In a recent interview, Chief Scout Dwayne Fields highlighted the pressing need for organizations and individuals in the UK to promote volunteering. During his conversation on the BBC’s Today program, Fields advocated for increased work flexibility that would allow employees to allocate time for volunteer work. He proposed a policy where every worker would receive up to 35 hours of leave annually, specifically for volunteering, which could be taken in portions (hours instead of full days). This provision is designed to not only facilitate personal fulfillment through charitable acts but also serve the greater interests of communities and businesses alike.
Fields emphasized the profound impact volunteering can have on personal well-being. “People who volunteer tend to be happier; those who are happy typically work more productively,” he stated. His argument appears to hinge on a symbiotic relationship whereby the satisfaction derived from giving back to society ultimately benefits employers through increased employee morale and productivity. Dwayne Fields, at 41 years of age, has been the Chief Scout since September and represents the scouting organization’s public ethos. He has been engaging the public through various media channels, such as his role as a guest editor for the Today program, where he shares insights on empowerment, self-worth, and the value of community involvement.
In his conversation, Fields recalled pivotal experiences in his life that shaped his values and beliefs regarding freedom and confidence. He reflected on an encounter from his youth in East London when he faced a life-threatening situation involving a gun. At the age of 21, he tried to reclaim his stolen moped from thieves, which led one of them to fire a weapon at him. Miraculously, the gun misfired. Dwayne characterized this moment as a transformative juncture, appreciating how the principles he absorbed through scouting helped him resist the urge for revenge, reflecting a matured understanding of life’s complexities.
Dwayne’s narrative does not stop at his personal reflections; it extends to his vision for young Scouts today. He often draws upon his own early experiences in Scouts after relocating from Jamaica. Although faced with hardships alongside his brother, such as the lack of basic necessities, he valued the freedom to explore and learn in nature, guided by loving individuals in his life. This foundational experience ignited his desire to instill similar values of kindness, compassion, and adventure in today’s youth participants.
A recent visit to Peterborough revealed the tangible outcomes of volunteer efforts. Dwayne met with volunteers at the Hussain Soup Kitchen, who were dedicated to providing meals and support to the city’s homeless community. He observed the impact of their efforts firsthand; individuals expressed immense gratitude for receiving warm meals, some revealing it had been their first hot meal in days. These interactions reinforce Fields’ belief that volunteering is vital to nurturing kindness and compassion in society.
Moreover, as Fields engaged with the broader essence of homelessness, he addressed his own experiences of having faced severe challenges. His candid stories of personal adversity, including a period of sleeping rough, underscore the vital need for empathy and support for those in precarious situations. His interactions with people like Peter—a man he met at the Light Project who recounted recent struggles with mental health and homelessness—enlightened Fields on how community support can ultimately save lives.
In this context, volunteering emerges not merely as an altruistic choice but as a fundamental element of fostering social harmony. As he concluded, kindness is free, and through organizations like Scouts, individuals have the opportunity to make a significant difference in both their lives and the lives of others. Fields stands firm against criticisms that the organization is becoming overly progressive, asserting that Scouts continues to embody the spirit of inclusivity and community-building. “Scouting reflects society,” he maintains, emphasizing the organization’s goal to forge lasting friendships and connections regardless of one’s personal identifiers, ultimately promoting a shared journey of learning and adventure.
