Networks
The networks are organised without the direct support of the Regional Office, totally at the initiative of some Associations or individuals.
The role of the Regional Office is be to observe, to advice and to support in some aspects.
We have in Europe:
The Growth Network is composed by a group of Guides and Scouts representatives interested in Growth and membership development issues. Networkers represent their associations and during the meeting share best practices and counseling on the above mentioned topics.
The network has its origins from a number of Scout and Guide Associations from the European Region who had been co-operating with countries from sub-Saharan Africa. This interest was reflected in a European Seminar, held in Kigali, Rwanda from which came the Kigali Paper, an agreement on the principles for co-operation between Scout and Guide Associations in the developed and developing world, particularly Africa and Europe. A further seminar in Nairobi expanded the numbers of Associations which saw development as an important aspect of Guiding and Scouting.
The meetings have always been informal, to allow for exchange of ideas, reports back on projects and to consider new initiatives. This informality has given lots of scope for spontaneous debate. More formal work has led to significant influence in the drafting of WOSM’s Marrakech Charter and in participating in the Global Development Villages of World Scout Jamborees.
The Overture Network encourages Guide and Scout associations in the Europe to open up the associations for young people originating from ethnic and other minority groups. The participation of children and youths with different backgrounds is based on the principle that Guiding and Scouting are open to all people.
The Network of Young Representatives
In order to assist in the implementation of resolution Society 7 adopted at the 8th
European Guide and Scout Conference the Europe Region organized a meeting in 1996 for those Scouts and Guides involved in influencing Youth Policy on behalf of their National Association in a National Youth Council and those representing European Guiding or Scouting in the European Youth Structures.
As a result of that first meeting it was decided to organize a similar meeting annually, which became the Network Meeting of Young Representatives.
October 2003 saw the 8th meeting of this kind.
Aim
The network aims to:
- Provide training for National and European representatives
- Discuss issues of mutual relevance and other important topics
- Strengthen existing and form new networks to develop the influencing role of Guiding and Scouting
- Co-ordinate the approach to Youth Policy in Europe
- Motivate participants for further involvement in Youth structures
Profile of members
The participants to this network meeting are young scouts and guides who represent their National Association in the National Youth Council or the national youth structures and young scout and guide representatives in European Platforms or structures, such as the European Youth Forum or the Advisory Council on Youth Issues of the Council of Europe.
The European Guide & Scout Centre Managers Network
The aim of this Network, is to strengthen and develop co-operation between Scout and Guide Centres around Europe and to help build strong working relationships and contacts between the staff at those Centres.
The Network organises every 2nd year (since 1989) a Centre Managers Conference and topics will include areas of common interest to Centres, such as staffing, safety, fund raising, as well as more specific subjects offered by the participants. Sessions will be run by participants and by invited guests.