Communications is crucial for National Scout Organizations (NSOs) to ensure that their programmes, events, and initiatives reach a wide audience and provide tailored messaging to specific target groups. Through WOSM Services, dozens of NSOs globally have received support to build their capacity in communications, from branding to better social media management, event support, and more. In Africa, services are offering examples of successful practices and underscoring the benefits of regional support.
Uganda receives support to deliver virtual jamboree
One of the most popular requests for support is to create or refresh the branding and design elements of an event. When Uganda Scouts Association was preparing to deliver Africa’s first-ever virtual jamboree, it received additional support to develop the event’s branding, digital promotion, and the visibility of activities. The NSO also received help to create an event communication plan that covered activities, the event logo, various branding items, and a framework for event partnerships.
Services guide adoption of Eswatini's new national brand identity
Also gaining support in designing a new branding identity was Eswatini Scouts Association. The NSO adopted WOSM’s National Scout Identity Brand (NSIB), replacing its former brand. Working with WOSM’s graphics team, the NSO received a professionally designed brand identity together with a simple brand guide to support its use at the local and national level. The NSO was also given guidance on brand protection requirements that come adopting the NSIB, as per a license agreement signed by both parties. WOSM’s team also supported the NSO in the transformative journey of changing its name in 2020, helping propel the Scout Movement in the country to the next level of recognition and influence.
Building capacity of communications teams in Angola
Building internal communications is also among the top three most popular service requests for communications. Associação de Escuteiros de Angola’s newly-formed national communications team underwent training to build its capacity and enhance the visibility of Scouting’s role in society, to promote growth and sustainability, and bridge the gap between the Association and its internal and external audiences. To ensure continuous learning, each year the NSO will assess its team’s progress, develop plans for the coming year, and support the acquisition of new knowledge and skills on emerging issues in communications.
Your NSO can also benefit from tailored support provided by World Scouting through a team of trained consultants consisting of both World Scout Bureau staff and WOSM volunteers. To learn more about the various services on offer and to submit a request for support, please visit https://services.scout.org.
These stories were collected and written by Nelson Opany, Senior Manager, Communications and Partnerships, World Scout Bureau Africa Support Centre.