WOSM Membership Report 2021
This is the second comprehensive WOSM Membership Report. Continuing with the standard set by the first report published in 2017, it provides to NSOs an insight into WOSM’s membership data and trends. All findings are based on data received from individual NSOs and the WOSM census figures.
The following web pages provide an overview, analysis, and summary of the 2019 census data for WOSM. They first provide an overall picture, then focus on the Youth Members and Adults in Scouting before looking at the global trends of WOSM’s membership.
COVID-19 Impact: It is important to note that this report reflects the WOSM membership status and trends before the COVID-19 pandemic. The report is based on official census declarations from NSOs and additional data gathering by the World Scout Bureau, starting from 2005 to 2019. WOSM is aware that the global pandemic and resulting environment has challenged and significantly affected membership retention and growth across our NSOs. The full impact of the pandemic will only be visible in the next membership report in 2024, as well as in the annually published census data on scout.org. Further insights on the immediate impact of the global pandemic on NSOs can be found through this summary of the COVID-19 NSO survey of October 2020.
World Scouting Overview
Through the interactive map below you can explore the membership situation of all NSOs, including growth, market share, and a breakdown of membership data. The map will show values in 3 categories based on your selection in the drop-down menu or by hovering over the territory on the map. If you select a single territory either in the drop-down or on the map it will show you the full NSO profile at the bottom.
Through this interactive Membership Report, WOSM aims to provide an accurate picture of its membership situation as reported in the 2019 census data, as well as identifying and exploring key trends for the period 2005 to 2019.
The motivation for this is twofold. Firstly, it is hoped that this Membership Report will draw attention to the value of having accurate census data which can be used to better inform key decision-makers, both at NSO and WOSM levels.
Secondly, the Membership Report provides comparable and historical data on our rates of membership growth, highlighting our strengths and weaknesses, and outlining what growth is required to ensure WOSM requires to move from where it is today to where it needs to be in order to achieve Vision 2023.
In order for us to continue to achieve real, sustainable growth, it is important to understand the needs of NSOs with regard to their membership, but also to have an accurate picture of what Scouting looks like around the world and in each of the six Scout Regions. This will provide a strong foundation for discussions at the World Scout Conference, as well as a basis for further planning and development.