¶ Scouts of the World (SOWA) Award
¶ 🔍 Overview
The Scouts of the World Award is a unique opportunity for UK Scouts to make a difference internationally. It's a chance to learn about global issues, develop new skills, and take action to create positive change.
📌 Who is it for? Network Scouts (between 18-25)
📌 What’s it about? Community service, leadership, and global citizenship.
📌 Why should you do it? The SOWA Award is a great way to develop new skills, make a difference internationally, and demonstrate your commitment to creating a better world.
¶ ☑️ Requirements
- Be a member of Scouting aged 18-25
- This is important, and you cannot go ahead without it! You must be registered on the Membership system; otherwise, you will not be eligible. You should have a Network role.
Under 18? You cannot complete any part of the award early until you turn 18. There is no room for changes or adjustments.
Need help or further guidance? Contact the Scouts Awards Team at [email protected]
- Attend a Scouts of the World Discovery run by a SOWA Trainer
- Discovery events are mandatory; you have to complete them. If you don't attend one, your entire award is invalidated.
- It'll help you better understand the requirements of the award and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set out by the UN.
- They can be done in person or remotely. When done in person, they are often done over a weekend, whilst remotely, they can be done for an hour per week.
- It's a minimum of 14 hours of learning. You will have pre-discovery tasks to complete sent by your SOWA trainer. You can choose what works well for you and ask someone in your county's top award team if they are running a discovery event.
Tip: Looking for a discovery event? Check this out here!
- Register for the Award
- Inform your 14-24 Lead you're planning to complete the Scouts of the World Award. They will support you in this. This is mandatory as they form part of the assessment panel.
- Create a plan for your SOWA project with the guidance of your mentor
- A SOWA project must take a minimum of 80 hours. This includes planning time.
- Your project should focus on at least one area: peace, the environment, and sustainable development.
- You will be assigned a SOWA mentor; talk to them, and they'll help you through the award stages.
- Your project needs to meet at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
- The project should have a long-term, sustainable impact on the local, national or international communities with a legacy after the award is completed. Please make sure you have clear objectives, timelines, and outcomes.
- Let your 14-24 Lead know of your SOWA project.
Tip: You can do your project in the UK! It may be slightly more challenging, but it's possible. If you want to, you can do your SOWA project internationally. Remember that your World Scout Moot also counts in certain circumstances!
- Complete your SOWA voluntary project
- Spend a minimum of 80 hours on your project. Have fun, and don't stress yourself out!
Tip: You can work in teams too! Each member should do 80+ hours each and have a project management role.
- Undertake an evaluation, personal reflection and local presentation
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Spend three hours evaluating your SOWA project and your journey. You need to learn about new cultural differences, develop skills, and develop an active attitude as a global citizen. Some example questions are below; think of many more!:
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How is my project sustainable? If it is not, what could I do to ensure it is?
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What challenges did I face, and how did I overcome them?
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What skills have I gained from achieving this award?
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What does it mean to be an active global citizen?
Tip: Write down your thoughts and experiences; this can help you find links and important discoveries you need for your SOWA evaluation!
- Present your project and evaluation to a suitable audience (14-24 recommended; help inspire them to complete the SOWA!) and get your award signed off by one of the following:
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County or Region Lead Volunteer
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County 14-24 Team Lead
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County 14-24 Team Member (as directed by Team Lead)
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County or Region Programme Team Lead
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County or Region Programme Team Member (as directed by Team Lead)
¶ ⌚ Example Timeline
Here's an example timeline to help you plan your SOWA Award:
- 1-2 months: Attend Scouts of the World Discovery and register for the SOWA award
- 3-4 months: Create a plan for your SOWA project with your SOWA mentor
- 5-9 months: Complete your SOWA project
- 10 months: Evaluate your project and prepare for your local presentation
- 11 months: Give your local presentation and complete your SOWA Award
¶ ❓ FAQs
- What if my mentor isn’t responding?
Contact your 14-24 Lead or email [email protected]