Scouts Queensland Fact Sheet 18 – Addressing Terrorism Following the tragedy of the March 2019 shooting attacks at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, Scouts New Zealand developed the attached document “Addressing Terrorism – a Toolkit for Leaders”. Scouts Australia has provided material for inclusion in this document. The document is intended to assist with a response to a critical incident rather than preparation for a critical incident. It is a well-researched and constructed document that we think should be available, known about and discoverable within the Scouts Queensland library of resources. We do not anticipate taking this document any further than awareness of its existence. Daryl Scott Chief Commissioner August 2019 Addressing Terrorism A Toolkit for Leaders March 2019 SCOUTS New Zealand 1 Kaiwharawhara Rd PO Box 11348 Wellington 6142 WWW.SCOUTS.ORG.NZ Publication Number: 2019-0316 Introduction This toolkit and programme material has been devised to help Leaders in SCOUTS New Zealand who are facing the need to help young people address the impact of terrorism. We recognise that war and terrorism take many forms and these impact on many other countries and communities around the world. The background information is intended to: ● Prepare our adult volunteers by providing resources around educating and creating a culture of peace that celebrates diversity and inclusion. ● Align SCOUTS New Zealand with the Global SCOUT Movement’s approach to Peace Education. These programme ideas are intended to help young people: ● understand some of the impacts of terrorism and war on themselves, on other young people, and on their families. ● take part in practical activities which help young people feel a sense of safety and empowerment. Our purpose is to empower young people through adventurous experiences to become engaged global citizens who create a better world. This purpose is enshrined in our promise, where young people commit to “contribute to my community, country and world.” We do this using the SCOUT Method and SCOUT Values. We do ​this by ​ remembering NZ is a changing country. We do this by celebrating, embracing and respecting the changing cultural diversity and differences in our communities. We do this by building our curiosity, and improving our ability to include all in our community. We build our young people’s ability to thrive in multicultural New Zealand by working through a three-step process that involves: 1. Raising awareness ● using suitable activities to make the necessary points ● explaining the context to the young people Publication Title Issue Date Version Page 2019-0316 Addressing Terrorism: A Toolkit for Leaders March 2019 1.00 1 of 18 Addressing Terrorism A Toolkit for Leaders 2. Accepting responsibility for a better future ● discussion and debate 3. Taking action to make it happen ● personal commitment ● reviewing at intervals to consider further action Considerations Some young people will have been exposed to images in the media which are deeply upsetting, the consequences of which are uncertain. Further, social media like Facebook and Youtube can be conduits of mis-information that can actively confuse the facts for young people, or provide access to distressing information and livestreams. It may be that there are members of the Scout Group who have lost loved ones or who are otherwise closely involved in the tragedy. We should be especially careful here. For example: ● be careful not to condemn all those of particular race, cultural or religious background ● arrangements could be made to express sympathy to those families known to us and directly affected by the incident ● Scouts can be encouraged to send cards and letters to appropriate groups ● your Group could be represented at observances (memorial services, for example), if welcomed by the family or community ● for the future, anniversaries are key times and should be planned for and handled with sensitivity. The impact of wars and terrorist incidents on the general public are immense, even without direct involvement. Dealing with it at Scout meetings may be difficult. It is important to: ● acknowledge the emotional state of adults and young people and the effect it may have on home and social life for families and individuals. ● allow individuals time and space when needed. ● remember that some Leaders may not wish or feel able to be directly involved in these activities or discussions. ● take care that the burden of support does not fall disproportionately onto a small number of adults (for example you might canvass parents to see who has training in education, psychology, or social work). ● recognise that the incident may act as a trigger to people (especially young people) who are emotionally vulnerable, with resulting difficulties in behaviour and relationships. Publication Title Issue Date Version Page 2019-0316 Addressing Terrorism: A Toolkit for Leaders March 2019 1.00 2 of 18 Addressing Terrorism A Toolkit for Leaders How to use this material Programme ideas for different age ranges are provided, so that you can incorporate them into the meeting in a way you find comfortable. At some stage, after an appropriate activity, we suggest that you explain to the young people that we are thinking especially about war and terrorism: the hatred, and its effects, and about the need for justice, peace and reconciliation - for a better future. You will know best how to express this with them, depending on their ages. After an activity, try to generate a discussion (again, in a way which is suitable for the ages of the participants), with a view to encouraging them to think about what they can do to help. Be careful to say that Scouting is not a political organisation and that we must not be seen to be indulging in propaganda. The three quotations at the end of this pack (see pages 17 -18) are an illustration of the approach to peace education of the Scouting Movement worldwide and will help here. Our purpose is not to have an ideological debate, but to help young people to express their feelings and to open their minds to the realities of conflict. We need to challenge short-term thinking, hate and prejudice as well as to show solidarity with people around New Zealand and the world – who are the victims of war and terrorism. Useful Resources We want to draw your attention to several resources that you might find helpful in both preparing for the weekly programme, and addressing specific issues related to helping young people make sense of the events in Christchurch: Advice if you are upset by the news (BBC) This BBC resource, aimed at young people, is short, sharp and to the point. Its key message is talk about your feelings with an adult. It is animated so is particularly youth-friendly. Video. Running time is 45 seconds. How should I talk with my children Dr. Sarb Johal provides advice to parents on how to address the mass shooting in Canterbury. Dr. Johal is a clinical psychologist with more than 16 years experience, of which 13 years have been in New Zealand. The video is straightforward and practical. Video + Transcript. Running time is 7:54 minutes. How to support New Zealand’s Muslim Communities The Spinoff has published a very good article on how best to support New Zealand’s Muslim Communities and includes information on donations and Publication Title Issue Date Version Page 2019-0316 Addressing Terrorism: A Toolkit for Leaders March 2019 1.00 3 of 18 Addressing Terrorism A Toolkit for Leaders appeal pages, community vigils, and other ways to actively and productively support the Muslim community in New Zealand. About 500 Words. Give Nothing to Racism / Human Rights Commission Campaign Developed by the Human Rights Commission, this campaign features prominent New Zealanders calling out racism. The focus of the campaign is calling out small, everyday acts of racism that are damaging to New Zealand’s civic society. The website contains a poignant video challenge from Taika Waititi that is age appropriate for older Scouts, Venturers, and Rovers. How to talk to children about terrorism Published by The Conversation, this easy to read essay is full of practical advice for parents. Written by two lecturers in psychology, the authors boil down research into practical advice. The primary audience is adults. About 500 words. The document contains a very helpful link to a more structured guide focusing on the different development ages of young people. The ​ supplemental resource is available here. Them and Us: A Toolkit on Diversity in Scouting Developed by the Swedish Guide and Scout Council, this comprehensive document provides background and practical exercises on how to support diversity at a Group level, complete with programme ideas. This is possibly the best resource on diversity published across the worldwide Scouting Movement. PDF. 98 Pages. The English translation was published in 2007. SCOUTS Australia Leaders Support Guide: Managing Traumatic & Critical Incidents The Leader Support Guide is designed to provide guidance on how manage responses to traumatic and critical incidents, including providing guidance on identifying and managing the reactions to grief and loss. PDF. Six Pages. Updated in 2011. Australian Psychological Association Responding to Community Violence Guides Aimed at youth workers, educators, social workers, and parents interested in a more technical nature, these guides are robust and helpful. The guides cover the range of emotions that will likely unfold over the next several months: Coping following community violence This tip sheet is designed to help individuals to cope with distressing feelings following community violence, and to find ways of responding constructively to these events. PDF. Two pages. Guidelines for organisations for providing psychosocial support Publication Title Issue Date Version Page 2019-0316 Addressing Terrorism: A Toolkit for Leaders March 2019 1.00 4 of 18 Addressing Terrorism A Toolkit for Leaders following community violence These guidelines provide suggestions about responses that might be helpful for reducing distress, promoting recovery and coping in the days, weeks and months following an event involving community violence.