. So, go on light this fire and #PassItOn!

The #PassItOn Campaign Logo

Our campaign logo expresses all these dimensions. It represents the first stage of the friendship knot, used to tie the neckerchief (Made by B-P!). This reminds us of the bond of friendship created between Scouts, in which they share stories, experiences and support (Go on, light this fire!). The different colours which spread in a continuum point to the different learning experiences we have throughout life (It’s a journey!) and how we meet different people who inspire us to reach our goals (Ask the boy!). This begins very early in our lives (Don’t forget the cub scouts!), and we should always keep this in mind. The background, with all its separate colours, reminds us that we are all individuals with different histories and characters, but when we come together and share our experiences, we are a part of a continuum (represented in the logo), making our universe and our Movement more diverse and rich.

Are you inspired by our approach to youth empowerment? #PassItOn!
Do you have a story you want to share with? #PassItOn to the Youth Empowerment Group for publication!

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