Changing roles
I've had a really difficult decision to make recently.
After ten years as scout leader, and five as explorer scout leader, I'm moving on. It would have been easier to stay put. I was really enjoying being leader of both the troop and unit, with a great team of assistant leaders in both that I can call friends. I'd finally got things running really smoothly in scouts and found it easy.
After a little bit of coaxing from the district commissioner though, I gave some thought to what I was doing. How long would I stay on for? Another ten years in scouts, another 20 in explorers? What about the assistant leaders - where was their chance to develop and implement their ideas?
Also, what about a challenge for myself, and a chance to help support others in the District?
So, I've agreed to take on the role - subject to the area appointments advisory committee's decision - of deputy district commissioner for Wrexham. I'll be looking after the areas of programme and identity, two things that I'm really passionate about.
As I say, I've got two fantastic teams to hand over to, and some great people have stepped forward to take over a scout leader and explorer scout leader. I can't quite give up on leadership at the sharp end though, so will still be helping out with my old troop and my old unit.
People say that recruiting adults to volunteer with Scouting is difficult. Finding adults to volunteer to support other adults is even more challenging. For years the model was to 'promote' section leaders to district roles (of course it's not promotion at all, just moving to another role - there's no role more important than that of section leader) but this isn't always the answer.
The skills needed to run programmes for young people are different to those needed to support other adults. Some people can do both, some can't. So we need to look at where we can recruit adults in support roles.
I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead though, and excited to see how those who have taken over from me will make my old troop and unit even better.
If you've been in the same role for a while - maybe a change is as good as a rest for you too?
Best wishes for the new appointment. Will you keep your AAC roles?
Keeping the AAC Communications, but not AAC International. A new person for this role will be announced shortly.
I've had a really difficult decision to make recently.
After ten years as scout leader, and five as explorer scout leader, I'm moving on. It would have been easier to stay put. I was really enjoying being leader of both the troop and unit, with a great team of assistant leaders in both that I can call friends. I'd finally got things running really smoothly in scouts and found it easy.
After a little bit of coaxing from the district commissioner though, I gave some thought to what I was doing. How long would I stay on for? Another ten years in scouts, another 20 in explorers? What about the assistant leaders - where was their chance to develop and implement their ideas?
Also, what about a challenge for myself, and a chance to help support others in the District?
So, I've agreed to take on the role - subject to the area appointments advisory committee's decision - of deputy district commissioner for Wrexham. I'll be looking after the areas of programme and identity, two things that I'm really passionate about.
As I say, I've got two fantastic teams to hand over to, and some great people have stepped forward to take over a scout leader and explorer scout leader. I can't quite give up on leadership at the sharp end though, so will still be helping out with my old troop and my old unit.
People say that recruiting adults to volunteer with Scouting is difficult. Finding adults to volunteer to support other adults is even more challenging. For years the model was to 'promote' section leaders to district roles (of course it's not promotion at all, just moving to another role - there's no role more important than that of section leader) but this isn't always the answer.
The skills needed to run programmes for young people are different to those needed to support other adults. Some people can do both, some can't. So we need to look at where we can recruit adults in support roles.
I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead though, and excited to see how those who have taken over from me will make my old troop and unit even better.
If you've been in the same role for a while - maybe a change is as good as a rest for you too?
Best wishes for the new appointment. Will you keep your AAC roles?
Keeping the AAC Communications, but not AAC International. A new person for this role will be announced shortly.
Moz's Musings
Moz is Assistant Area Commissioner for Communications, Assistant Area Commissioner for International, and is also a Leader with 1st Rhosnesni Scouts and K2 Explorer Scout Unit. Look out for the bits in bold - they're links to resources and further information that readers may find useful.
Follow Moz on Twitter: @wxmmoz