Howdy everybody! My identify is Mihajlo and for the previous six months as a part of my The subsequent billion in scholarshipsI labored to carry the advantages of Web3 to the World Scout Motion.
Rising up in Serbia within the 90s, I skilled firsthand the devastating results that wars and sanctions can have on younger folks. There weren’t many alternatives to seek out good function fashions or supportive friends. In such an atmosphere, it’s simple for younger folks to get caught up in gangs or felony actions. I’d say that due to the know-how and the scouting motion, I used to be in a position to keep away from taking a unsuitable flip.
In 1996, I searched “Boy Scouts” (Serbian ‘scout’) on Yahoo, and by accident got here throughout one of many first scouting teams on the earth that had its personal web site. One of many members had created the web site as a college venture earlier that yr. My journey began with discovering that web site. Quick ahead via 27 years of journey, studying, volunteering {and professional} involvement – and now I work for World Group of the Scout Motion (WOSM)a vibrant international neighborhood, representing greater than 57 million Scouts in over 170 nationwide Scouting organizations.
Decentralized motion
The Scouting motion is decentralized, with every department bringing its personal distinctive expertise and objectives to a grassroots neighborhood targeted on fostering an atmosphere of studying, private progress and mutual respect. Scouts observe a basic framework and guiding rules agreed upon by all members of the World Group, however have autonomy in how they implement initiatives and initiatives.
At Scouting, we consider that training is vital to creating the world a greater place to stay and that know-how is without doubt one of the strongest instruments for training. Since 1957, scouts around the globe have participated in “Jamboree on the air” – a gathering of scouts at a distance who work on the abilities of beginner radio work. Not too long ago, Scouts around the globe have joined “Jamboree on the Web” – the subsequent era of world scouting occasions enabled by know-how.
Whereas working with WOSM, I noticed the Boy Scout motion’s experiment with the early Web after which helped it transition to Internet 2.0. Immediately, Scouts have a full on-line presence and a platform that can be utilized worldwide to coordinate and contribute to international initiatives, monitor native chapters and talk with the worldwide motion. I am excited to say that now’s the time for Lady Scouts to improve to Internet 3.0!
My subsequent billion in scholarships
The primary a part of my work as a Subsequent Billion Fellow was to create instructional content material for Scouts on the fundamentals of Web3: we talked about what blockchain is, how it may be used, and the significance of encryption for on-line safety. I hosted two periods on the “Web Jamboree”, and as proof of participation within the occasion I inspired the members to forge the world’s first Boy Scout NFT badge utilizing POAP.
Digitizing Scout badges is a really clear use case for us, and we might be working to create new blockchain-based badges that Scouts around the globe can unlock and accumulate. However there may be far more potential for innovation within the Web3 world for the Scouting motion. New voting and governance mechanisms may permit Scouts around the globe to coordinate extra successfully on main initiatives. The World Scout Web3 Curriculum may assist tens of millions of younger folks discover ways to safely retailer and use digital belongings. The World Scout Pockets may information and reward Scouts on their studying journey and permit native chapters to create and export their very own challenges and badges to the worldwide neighborhood.
Scout passport
Whereas this journey started with an perception into the untapped potential of NFTs and digital badges, the world of Internet 3.0 is an enormous territory — and I needed to chart a path that strikes properly towards Scouting’s long-term objectives. Scout badges are indicators of private progress and achievement {that a} Scout carries with him. They assist help and outline a Scout’s identification, performing as ‘soul-bound tokens’ linked to an actual particular person’s journey via life and Scouting. Digital badges are an enormous a part of the image, however what we actually want is identification system which is suitable with digital badges, tokens and the rest Scouts might have sooner or later.
We are actually making ready to construct the primary foundational layer of the World Scouting Web3 imaginative and prescient: The Scouting Passport. As an identification system, the Scout Passport could be suitable with all types of Web3 methods and would permit the Scout motion to have an identification layer for badges, tokens, signatures, messages, and so forth. Particularly, a Web3-enabled Scout identification would allow stronger social restoration for Scouts, permitting us securely creating DAO scout teams, exploring new strategies of group funding and governance, and naturally unlocking the countless prospects of NFTs and digital badges or certificates. Above all, growing a devoted pockets module for Scouts will permit us to create person move and account safety particularly for younger folks, an necessary demographic that’s typically missed in client pockets software program.
Like all initiatives within the scouting motion, we’re working from the bottom up. The event of the Scout Passport may have a sustainable help system and neighborhood enter from the numerous Scouts already concerned in Web3. The Scouts pockets might be open supply, permitting anybody to contribute to and profit from the modules of our identification platform. We hope to have the World Scout Pockets MVP prepared in time for World Scout Jamboree happening in South Korea this Augustwhich can collect 45,000 scouts from everywhere in the world.
Going ahead
As I proceed on this thrilling journey, I’m working to implement the technical framework for a set of preliminary World Scout Schooling Initiatives and Scouts for Sustainable Growth Targets Badges based mostly on verified credentials which can then be saved in Scout’s pockets module. I feel know-how is a strong instrument for creating an empowered neighborhood, and with this framework we will start to construct a brighter future for Scouts around the globe.
I’m excited to share my progress and experiences with you and hope to encourage others to discover the potential of blockchain and Web3 know-how inside their communities. Let’s embark on this journey collectively and see the place it takes us!
In case you are fascinated about studying extra about my venture and staying updated with my progress, be happy to attach with me at Twitter or LinkedIn
World Group of the Scout Motion (WOSM) is a vibrant international neighborhood representing greater than 57 million Scouts in over 170 nationwide Scouting organizations. As one of many largest youth actions on the earth, WOSM performs a key function in shaping the lives of younger folks, fostering the values of management, neighborhood service and environmental safety.
Observe from the Subsequent Billion workforce: As of at present, functions are actually open Closed for cohort #3 of the Subsequent Billion scholarship. We wish to thank everybody who utilized and can notify all candidates of the choice within the coming weeks.