Shining lights – how Scouts is reaching out to new communities

What happens when you bring together people from across the community for a celebration of friendship, food and fireworks? An amazing opportunity to showcase the best of Scouts, attract new volunteers and reach out to new communities.

All the signs are good. It’s a sun-dappled Sunday night in Harrow (more like late summer than mid-autumn). Down a narrow, leafy lane, a large marquee emerges, suggesting a wedding has taken place – or perhaps is about to. In fact, this’ll be home to a hugely joyful Scout Diwali celebration, bringing together over 200 members of the local community.

The event is the brainchild of County Commissioner, Richard Williams, and his amazing team at Greater London Middlesex West, notably UK Commissioner for Perception (and local comms lead) Nisha Patel and Deputy County Commissioner, Sanjay Chandarana. Kris Murali, Director of Finance and Resources at UK Scouts, also provided vital encouragement and support along the way.

Wanting to reach out to different communities in the area, they struck on the idea of an evening of fun, food and fireworks, a combination anyone can enjoy. It’s an opportunity to show the best of what we offer in Scouts, and for people to meet and ask questions.

The spark of an idea

‘We had this idea at Basecamp22, the Scouts’ conference back in May,’ says Richard. ‘What if we created a big moment, inviting people from across the community? What if we invited 200 people and asked each one to suggest volunteering for Scouts to just one other person?'

'If we had just 20 people who step forward or recommend someone to volunteer, then it’ll be more than worth the effort. And if that happens, we can take our County membership from 8,500 to 10,000 members. It’s great for inclusion and growth.’

As the guests gather in a dazzling array of traditional costume, the atmosphere is buzzing, and it certainly looks like the plan is working. Chad, the County Chairman agrees: ‘This is exactly the right thing to do in a multicultural area like this. It’s important to try something different and create a bit of interest with the local community.

‘Because Diwali is celebrated by different faith communities – including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists – it’s the ideal opportunity to bring people together.’  

Sikhs celebrate Diwali on the same day as the Hindu community. They celebrate it as Liberation Day: ‘bandhi chor diwas.’ They dedicate this celebration to their Sixth Guru (Prophet) Guru Hargobind Ji who was released from captivity being held by Moghul Emperor Jahangir. On the day of Diwali Guru Hargobind Ji reached Harmander Sahib – The Golden Temple in Punjab India.

Drumming up support

The evening begins in raucous style with a hypnotic Dhol drumming display from Tanveer Singh Panesar (a Scout at 13th Southall) and Paramveer Singh Bansal, and some phenomenal Bhangra dancing from Baljinder Singh and Pardeep Kaur.

I learn from them that the dance originated in the fields of the Punjab where workers would dance to keep themselves entertained and their spirits up. Some of the moves mirror the flow of crops in the field for example, and I discover the secret of great Bhangra dancing is ‘all in the shoulders’.

No sooner have they finished that we’re treated to a play by 8th/19th Harrow Cubs. With a little help from their leader, June Harris, and Nisha, they tell the story of Diwali in an incredibly vivid way, complete with bow and arrows and cuddly toys.

Not only did they bring their own props, they also brought their own Asian clothing. It’s a beautiful and inclusive moment as the embrace the festival and story at such a young age.

It’s also a brilliant way of making the evening youth-led, showing the skills and confidence of these young people. They’re rewarded with special badges from CJ Ledger, Deputy UK Chief Commissioner. It’s followed by an informative talk on the origins and background behind the festival from Navtej Kaur Smith (Rani).

Over dinner, teams collaborated on beautiful Rangoli – artworks made up of colourful natural patterns, which are a significant part of Diwali. There was stiff competition between tables to create the best ones, but it inspired a spirit moment of togetherness as the guests worked on these. 

Reaching new communities

The local District Commissioner, Tyler (in a sensational teal kurta) looks on proudly. ‘This is a big area,’ he says, ‘and we need more leaders and more Scout groups to cater for the demand, at the same time offering Scouts to communities we’re not currently reaching.’

The County is clearly not short of talent. The next showcase is a duet of ‘Rather Be’ between the County’s Youth Commissioner, Claire Muxlow, and Viya Sajh. The two are best friends who’ve grown up together in Scouts since they were Beavers.

Together, they show once again the power of Scouts to inspire new skills and friendships. For Viya, ‘the best thing about Scouts is the people, who always help out when they’re needed. They’ve helped me gain skills for life, which got me my first job. Scouts is a brilliant thing to have on your CV.’  

One of the County’s shining lights

One of the highlights of the night is Richard’s interview with Rishi Varodaria, who’s presented with his Queen’s Scout Award certificate. Rishi is one of the County’s true shining lights – a young man who has come up through the movement and is now on the County Executive team.

Rishi says, ‘A night like this is a chance to bring lots of different people together to show people outside Scouts what a family we are. I’ve had so many opportunities, I wanted to give those opportunities to others. Recently, I was part of the team supporting the queue at our late HM The Queen’s Lying in State. It was so good for Scouts to be seen serving the community and serving the nation.’

‘For me, earning my Queen’s Scout Award was genuinely life changing. For my physical challenge, I got into kayaking, sailing and even power boating. I was then able to teach skills to younger Scouts, passing on what I’ve learned. In Scouts, you meet so many inspirational people along the path, and they stick with you.’  

Rishi also talks powerfully about the impact of Scouts on his family. ‘Scouts is not just good for young people. It helps parents too. My mum came to help out, and volunteering has given her so much confidence.’

Doing things differently

The celebrations and conversations continue over dinner, where old friendships are rekindled, and new friendships are made. Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Commissioner was the special guest speaker who thanked the team and guests for attending.

He also helped crystallise the theme of the day: ‘Our passion in Scouts is to be reflective of UK society. And to do that, yes, we try to do things differently. That’s because we want the best for all young people, and the best for society. We need to make sure young people get the future they deserve.’  

Lighting up the sky

The grand finale is a dazzling fireworks display, reminding us that Diwali is the festival of lights. As he watches on, Sanjay, who has done so much to make this event happen is in reflective mood.

Sanjay says, ‘I’m relaxed now it’s all going to plan. That happened half way through dinner! Obviously it’s the culmination of a lot of work, but actually there’s a simple principle behind reaching out to new people and communities.

'It’s mainly about picking up the phone and speaking to people. We knew Diwali was a great opportunity for a celebration and to bring people together in a spirit of friendship to show the difference Scouts can make.’