The Principles

Principles of Partnerships in Scouting
September 2006
INTRODUCTION

The principles of the charter are clear; but how are these translated into actions in associations? Here are some resources to support this work and examples of what has been achieved in associations.

RESOURCES

Globalisation and the Scout and Guide Movements - This is the text of a presentation to the European International Commissioners' Forum, by Mr. Jan Bouke Wijbrandi, Campaign Director, Novib, Oxfam Netherlands on 25 October 2003. It covers the impact of globalisation on the Scout and Guide Movements and provides some questions to debate. This paper could be a good base for discussions for older Scouts and leaders. ( pdf)

Guidelines for North-South Co-operation - The next three resources are documents produced by the North/South Network of the European Region. Each provides some information and key questions to be considered.

1. The co-operation framework. This document sets out the key elements which should be in a partnership agreement e.g. specifying common aims, developing a joint plan of action and securing funding for the project. ( pdf)
2. Partnerships. This document sets out the principles of partnership, the importance of defining common aims and what should be considered before entering a partnership. ( pdf
3. The co-operation process ( pdf). This document helps you to think through 5 steps: (i) why you want a partnership ( pdf), (ii) the process of finding a partner ( pdf), (iii) reaching an agreement ( pdf), (iv) selecting a suitable activity ( pdf), (v) incorporating an evaluation in the process ( pdf). Useful questions and activities are included.
4. Traps: what to avoid in a partnership. Here are 12 things to avoid to make your partnership work. ( pdf)

Development Programmes - This paper, prepared by the North-South Network, sets out a definition of 'community development' and encourages Scouting to participate in development programmes, with an educational dimension, rather than development projects. ( pdf)

How to present a Development Programme - When developing a partnership programme it is important that each party is clear why the project is being undertaken and what is to be achieved by the parties concerned, individually and jointly. This is especially important where funding is concerned. This paper, by the North-South Network, provides a framework for presenting a development programme. ( pdf)

EXAMPLES

Here is an example of a project proposal for a partnership between The Danish Scout Association/The Kenya Scouts Association/The Africa Regional Scout Office and Danida. The proposal sets out the objectives, needs to be met, benefits to the recipients, resources required and the budget. ( pdf)

Partnerships for the Development of Guiding - This document provides advice on the development of partnerships to support the overall development of Guiding. It sets out who the partners might be, goals of partnerships and the practical aspects to be considered. ( pdf)

THE CHARTER

'Principles of Partnerships'

* In a world increasingly perceived as a global village, but which, paradoxically, is witnessing the disintegration of more and more communities;

* In a world suffering from hunger, poverty, illiteracy, exploitation, social injustice and unemployment, encountering rising intolerance and racism, threatened by individualism and the desire for profit at any price, seeking greater democracy and the respect of human rights, at a time when the health, the environment and peace are threatened in numerous regions;

* In a world where totalitarianism and barriers between people are disappearing, and where modern means of communication offer undreamt-of possibilities to establish contacts and form links among people;

More than ever before, we need men and women capable of acting in partnership for a world "without border", in the name of justice, solidarity and peace.

We firmly believe that Scouting, faithful to its fundamental principles and with its proven specific educational method, can significantly contribute to the development of the kind of citizens which the world needs.

In Scouting, education for partnership starts in the patrol, when a young person learns to discover other people, to respect their differences and to act with them.

This discovery gradually extends to the world around him or her, to the local, national and international community.

Through concrete and appropriate activities adapted to their capabilities, young people prepare to become responsible citizens.

Partnership between Scout associations, whether from the North, South, East or West, and between Scout associations and other local, national or international governmental or non-governmental organisations, reinforces this educational action, provided that:

* the partnership meets the young people's needs and aspirations, and involves them in all stages of action;

* the partnership is based on the fundamental principles of Scouting;

* the partnership serves to:
- enrich the youth programme of the Scout associations concerned,
- strengthen their human and financial resources,
- develop their infrastructure;

* the partnership is built upon the principles of equality, autonomy, reciprocity and fraternity:
- recognise the other as a full partner with the same rights and obligations,
- recognise that the other bears the main responsibility for its own development,
- respect the culture, values and beliefs of the other,
- respect the educational choices and structures of the partner association,
- seek to strengthen the autonomy of the other whilst accepting the need to be interdependent,
- recognise the other's contribution and endeavour to ensure a reciprocal exchange,
- avoid harming the partner and its credibility,
- place human relationships at the heart of the partnership, in a spirit of openness and tolerance;

* the implementation process is based on transparency and co-management:
- freely express needs in a spirit of mutual trust,
- consult each other before taking any decision,
- make decisions together at all stages of the project (identification of needs, definition of objectives, implementation, evaluation and follow-up).