Candidates and Elections

The Interamerican Scout Committee is the governing body of the Interamerican Scout Region and plays a fundamental role in the governance of the Scout Movement. Its members, elected at the 29th Interamerican Scout Conference for the 2025–2028 term, are volunteers who take on a crucial role in decision-making. These roles are essential to ensuring diverse and inclusive leadership, promoting youth participation, equitable geographical representation, and gender balance across our Region.
 
The nomination process for the Interamerican Scout Committee 2025–2028 is open until 23:59 Panama time (GMT-5) on 30 September 2025.
 
Below you will find all the necessary information regarding the nomination and election process, including:
  • Types of candidates
  • Resources for candidate preparation
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Nomination process and deadline

Types of candidates

Voting members

Each Member Organization may nominate one candidate. Up to eight (8) members will be elected for a three-year term (2025–2028).

Youth Advisors

Each Member Organization may nominate one candidate. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and not older than 26 (under 27) at the start of the Conference. Two (2) youth advisers will be elected to serve as non-voting members of the Committee.

Resources for candidate preparation

Invitation to nominate members for the Interamerican Scout Committee
Preparatory video session on being a member of the Interamerican Scout Committee
Checklist to nominate candidates to the Interamerican Scout Committee

Nomination process and deadlines

All nominations must be submitted through the official nomination form and include the following supporting documents as attachments:
All documents and information related to the process can be found in Circular 10.

Nominations must be submitted no later than 30 September 2025 at 23:59 (Panama time, GMT-5).

Frequently asked questions about the Interamerican Scout Committee and its members

The ISC is the governing body of the Interamerican Region. Its functions include promoting youth participation and institutional strengthening of Member Organisations; approving and overseeing the implementation of the Regional Triennial Plan; supervising the organisation of regional events; safeguarding the Region’s resources; and ensuring compliance with the Regional Constitution and regional and world resolutions. To learn more about its functions, refer to Article 12 of the Constitution of the Interamerican Scout Region. 

The ISC maintains direct and systematic communication with National Scout Organisations (NSOs) through various channels. Each ISC member acts as a specific point of contact with the leadership of NSOs, maintaining regular communication to review topics of particular interest to each national organisation.
 
Additionally, the ISC uses official communications such as the publication of its annual agreements, the distribution of summaries after each meeting via the Scout Pack, the issuance of special circulars (especially during Interamerican Scout Conference years), and active participation in regional events, ensuring that all NSOs are informed and can maintain ongoing dialogue with regional leadership.

El Comité Scout The ISC is composed of volunteers who form the region’s governing body, responsible for providing strategic guidance, direction and oversight. The World Scout Bureau Interamerica Support Centre, also known as the Regional Office, comprises professional staff whose role is to implement actions and provide direct support to Member Organisations.

Official meetings are typically held quarterly, but active members contribute continuously through subcommittees or strategic oversight of working groups, serving as liaisons for regional events and other initiatives.

Some meetings are held in person and others virtually, depending on the Committee’s needs. Dates are agreed upon in advance each year.

Operational organisation is the responsibility of the Regional Office together with the host country. The Committee is in charge of strategic oversight of the events, ensuring proper budget and risk management.

Decisions are made collectively or collaboratively, following agreed rules and frameworks. The Committee plays a strategic, management and governance role, focusing on strategic direction rather than operational programme implementation. It is important to note that profiles with executive leadership and governance experience are required.

Frequently asked questions about becoming a candidate

Any person nominated by a Member Organisation who does not hold positions in the governing or executive bodies of their organisation, nor paid roles within WOSM. They must safeguard the interests of the Scout Movement in the Region, not those of their own organisation. Any person over 18 years old who considers the suggested profile published in Annex 1 of Circular 10 and wishes to contribute their experience to the strategic leadership of the Region may be nominated.

The steps are outlined in Circular 10. In summary:
  • Be nominated by one Member Organisation and seconded by another.
  • Submit complete documentation before 30 September (form, video, photo, conflict of interest certification, among others).
  • You can review the nomination checklist and other resources here.

Adaptability, commitment, strategic planning, teamwork, financial management, interpersonal relationships, organisational awareness, and personal development. See Annex 1 of Circular 10 for the suggested profile.

In-person attendance is not mandatory for nomination or election, although it is recommended due to the value of the experience and the visibility it affords candidates.

No, you may speak only one of the languages, but knowing and using both is helpful as it facilitates communication among Committee members and with Member Organisations in the region.

In line with Resolution 05/2018, costs related to official meetings and Committee missions (flights, local transport, meals, visa, insurance) are covered. Activities outside the agenda may require a personal budget.

A person may be nominated by a Member Organisation even if they were born in another country, as long as they are an active member of that organisation.

All candidates must reserve 5–7 December 2025 to attend the in-person induction.

Once the nomination period ends, all nominees are verified to ensure they meet the established guidelines. After this verification, the conference document with the official list of candidates is published, and at that moment, they are formally recognised as candidates.

Frequently asked questions about Youth Advisers

A young person aged 18 and not older than 26 (under 27) at the start of the Regional Conference, nominated by a Member Organisation, who brings a youth perspective to the Committee’s decisions and discussions. They actively participate in all spaces, although without voting rights.

No. However, they are involved in all discussions, working groups and Committee processes, including the Steering Committee.

Yes, if you are between 18 and 26 years old (under 27). You may also apply as a voting member if you meet the requirements. Age does not limit your role.

For further assistance, please contact World Scouting – Interamerica Support Centre at: [email protected].