An Agora is an educational tool that uses the Scout Method to reach the educational objectives for the Rover age section and that has a special emphasis on youth empowerment. We are glad to invite representatives of your National Scout Association to this year’s Agora, which will take place in the gorgeous setting of Centre Culturel St Thomas, in Strasbourg, France, from 23 to 27 April 2014.
What makes an Agora so special is that it is an event run “for Rovers, by Rovers”. As a result, the event looks at issues that are of importance and relevant to young people in our society today. An Agora aims to be a meeting place in which dreams, feelings, concerns, experiences, ideas and paths cross together, are connected and shared; a crossroad that would be a source of inspiration and energy. It is a place where the fundamentals of Scouting are present in a way that is attractive to young people today. It is a place for debate and sharing as well as teaching and learning from one another. And most importantly, an Agora is about getting new motivation and direction to one’s path as a Rover. Each event is focusing on a major theme, on which the programme is built upon. This year’s theme is “Participation +”. We plan to take the concept of Youth Participation to a new level. Rather than just exploring why Rovers should participate, we hope to equip Rovers with the tools that they need to actively engage in their communities, their National Scout Associations, and the whole of Europe.
We invite maximum two Rovers from your NSA (or four if your NSA is one of the event’s promoters) to live this empowering, inspiring, meaningful but also fun and exciting experience built “for Rovers by Rovers”, with the support of the European Scout Region and the European Union. We will encourage your Scouts, inspire them, and put them in a position to be actively involved. However, the Agora is not only about education; it is also about letting young adults explore, share, and express themselves in an international environment.
Of course, the participant’s profile is very important to ensure the relevance and quality of the event for the participants and their National Scout Associations. You will also find attached with this invitation the application form to return before 15 March 2014. Shortly after this date, all participants will have received an acceptance letter giving them the last few details to be ready for the event (international and/or Rover commissioners will be informed).
If you have any questions, comments or feedbacks related to the Agora 2014, please, do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail at scout.agora@gmail.com. Here is also the Agora’s website.
More information about the event and how to register in Circular 08/2014 (English, French, Application Form)