by Nathisvaran ‘Coyote’ Govender

Dialogue in the 21st Century is different from dialogue in previous eras. However, one fundamental principle exists: dialogue is key to honest and positive conflict resolution, when practised productively and adequately. As we face the reality of crystalizing and entrenched positions within our contemporary society, it is now more than ever important to not just have dialogue but to facilitate dialogue in a way conducive to the progression of a fundamentally fair and just society. As the Brazilian pedagogical thinker Paulo Freire states in Pedagogy of the Oppressed, “Leaders who do not act dialogically, but insist on imposing their decisions, do not organize the people--they manipulate them. They do not liberate, nor are they liberated: they oppress.”.

The worldwide Scout Movement empowers the youth within society and a group of highly motivated volunteers to do better, ‘to do their best’, ‘to do their duty to God, and Country’. This force for good is a potential catalyst for immense social change when given the tools. Together with social and global partners such as the United Nations and KAICIID and with programs like Dialogue for Peace, Scouting can equip the youth, from a young age, to be agents of change and thus, ‘Creating a Better World’.

This Dialogue for Peace training has opened my eyes to the wonders and true capability of productive dialogue and hammered home the need for discourse and accord when faced with conflict and discord. By giving the leaders of tomorrow the proper training and experience in the facilitation of authentic dialogue, we can create a dialogical society that dismantles stereotypes, shatters misperceptions, stretches our comfort zones and bridges gaps over social, cultural, generational, racial and religious indifference. The youth are fired up, ready to tackle awkward situations head-on and step up to take up the mantle of leader, peacemaker, liberator and agents of positive social change. I take up the mantle, and in doing so, accept the responsibility that accompanies it.

Until it is my time to pass the mantle onto the next generation of young leaders, I will passionately do my best and do my duty, understanding that dialogue is indeed at the heart of the social change we need to create a better world. In this way, I live my Promise and Law and do as BP says, to “Try and leave this world a little better than you found it”.