The Academy 2020

We are looking for you! Get ready to live an amazing experience with almost 200 participants from all over Europe.

What do you need to be a support content volunteer?

• Be volunteer of a Member Organisation of WAGGGS
• Have IC approval
• Have previous experience(s) with Academy or with similar training
• Be able to communicate effectively in English
• Have previous experience with organising training activities
• Represent and appreciate the diversity of the Europe Region WAGGGS
• Be able to think strategically
• Be committed to accomplish the tasks agreed with the rest of the Support Team (a sample of tasks is listed below)
• Be available for online contacts and agreed internet meetings
• If possible and strongly encouraged to be present at the first preparatory meeting. The meeting will take place 5th to 7th June
• Being present at the event itself that will be held in Lithuania 4-8 of November

Event description

In one sentence: the Academy is a networking and training event for Guides and Scouts in decision making positions in their Association.

In more sentences: The Academy concept dates back to the Plato’s school of philosophy in the 4th century B.C. and it was based on the idea of an institution for higher learning, research. To fill its mission, this event is meant to provide an integrated solution to training and sharing experiences in many aspects of Guiding and Scouting through a holistic approach to development, concentrating on key aspects of the regional plans/strategies of both WAGGGGS and WOSM European regions.

The Academy is a structured event responding to a set of common topics and guidelines that mostly represent the work of the regions and is supported by the working principles and methods usually used in Guiding and Scouting. In this way it reflects both WAGGGS European Strategic Plan and WOSM Scout Plan and also the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations on a European level. It also highlights the most relevant initiatives, projects, and networks developed by European MO’s and NSOs . This means that the Academy is also the place for WAGGGS and WOSM to present to a wider audience the best practices and tools developed by Mo’s and NSOs during the previous years. This year’s Academy will take place in Vilnius, Lithuania 4th November – 8th of November 2020.

The Support Team of the event will consist of members, representing different WAGGGS Europe Region Member Organisations and WOSM European Region National Scout Organisations, gender, age, origin, experience and competences. The team includes a Coordinator of the event, staff members, Content Managers representing WAGGGS and WOSM respectively, and other volunteers working on different aspects of the event as programme, logistics, communications etc. The Support Team will have regular internet conference calls that will be based on the process of preparation of the Academy. In order for a more efficient preparation of the Academy the Support Team will have a preparatory meeting of 1.5 days (not including travel time).

Role of the Content Manager The WAGGGS Content Manager will represent the Europe Region WAGGGS and support the Programme coordinator in the preparation, delivery and reporting phases of The Academy 2020, and not their national organization, even though we encourage you to bring your specific knowledge and expertise gained nationally. Therefore the Support Team members will inform themselves and act accordingly with WAGGGS policies and strategy and respect the confidentiality where required, in their work with WAGGGS.

General tasks of the Content Manager

• Ensure that the overall shape of the event reflects the general and wider objectives of the event and WAGGGS values, principles and strategy
• Input and agree on the general schedule for the preparation of the event, implementation and follow-up
• Support in selection of session proposals based on WAGGGS European Strategic Plan and WOSM Scout Plan
• Support the development of the programme of the event, define and brief facilitators needed to lead sessions and support content coordination preparations for the programme
• Work in close collaboration with and support the work of the Programme coordinator
• Engage in timely communication with the Programme Coordinator
• Support the facilitators of the event in the development of their sessions, ensuring that they are relevant to WAGGGS priorities
• Input on the development of the sessions of the event ensuring that the sessions respond to the needs of MOs and NSOs as addressed in previous events and consultations
• Conduct and document efficient evaluation of the event, allowing Europe Region WAGGGS to report on objectives and progress towards outcomes
• Attend and report on specific sessions, as agreed in advance with the team
• Work in close collaboration with WOSM and the host team
• To act as Ambassadors for Europe Region WAGGGS at all times, ensuring key agreed messages are delivered.

Expected Commitment

The Support Team is expected to co-operate mainly through long-distance communication tools (e-mail, Skype, zoom, phone) during the following months, including follow-up stage of the event. The team will work according to a working schedule agreed upon within the team members. It is to be noted that being a part of the team requires a considerable time commitment (please see above for the specific dates that presence is expected).

What we offer

• A learning experience in a motivated and dynamic environment
• Collaboration with other volunteers and experts in a multicultural environment
• New contacts with dynamic and excited volunteers from MOs and NSOs all around Europe
• A unique opportunity to learn more about WAGGGS and WOSM and the opportunities offered through an international event
• A reference outlining contribution made, achievements and any skills developed through WAGGGS if needed
• Travel and accommodation costs to attend both the planning team meeting and the event in Slovenia
• …and yes, also a lot of fun!

Practical information

All justified costs – in line with WAGGGS Volunteers Travel Policy – related to the preparatory teamwork and their participation in the event will be covered from the project budget.

You can apply by sending a short statement of interest and previous experience (confirming the availability to attend all meetings) and suitability to eirini.kappou@wagggs.org by 20 March. If you have any doubts, questions or need encouragement, please do not hesitate to contact the Europe Office at Eirini.kappou@wagggs.org or at phone number +32 (0) 028932429