Easy to come along

Keep these points in mind so that participants know your event is free of bullying and that everyone can feel like they belong.

• Actively foster an atmosphere where everyone can be themselves and feel accepted. Ensure that the event is free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination, and communicate this to participants. Example: The principles of a safer space and the criteria for the “Easy to Join” label are accepted upon registration or at the start of the event.
• We actively create opportunities for participants to make friends and feel like they belong.
• Event procedures are explained carefully and clearly enough that even first-time attendees can participate alongside others.
• The event has a designated person whom attendees can approach for help, to share their concerns, and who handles follow-up on incidents such as bullying or harassment. For example, the event director or a designated adult
• Attention is paid to learning to recognize and avoid exoticization and objectification, microaggressions, and other othering—often subtle—gestures, practices, reactions, and ways of speaking. Example: Even a well-meaning compliment about someone’s uniqueness (e.g., clothing, appearance, language skills) can be exclusionary and alienating.

Keep the following points in mind so that participants know that their ability to participate in your event is not limited by their language skills.

• Use clear language at the event, in advance communications, and in materials.
• Avoid using Scouting slang at the event. If Scouting terms and local Scouting slang are used, the meanings of the words are explained to all participants.
• The event can be attended in multiple languages. For example, the event program is in Finnish, but participants can also join the conversation in Swedish or English. If needed, you can use tools such as phone translation apps, a Scouting glossary, and the visual communication cards from the Kikkapakki training kit of the “Everyone Included” program.
• If signs, signs, and instructions are created, they should use pictures or symbols, especially to support those with low literacy or who do not speak Finnish.
• Participants may bring a sign language or other language interpreter with them. The assistant must usually register for the event.

Keep the following points in mind so that participants know they can find food that suits their needs at your event.

• Known allergies will be taken into account during food preparation, serving, and cleanup, as well as in activities involving food.
• Basic meals are usually served, prepared by volunteers.
• For longer events, the daily schedule is typically structured around five meals to ensure participants have enough energy for the day’s activities. Example: breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, and supper.
• Hygiene is ensured, the cold chain is maintained, and hot meals are served warm.
• Mealtimes are kept separate from other activities. No fuss is made about meals or diets.
• Events organized by the Finnish Scouts, the national scouting organization, serve only vegetarian food.

Keep these points in mind so that participants know they can attend your event regardless of their financial situation.

• The total cost to participants is reasonable. For example, when planning and organizing the event, choose cost-effective solutions that minimize fees for participants, and prioritize borrowing and reusing items.
• Information about fee waivers or scholarships is communicated openly to everyone, and the application process is as simple and clear as possible. Assistance with the application is available if needed. Those who have applied for a fee waiver generally do not need to pay the participation fee at the time of registration.
• Participants have the opportunity to receive assistance in borrowing the personal equipment needed for the event.
• For mandatory equipment purchases required of participants in connection with the event, detailed information is provided in advance regarding what is needed and where it can be obtained at a reasonable price.
• Participation by an assistant is free of charge; however, if the assistant’s participation incurs costs, a fee covering the actual expenses may be charged. The assistant must be registered for the event separately.

Keep the following points in mind so that participants know they can take part in your event regardless of any physical limitations.

• Participants can reach the event venue by public transportation, carpool, or shared transportation.
• Any mobility challenges, required equipment, the amount of movement involved, and the physical demands of the program and venue are clearly communicated before registration so that potential participants know whether the event is suitable for them.
• Stairs are equipped with handrails for support.
• The event area is accessible by wheelchair, electric scooter, rollator, or similar devices, and assistance with mobility is available if needed. If there are minor mobility obstacles at the venue, we will strive to assist with them.
• Electricity is available for charging electric wheelchairs, scooters, cars, or similar devices.
• Alternatives are available upon request for programs that require physical movement.

Keep the following points in mind so that participants know they can use the restroom and wash up at your event regardless of their gender or physical limitations.

• The event venue provides gender-neutral and gender-segregated restrooms and washing facilities as needed. For example, shower times are scheduled according to participants’ needs, and participants are given the option to shower alone.
• There is access to restrooms at the event.
• The event has accessible restrooms and washing facilities.
• Participants can change clothes and wash in privacy.
• Overnight events provide the opportunity to wash daily.
• The cleaning products provided by the event organizer are fragrance-free. Participants are asked not to use fragrances when washing. For example, using perfumes in restroom facilities can cause a reaction in people with scent sensitivities.

Keep the following points in mind so that participants know they will have opportunities for adequate rest during your event.

• The event includes time to take a break and rest. Example: During the event, there is an opportunity to retreat to a quiet, dark space to rest, for example, during a migraine attack, if your senses are overwhelmed, or if there is another essential need.
• There is quiet time at night during the event. Everyone (including those working night shifts at the event) has the opportunity to get sufficient sleep.
• Accommodation arrangements for the event and the equipment participants need are described in advance. Example: bunk bed, floor sleeping, tent, tent with a stove, sleeping bag, personal sheets and pillowcase.
• Upon agreement, participants may sleep alone, with others of the same gender, or with their own family.
• For longer events, it is possible to participate for only part of the time or, if agreed upon, not to stay overnight, for example, if the participant arranges their own transportation.
• Electricity is available for sleep apnea devices or similar equipment if needed.

Keep the following points in mind so that people who need medication can also participate in your event.

• The event has first aid supplies and a designated person who can provide first aid. Example: First Aid Level 1 training or equivalent skills.
• Participants can take their medication during the event in a calm and unhurried manner.
• If necessary, participants can store their medication in a cool place.
• Diversity is taken into account in first aid. For example, transparent bandages or bandages in darker skin tones are also provided.

Keep these points in mind to ensure that people with visual impairments or sensory sensitivities can participate in your event.

• Indoor spaces and walkways have adequate lighting, or additional lighting is available.
• Presentations use clear fonts and colors. Images and text in presentations are also described verbally when necessary.
• The event does not feature bright, flickering, or intensely glaring lights. For example, if the upcoming program includes dazzling lights, this is communicated well in advance, and attendees are advised to wear sunglasses.
• Guide dogs may be brought along if necessary.
• Alternatives are available upon request for programs that rely solely on visual elements.

Please keep the following points in mind to ensure that people with hearing impairments or sensory sensitivities can participate in your event.

• We aim to keep noise levels below 80 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to the sound of heavy traffic. If the volume is temporarily higher, this will be announced in advance, and participants will be offered earplugs or hearing protection.
• Event descriptions for seminars and other large meetings will indicate whether the venue has an induction loop—a wireless sound transmission system for hearing aid users that transmits speech or music directly to the hearing aid.
• For programs that rely solely on hearing, an alternative is available upon request.

Please keep the following in mind so that people with sensory impairments or hypersensitivity related to the sense of smell can participate in your event.

• Event participants have been asked to avoid using perfumes. For example, perfume, aftershave, scented detergents, or deodorant.
• Strongly scented foods should not be prepared in poorly ventilated areas.
• Common allergens should not be brought into the event venue’s indoor spaces. For example, animals, strongly scented or allergenic plants, scented detergents, or hand sanitizers.
• For programs based solely on scent, an alternative is available upon request.

Please note the following so that you can attend the event with young children.

• You can heat up your child’s food and feed them at the event.
• Hot water for washing is available at the event.
• For longer events, a separate room is reserved for childcare.

Please note the following so that participants know they can attend your event regardless of their beliefs.

• During the event, participants will have the opportunity to withdraw to a quiet space to practice their own religion.
• During the spiritual program, alternative non-religious activities will also be available.

Keep these points in mind so that participants know what kind of program is being offered and that it is suitable for them.

• A description of the event and its activities has been provided, explaining who the event and activities are suitable for. For example, age, language, and skill level.
• The event location and activities are described with the understanding that, for example, the forest or Scouting traditions may seem intimidating or confusing to participants when they encounter them for the first time.
• If the event involves materials that participants are expected to review, the materials are provided well in advance.
• An atmosphere is created at the event where it is easy to ask clarifying questions about the program and request additional information.
• Performers and speakers should, whenever possible, represent people of different genders and from diverse backgrounds.
• Unnecessary physical contact with others should be avoided. If the program involves physical contact with others, this should be communicated in advance.
• The program is gender-sensitive. Example: Assumed gender does not determine, for example, the programs or roles offered to participants. Participants’ cultural background preferences—such as separate swimming sessions for girls and boys—can be asked about at the time of registration.

Please keep the following points in mind to ensure that participants have the opportunity to share any special needs they may have regarding your event.

• In your marketing materials, clearly state that this is a Scouting event and include a link to additional information about Scouting.
• Clearly state what the event is about, who it is intended for, and whether it is open to everyone.
• Communicate accessibility information as part of your marketing before registration opens, so participants can assess for themselves whether they can attend.
• Marketing materials should note if any areas are difficult to navigate. For example, steep stairs, animals on the premises, or an event held in a tree.
• During registration, participants are asked about any special needs they may have.
• The registration information will list a person or entity with whom the registrant can discuss how to accommodate their special needs and agree on the necessary arrangements.

Keep these points in mind so that participants can enjoy your event’s social media, website, or app regardless of their specific needs.

• The service can be used with assistive technologies. For example, screen readers, screen magnifiers, and text-to-speech.
• The service allows users to perceive the content being presented. For example, videos include captions. Images have descriptive text. Elements are described, including whether a form field is required. Link text describes the link’s destination. Buttons are not indicated by color alone.
• You can navigate the service and find what you are looking for. For example, the focus is visible at all times. The service can be used with a keyboard. The layout is logical.
• The service’s content is understandable. For example, the language is clear and the text is easy to scan. The service is easy to use and pleasant to interact with.
• The service is reliable. For example, it works on different devices, operating systems, and screen sizes.