Scouts and Guides contributing to refugee support activities in their local communities in Europe (34): What’s next after the #RefugeeResponseSeminar

During the last weekend in November, Guides and Scouts from 27 countries gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the #RefugeeResponseSeminar discussing how best the Scout and Guide Movements and other youth organisations can contribute to refugee and migrant support activities. The participants shared their experience and challenges gained from activities currently run to the benefit of refugees and migrants all over Europe and developed new ideas for future projects.

“As Scouts we are pragmatic.”, commented Andrea Demarmels, Chairperson of the European Scout Committee of WOSM, “We know that we cannot solve the long term challenges faced by refugees and migrants in Europe. We choose to take leadership with a pragmatic approach and react to the situation by joining forces with our local communities to make a difference for some of the people affected by the tragedy and consequences of war.”

The colourful “Wall of Ideas” illustrates the many proposals and concrete project ideas developed and collected over the weekend. Soon, these will be available for others who were note able to attend the seminar and seek inspiration to launch or continue their own initiative in their local communities.

In the meantime, you can join the public Facebook group set up for the newly created #RefugeeResponseNetwork and consult information made available on the event’s #RefugeeResponseWebsite; this is also where all resources and materials from the seminar will be published.

(Image: Luc Ibis Rubben 2015)