by Equity, Diversity and Inclusion National Team
Fair Chances for Every Scout
Equality is giving everyone the same. Equity is giving everyone what they need.
Equality treats everyone the same.
Equity gives each Scout what they need to succeed.
🌟 In our Troop, we practice equity, so every Scout can blaze their own trail! 🌟
The Perfect-Fit Hike
In the Gear Shed before Saturday’s hike, Margaret, their Quartermaster, lined up three identical pairs of brand-new hiking boots.
“Everyone gets the same!” she announced. “That’s equality.”
Aoife’s toes rattled like marbles inside her boots. Ben’s fit nicely. Chidi squeezed and winced — his heels hung over the edge!
On the forest trail, Aoife kept tripping, Ben strode ahead, and Chidi limped in pain. The adventure wasn’t fun at all.
Margaret halted the troop. “Time-out. We tried equality, but it isn’t working. Let’s try equity.” She opened another box filled with different-sized boots.
Aoife slipped into small boots that hugged her feet like cosy socks. Ben kept his pair. Chidi laced up sturdy size-nines with room to wiggle his toes. All three Scouts beamed.
Back on the trail, they marched side by side — Aoife could sprint, Ben could explore, Chidi could navigate. They joked, shared trail mix, and reached the lookout together just in time for sunset.
“Now,” said Margaret, “how did equity change our hike?”
“We all finished,” Aoife grinned.
“And we finished together,” added Chidi.
“That,” Margaret smiled, “is why Scouts give each person what they need to succeed.”
Equality means same boots.
Equity means boots that fit.
Fairness isn’t sameness—it’s supporting every Scout’s best adventure.
📧 Equity@scouts.ie
