Volunteer ethics

Code Of Ethics For Volunteers
Heart of America Council

As a volunteer, I realize that I am subject to a code of ethics similar to that which binds the professionals in the field in which I work. Like them, I assume certain responsibilities and expect to account for what I do in terms of what I am expected to do. I will keep confidential matters confidential.

I promise to take to my work, an attitude of open mindedness; to be willing to be trained for it; to bring to it interest and attention. I realize that I may have assets that my co-workers may not have and that should use them to enrich the project at which we are working together. I realize also that I may lack assets that my coworkers have, but I will not let this make me feel inadequate, but will endeavor to assist in developing good teamwork.

I plan to find out how I can best serve the activity for which I have volunteered and to offer as much as I am sure I can give, but no more. I realize that I must live up to my promises and, therefore, will be careful that my agreement is so simple and clear that it cannot be misunderstood. I believe that my attitude toward volunteer work should be professional, believe that I have an obligation to my work, and to those who direct it, to my colleagues, and to those for whom it is done, and to the public.

Being eager to contribute all that I can to human betterment, I accept this code of ethics for the volunteer as my code to be followed carefully and cheerfully.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Its Official

It is finally officially after completing the paperwork hurdle I have finally become a assistant scoutmaster. Becoming a assistant scoutmaster in my Troop is very important for two very different reasons.

The first reason is to be able to continue to serve my Troop in a official leadership position capacity which will allow me to get tenure for my 20 year mark award. This official leadership capacity will also allow me to continue to have direct contact with youth members and the Troop which allows me to give back to my community.

The second reason is because I just recently applied for a 3rd assistant scoutmaster position for the 2011 world scout jamboree. The reason this is important is because I need experience as a ASM before being able to qualiffy as a leader for the jamboree.

This will be the final time I sign as junior assistant scoutmaster.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Scouts of the World Award Story

© The Guides and Scouts of Finland

Friday 15 May 2009

First Scouts of the World Discovery in Finland

The very first Scouts of the World Discovery in Finland took place in Helsinki from 8 to 11 May 2009, with 23 enthusiastic Rover Scouts from all across the country willing to face our common global challenges in the fields of environment, sustainable development and peace. Most of the participants will complete their SW Award with a Voluntary Service by taking actively part in reforestation, construction and environmental education at a scout camp in Senegal in Summer 2009. A Rover Scout group of four will design their individual SW Voluntary Service projects, too.

The SW Discovery began on the 8 of May as two tents were put up at the beautiful Rastila Camping site, at the coast of the capital city of Helsinki and just 18 minutes from the city centre by the underground - a symbolic step towards a more socially active Scout Movement in Finland. Evening meal ready and done, the participants presented each other the Millennium Development Goals and were challenged to develop a personal feeling towards them by arguing and casting votes.

Saturday - Europe Day - was opened with activities concerning environment followed by a climate change forum prepared by the Climate Expert of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation. After lunch, the participants visited the headquarters of two organisations, now in the fields of development and peace: The Finnish Non-Governmental Development Co-Operation Organisation Platform to the EU, Kehys, and the pacifist organisation The Committee of 100. The experiences were shared together in a vivid discussion before the dinner. The theme of development was deepened and the hope for individual possibilities for changing the world encouraged during the evening activities.

Sunday and sunshine on the National Mothers' Day, it was time for the last but not the least important area of the Scouts of the World Discovery: peace. The participants travelled not only through a Forest of Peace Proverbs but also to the planet Gaia with the Paralleia 5000 space-time capsule. In a role play, they attended the Peoples’ Assembly in search for a better world in a multicultural environment. Before conclusions there was also time for discussing SW Voluntary Service and individual projects –even for picking a bunch of flowers for all the mothers in the world, a Finnish tradition.

On Monday the participants had the possibility to share their newly developed ideas with Finnish Youth Delegates to the United Nations in a youth panel, followed by MDG-related activities. The panel was organised by the International Affairs Committee of the Capital Region District (The Guides and Scouts of Finland) and students from the High School in Munkkiniemi.

The SW Discovery was possible thanks to wonderful ideas provided by the Finnish Youth Co-Operation - Allianssi –network, British Council – Finland and EEDF (Eclaireuses Eclaireurs de France). Several active and selfless individuals helped organising the event.

A participant shared his thoughts on the SW Discovery: "For me, the weekend had the effect I think it was supposed to have - a feeling that I can personally make a difference in the world"

This article was prepared by Tom Henriksson, a Rover Scout in charge of the First Scouts of the World Discovery in Finland. The photo was produced by Mikko Roininen, participant.

For more information on how to obtain the Scouts of the World Award visit: www.scoutsoftheworld.net.

Share your Scouts of the World activities with the World Scout Bureau by emailing Andres Morales, Unit Manager Adolescents & Young Adults.

Visit the Scouts of the World Award Picture Gallery.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

NSJ 2010 Staff Guide

The NSJ 2010 Staff guide is available even after being delayed by almost a month. It has been released for staff. All staff for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree should have read all of the information in the guide at least once before they leave for the jamboree. Preferably people should read the guide in its entirety every other month starting immediately because you are the first line of defense when it comes to questions or concerns from participants, other staff, contingent leaders, or day visitors. You should be the one to know the information.

There is not excuse not to know this information. I am not saying that you have to be able to quote the document but you should be very familiar with it when it comes time for the jamboree. The guide is there to help you do your job to the best of your ability.

For the first time the guide is entirely online in html format but it is also available as is the norm in pdf format for adobe acrobat reader.

Here is the link to the website: click here.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08