For over a hundred years, Scouting has been making a real contribution to creating a better world by helping young people to develop their full potential as individuals and to play a constructive role in society. However, Scouting can only have a real impact as a social force if it is able to attract and retain young people - and supporting adults - long enough to really make a difference.

As a voluntary Movement, young people must make a conscious decision to join and to stay. It is therefore unrealistic to assume that Scouting will appeal to all young people. However, there are many more young people – and supporting adults - who would enjoy and benefit from Scouting than we currently serve.

The purpose of this toolkit is twofold:

• it aims to provide an overview of a number of key elements that need to be taken into account when considering a growth strategy. It is not intended as a comprehensive manual that covers every aspect of such a strategy, but rather as a complement to the many other resources that have been produced at world, regional and national levels;
• it is also intended as a means of sharing the many examples of good practice that associations have developed.

It can be used by leaders at any level.

This toolkit comprises two main parts:

• a core document that offers an overview and some examples of good practices;
• factsheets on useful resources, tools, further examples of good practices as well as examples of challenges faced by different associations. This part will be updated periodically when associations send in contributions and when other useful resources become available.

NSOs that want to share their experiences in membership growth can send and e-mail to indicating in the subject "Action for Growth examples". We look forward to hearing from you!

NB: The sunflower design is an original artwork creation protected under copyright. It may be freely reproduced for non-commercial use by national Scout organisations which are members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, with credit given to the author and/or source. Any other use will require a prior authorisation.

To obtain authorisation and/or the graphic files, please contact

Publication Type : Publication

Publication Format : Printed Material

Target Audience : Adults

Age Range : Adults

Topics : Membership Growth