Welcoming New Families: Helping Them Feel Like They Belong

Getting a family to join Scouting is only the beginning. Helping them feel welcomed, connected and confident that they belong is what helps turn a new member into a Scouting family.

Unit leaders, commissioners and membership volunteers are invited to join a special national webinar focused on Welcoming and Belonging for New Families on Tuesday, September 29.

Two live sessions are available:

6:00 p.m. Eastern / 5:00 p.m. Central
Register for the 6:00 p.m. Eastern session

8:00 p.m. Eastern / 7:00 p.m. Central
Register for the 8:00 p.m. Eastern session

Why Welcoming Matters

A new family may be excited to join, but they are also stepping into a world that can be unfamiliar. New terminology, traditions, uniforms, advancement, activities and even knowing who to ask for help can feel overwhelming.

A strong welcome can make all the difference.

This practical conversation will explore real-world approaches units can use to help new families feel included, build connections and become engaged in their Scouting experience.

Participants will learn about:

• Practical approaches to welcoming new Scouts and families
• Ways to help families develop a sense of belonging within the unit
• Strategies that can support engagement and retention
• New resources for unit leaders, volunteers, commissioners and membership volunteers

The webinar will feature National Commissioner Devang Desai, experienced volunteers, the National Commissioner Service Team and the National Membership Engagement Committee.

Recruitment Gets Them in the Door. Belonging Helps Them Stay.

Every interaction with a new family helps shape their Scouting experience. A personal welcome, an invitation to the next activity, an introduction to another parent or simply making sure they know what happens next can help a family move from “we just joined” to “this is our Scouting community.”

Whether you work directly with new families or support the volunteers who do, this session offers ideas and resources you can put to work in your unit.

Both sessions are open to everyone. Choose the time that works best for you and register today.

Questions about the webinar may be sent to NTLMembershipEngagement@scouting.org.