1. Write for a global audience
World Scouting communicates with people across cultures, languages, and regions. To ensure we reach as many people as possible:
- Use clear, simple English
- Keep sentences and paragraphs short
- Avoid idioms, slang, and culturally specific references
- Avoid acronyms and abbreviations. Explain any - and relevant context - on first use
- Do not assume shared knowledge or knowledge of local systems
- Use British English
Ask yourself: Would this be clear to someone reading in a second or third language?
2. Put people first
Scouting is about people, not institutions.
- Lead with individuals, experiences, and impact
- Use organisations and structures as context, not the focus
- Highlight youth voices wherever possible
Prefer: Scouts shared their experiences at the event
Instead of: The organisation delivered participation outputs
3. Show values through actions
Readers can better understand World Scouting’s values when they see them in action rather than as abstract statements.
- Use real examples, actions, and outcomes to demonstrate values.
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Avoid listing values (e.g. peace, respect, inclusion) without showing how they appear in practice.
4. Keep the tone clear, calm, and respectful
The tone should be:
- Professional, but human
- Upbeat and positive, but not overly promotional
- Calm and measured, especially in sensitive situations
Avoid:
- Bureaucratic or institutional language
- Overly emotional or dramatic phrasing
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Advocacy language, unless explicitly required
5. Write for a digital medium
Most content is read online.
- Use clear, descriptive headlines
- Keep paragraphs to 2–3 sentences long
- Use lists sparingly to aid clarity
- Embed links naturally in text
Place the most important information at the beginning of the text so readers can quickly understand who is involved, what happened, where it took place, and, most importantly, why it matters.
6. Use inclusive and accessible language
Language should reflect our movement - inclusive, uniting, and respecting diversity.
- Use inclusive and accessible language that puts people first – not the label
- Use gender-neutral language
- Refer respectfully to faiths, cultures, abilities, and identities
- Avoid stereotypes or assumptions
- Be especially careful when writing about conflict, tragedy, or crisis
When in doubt, choose neutral, factual, and compassionate language.
7. Titles, honours, and formality
- Prefer roles and relevance over titles and honours
- Do not use courtesy titles (Mr, Ms)
- Use honorific titles (Sir, Dame) only when relevant
- Avoid post-nominals (MBE, PhD) unless central to the story
Consistency and clarity matter more than formality.
8. Responsibility and accuracy
All writers are responsible for:
- Accuracy of facts, names, and quotes
- Appropriate tone and sensitivity
- Alignment with World Scouting values
AI and writing tools may support drafting and editing, but editorial judgement remains human.
Note: Original article in Scout Support Centre
Note: Original article in Scout Support Centre