Unfortunately, again this month, I need to remind everyone that the two e-learning modules of Child Safe Scouting (BCORE CHILD) and WHS and Scouting (BCORE WHS) are obligatory for every member. All existing members were given until December 31, 2015, to undertake the task and all new members are given six (6) months from the date of sign up as this is included in the Basic Level Training for Leaders, it also gives Adult Helpers and other members six (6) months to complete the modules from commencement.
This has led to a large number of suspensions from Scouting and those people will now be terminated if the extended completion date has not been met. This is affecting our Groups and the young people are suffering in some cases through a member’s non-compliance. Please follow up with these people so our youth members are not affected.
For members who are suspended and then terminated through non-compliance the Association will forward a “no longer with organisation” notice to the Public Safety Business Agency, this means that Scouting’s link to the member’s Blue Card will be cancelled. If at any time the person wishes to return to Scouting they will first need to confirm their Blue Card, complete the two (2) modules and sign up as a member again. Please do not let this happen to those concerned in your Group, District or Region. This includes the Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman appointments.
EARN RESPECT DURING TIMES OF CONFLICT
We all know that people are different. In Scouting, more likely than not, you are going to be working with many different personality types.
It would be great if we could always work with people who our personalities blend well with but, as we have all experienced, this is not always the case.
If you are working with someone who is difficult for you to get along with you need to be very careful in how you handle the situation.
Before you make complaints about someone you need to examine yourself to make sure that it is not you that is causing the “rub” between the two of you. All too often when people have a member that is difficult to work with they start to complain to their team leader about them, hoping that they will resolve the problem for them.
If that doesn’t work then they start to complain to other members about them hoping to gain support, hoping possibly that the team leader would then do something. What we need to realise is, if we are complaining all of the time about a difficult member, then we may begin to look like the “difficult member” ourselves, like someone who is unable to get along with others and this could damage your Scouting role.
If you are having problems with difficult members and you have tried to work it out with them, and have examined yourself and you know it is not you, then go to your team leader and let them know of the situation. Tell them what you have done to try to resolve the problem and ask them for insight and help.
Do not go to them complaining. Ask for advice on how you might be able to handle the situation better. This is a more professional approach, one that your team members can respect you for. You are eliciting help with the situation, not complaining about it.
Scouting relationships are not always easy, but you don’t want to hurt your role by not being able to handle them professionally. Don’t allow a “people problem” to taint your reputation and potentially be the cause of others losing respect for you by the way you poorly handled the situation.
Others are looking at you and the way that you handle problems with others, gain their respect, don’t lose it.