Dear friends in Scouting,
Recognising and valuing the contributions of adults, whether volunteers or staff members, is a fundamental principle of the Scout Movement. In the Interamerican Scout Region, this principle took shape in 1972 with the establishment of the “Youth of the Americas” award, the highest regional award for outstanding international service in favour of young people.
To broaden the scope of these awards and increase the number of individuals honoured for their service and commitment, additional regional distinctions have been introduced in recent years: the Juan Lainé Roz Medal, the Salvador Fernández Beltrán Medal of Gratitude, the Friend of Youth Plaque, and the Institutional Action Plaque.
The Regional Constitution grants the Interamerican Scout Committee the authority to bestow these recognitions on individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the Scout Movement across the Americas. It is the responsibility of the National Scout Organizations (NSOs) to submit nominations that meet the criteria defined for each distinction.
In this regard, we are pleased to inform you that the 2026 nomination process for the following regional recognitions is now officially open:
• Youth of the Americas
• Juan Lainé Roz Medal
• Friend of Youth Plaque
The year 2026 has been proclaimed by the United Nations as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, reaffirming volunteering as a driving force for positive change around the world. This global recognition offers the Interamerican Scout Region a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the volunteers and staff members who dedicate their time and commitment to young people across the continent. We encourage NSOs to take this occasion as further motivation to submit nominations and, in particular, to celebrate the many women whose leadership and service continue to strengthen Scouting across the Americas.
Nominations must be submitted by the official representative of the NSO using the form available at the following link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019feefa4a30724a87465d36c96f64ce
We invite you to carefully review the profiles and eligibility criteria for each recognition, as outlined in the document Framework for Regional Awards – Interamerican Region, which can be accessed at this link: https://learn.scout.org/resource/regional-awards-framework-interamerican-scout-region
Applications that were not approved may be submitted again after a period of three years.
The nomination period will remain open until 30 September 2026. Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered.
Should you have any questions regarding this call, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected]
We sincerely thank you for your collaboration in highlighting and honouring the commitment, leadership, and dedication of those who, from every corner of the continent, are building a better world for young people.
Yours in Scouting,
José Luis Vargas
Chairperson
Interamerican Scout Committee
Diana Carrillo
Regional Director
Interamerica Support Centre