World Scouting
The World Organization of the Scout Movement (http://www.scout.org)
is a federation of more than 149 recognized national Scout organizations. It is
composed of three parts:
The Boy Scouts of America is represented in world contacts and
developments by the international commissioner. The international
efforts of the BSA are supported by the International Committee, one of
the operating committees of the National Executive Board, and the staff
of the International Division at the national office.
The World Scout Conference (http://www.scout.org/en/information_events/events/world_events/world_conference)
is the general assembly of Scouting and is composed of six delegates from each of
the 145 member Scout associations. The basis for recognition and membership in the
WSC includes adherence to the aims and principles of world Scouting and independence
from political involvement on the part of each member association. The Boy Scouts
of America is a charter member and active participant. The conference meets every
three years. The BSA has hosted it twice.
The World Scout Committee
(http://www.scout.org/en/our_organisation/governance/world_committee) is the executive body of the
conference that represents the conference between regular meetings of the full
conference. There are 12 members of the committee, elected without regard to
nationality for a six-year term.
The World Scout Bureau (http://www.scout.org) is
the secretariat that carries out the instructions of the World Scout Conference
and the World Scout Committee. The World Scout Bureau office is in Geneva,
Switzerland, with regional offices in six areas around the world: Africa Region
(Nairobi, Kenya), Arab Region (Cairo, Egypt), Asia-Pacific Region (Manila,
Philippines), European Region (Geneva, Switzerland), Inter-American Region
(Santiago, Chile), and Eurasia Region (Yalta-Gurzuj, Ukraine). The small bureau
staff helps associations improve and broaden their Scouting by training
professionals and volunteers, establishing sound financial policies and
money-raising techniques, improving community facilities and procedures, and
assisting in marshaling the national resources of each country behind Scouting.
The staff also helps arrange global events such as world jamborees, encourages
regional events, and acts as a liaison between the Scouting movement and other
international organizations. A major effort in the emerging nations is the
extension of the universal Good Turn into an organizationwide effort for
community development.