JOTA-JOTI 2024

What makes a great JOTA/JOTI activity?

JOTA/JOTI is a fantastic community activity that allows Scouts all over the world to connect with each other and share their Scouting story. Some of the best JOTA/JOTI activities share some common experiences that help to get the most out of the weekend. Here are three engagement considerations to help get the most out of your JOTA station or JOTI base.

• Consider providing youth with direct hands-on-equipment opportunities to control radios or computers themselves.
• Clear instructions and diagrams prepared before the event specifically for your activity will help make this easier to achieve, especially if you cover all learning styles by providing written, verbal, and demonstrated instruction materials.
• Finally, enable and empower the youth experience – allow time for questions, exploration, and story-telling.

At the end of the day, JOTA/JOTI isn’t about the technology we use, but the people we meet virtually and share our Scouting journey with.

The Safe JOTA-JOTI Pledge: Staying Responsible and Kind Online

As a participant in JOTA-JOTI, I pledge to:

• Inform and involve an adult in my JOTA-JOTI experience.
• Behave as a good Scout, upholding my Scout Promise and Law.
• Report any hurtful or suspicious activity that I witness or experience to safejotajoti@scout.org.
• Be respectful and friendly to everyone I meet online.
• Keep my passwords and personal information secure and private.
• Never participate in or support speech that is hurtful, hateful, demeaning, or judgmental of others.
• Have fun and make new Scout friends!

By committing to this pledge, I help create a safe, positive, and welcoming environment for all participants.

Need Help? Here’s What to Do During JOTA-JOTI 2024!

If you encounter any situation during JOTA-JOTI that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, hurt, or threatened, it is important to speak up. Here are three ways to get help:

1. Tell a Trusted Adult: Share your concern with a trusted adult, such as a parent, guardian, or Scout Leader.
2. Ask for Support from a Listening Ear:
   A “Listening Ear” provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for Scouts to seek help for themselves or others. This support is available to all participants, regardless of age or role. You can request a Listening Ear by emailing safejotajoti@scout.org.
3. Report to the Safe From Harm Team:
   If you need to report an incident, email safejotajoti@scout.org with your name, the platform where the incident occurred, a description of what happened, the name of the account involved, and a screenshot of the incident. A moderator will respond within 30 minutes and can assist in English, French, or Spanish.