Once you have a project in mind, discuss it with other members of your team and decide who should take part. Would it be best to involve the whole group or perhaps just the Troop and the District Explorer Scout Unit should undertake it? It is important to ensure that the project is achievable and that it will fit into the Programme of all the Sections involved. The project should last between 3-6 months and while you will be doing other things during this period, do ensure that all involved have some regular programme time associated with the project.

Someone will need to take a lead, possibly, but not necessarily, the Group Scout Leader and they need to ensure that a plan is in place to achieve the Award, and that all the Leaders involved are signed-up to it.

Step 1: Gain commitment from all to tackling the IFGA:

• Make contact with the other Sections who could take part. These relationships are very important so get a good working relationship right from the start.

• Help the leadership team to discuss the many possible options (they may want some advice here and examples of the sort of programmes they might need to run.

Step 2: Gather information about possible projects

• From this site and the many links it provides (remember it will be updated as the year progresses)

• From newspapers, TV and radio

• From your AAC/ACC(International), other Scout organisations and development agencies (Be as specific as possible when asking for information from agencies.)

• From your place of worship or school

• From the experience of parents or Leaders, Explorer Scouts or Scout Network members.

• From ScoutBase: http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/inter/directory.htm

Step3: Select the project

• Help the leadership team to select a project, which reflects the interests of as many members as possible who will be taking part.

• If the project can also be related to the local community this will be a bonus.

• Set a time scale (between 3 - 6 months) and have a clear idea about what you want to achieve.

Step 4: Ensure that the project meets the aims of the IFGA

• Are there appropriate activities for each Section (there are additional programme ideas on many of the charity sites listed)

• Are there inter-Sectional activities? Whenever possible, bring the different Sections together.

• Is there a real contribution to a balanced programme?

• Is there a positive influence on everyone taking part?

• Will there be a long-term benefit for people living in another country?

Step 5: Produce a detailed plan of action

• This will identify the various steps in the project and will help to ensure that everybody has a role to play.

Step 6: Organise the activities

• The support of the District and/or the Area/County can be very valuable here. Don't be afraid to ask the ACC/AAC (International) for advice.

Step 7: Review progress

The leadership team should review progress regularly, so that

• Difficulties can be overcome

• They can learn from the experience and plan for the future

• They can modify the plans if necessary.

Step 8: Assess the project

• The assessment is the responsibility of the leadership team (with involvement from the young people)

• The District or Area/County may be invited to help in the assessment

• Try to continue any international links you have made. The spirit of the IFGA is to encourage longer-term contact and support.

Step 9: Present the project to others

Look for opportunities to present the project to others in a high quality way, involving young people fully. Opportunities include:

• A visit by the District or County/Area Commissioner and members of the Team

• The annual general meeting

• A District event.

Step 10: Receive the IFGA

Once the IFGA project (steps 1 to 9) is complete all who have taken part should receive and wear the badge.

To support "Get Global", the Scout Association has revised the Factsheet on the International Friendship Group Award (FS260068). This can be ordered through the Information Centre or downloaded.