A Short History of Yugoslavia and Scouting in Yugoslavia
	The European Scout Office Reports on Yugoslavia’s Return to the World Organization of the Scout Movement
	World Scouting News announces the Yugoslav Scout Association becomes a Member of the World Organization
	Scouting in Yugoslavia: From the International Commissioner

A Short History of Yugoslavia and Scouting in Yugoslavia

Yugoslavia today includes the republics of Serbia and Montenegro.

1878–Serbia and Montenegro first gain independence at the Congress of Berlin.
1918–Joint Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes created at the end of the First World War.
1919–Scouting established.
1922–Yugoslavia a founding association of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.
1929–King Alexander of Serbia assumes sovereign powers and renames the state, Yugoslavia.
1941–The Germans launch a surprise attack on Yugoslavia in 1941. Rival resistance groups: Chetniks (Serb Royalists) and Partisans (communist, under Tito).
1945–Federal Republic of Yugoslavia established. Tito is Prime Minister.
1950–Scouting disbanded by the communist government. WOSM recognition withdrawn.
1992–European Community recognizes independence of Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
1995–Yugoslavia welcomed as the 137th member of the World Organization.

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The European Scout Office Reports on Yugoslavia’s Return to the World Organization of the Scout Movement

"The Yugoslav Scout Association became the 137th member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement on 1 September 1995. Originally one of the founding members of the World Organization, Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije remained active for a period in the former Federal Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia. Following the dissolution, in 1991, of the socialist state into a number of sovereign entities (including Croatia and Slovenia, where Scout Associations have also been recognized), Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije now operates in the sovereign State of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, comprising the republics of Serbia and Montenegro. Its membership presently stands at over 12,000. Because of the extreme complexity of the political situation and the intensive media coverage resulting therefrom, the World Scout Committee has been particularly careful in its consideration of the application of Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije for membership, and has worked closely with the association during the last two years."

"Despite ongoing conflicts in the area, the staff of the World Scout Bureau have undertaken a series of extended visits which confirmed that the association is doing excellent work under very difficult circumstances. In the context of the prevailing situation in the Balkan area, the association is very active in social work for all segments of the population, without distinction. It cooperates closely with the Red Cross in providing aid to refugees, opportunities for the disabled, help for orphans and general aid to areas in crisis. In the true spirit of Scouting, Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije provides a much needed model of tolerance and respect for differences – which can be the only basis for peace in this part of the world."

Reprinted from Eurofax 37, October 1995. Eurofax is the monthly newsletter of the European Region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). It is produced by the European Scout Office and is distributed by fax to all member associations in the European Scout Region and the Europe Region WAGGGS, and others.

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The Yugoslav Scout Association–Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije becomes a Member of the World Organization

"As of 1 September 1995, the Yugoslav Scout Association became the 137th member of WOSM. The association, Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije was one of the original founding members of the World Organization. It now operates in the sovereign State of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, comprising the republics of Serbia and Montenegro. It presently has 12,000 members. In the context of the prevailing situation in the Balkan area, the association is very active in social work for all segments of the population, without distinction. It cooperates closely with the Red Cross in providing aid to refugees, opportunities for the disabled, help for orphans and general aid to areas in crisis. In the true spirit of Scouting, Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije provides a much needed model of tolerance and respect for differences – which can only be the basis for peace in this part of the world. The Association has recently been featured in news stories about the work they are doing for the environment. They are active in a campaign to introduce new methods and materials of packaging, different schemes for garbage collection and recycling programmes."

From World Scouting News. Published by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM).

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Scouting in Yugoslavia

Brief Statistical Data on Yugoslavia

Population: approximately 10,500,000
Area: 102,173 square km
Gross National Income: 1390 USD per capita, according to the Federal Bureau of Statistics (survey from 1994)
Official Language: Serbian

Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije – Fact Sheet

The Yugoslav Scout Association is a voluntary, independent, nonpolitical and social organization of children, youth and adults. It provides its members a versatile development of their physical, intellectual and spiritual potentials. This organization is a demonstration of young people’s needs and a necessity of the community.

Scouting in Yugoslavia was founded in 1911. Yugoslavia was one of the 20 countries that founded WOSM in 1922 and the Yugoslav Scout Association was recognized again by WOSM on 1 September 1995.

Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije performs its activities throughout the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It includes the Scout Organization of Serbia and the Scout Organization of Montenegro. The Association has approximately 27,000 members in 207 Scout Groups and independent units.

The President of Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije is Mr. Vuko Darmanovic from Podgorica (elected in March 1995). He serves a four-year term. The Vice-President is Mr. Nikola Petrovic from Kraljevo.

A Brief History of Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije

The first Scout units in Yugoslavia were founded in 1911. The Association ceased its activities in 1941 when Yugoslavia was occupied by the Germans. It was re-established in 1950. After the disintegration of Yugoslavia, caused by the forces of secession, in 1991, the process of change began; it was brought to an end on the session of the Assembly held on 11 March 1995.

Membership

The Association welcomes everybody regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation. The membership of Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije includes Serbians, Montenegrians, Hungarians, Slovaks, Romanians, Albanians, Muslims and others – Christian Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims etc.

Age Sections

Every citizen of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia can become a member of the Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije if he or she accepts the Programme of the Association and acts in accordance with the Scout Laws and regulations of the Constitution of Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije and is active in his or her unit and in the Association.

According to their age the members are divided into the following categories:
– Cub Scouts (lower grades of primary school)
– Scouts and Guides (higher grades of primary school)
– Venture Scouts and Guides (secondary schools, up to the age of 20)
– Adults (older than 20)
Common term for all members is "izvidjac" (meaning "scout").

The Uniform

One of the most important symbols of Scouting is a uniform. It is worn on actions and events.

Our Scout uniform consists of a cap (dark-blue with the symbol of the Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije), shirt (violet for Cub Scouts, green for Scouts and Guides, khaki for Venture Scouts, dark blue for Sea Scouts and light blue for Air Scouts), dark blue trousers (shorts or regular; a skirt or trousers for Guides), a dark blue belt with the symbol of Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije on the buckle, neckerchief (in the color of the unit) and dark blue socks. In international events all Scouts are to wear a violet neckerchief with the edges colored like Yugoslav flag and Yugoslav coat of arms in the corner.

Scout Centers in Yugoslavia

The Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije does not own any Centers, as well as the Scout Organizations of Serbia and Montenegro. A number of Scout Groups have their own Centers including groups in Buljarice, Debelo Brdo, and Brezovica.

The Bulletin

Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije, the Scout Organizations of Serbia and Montenegro publish their official bulletins. They are published periodically, in accordance with real needs, i.e. a few numbers a year. They provide important messages, various information etc. The magazine for Scouts Javorov List (Maple Leaf) is soon to be published again.

Scouting Program and Activities

This year is the 85th anniversary of Scouting in our country. In 1911, the first Scout units were founded in Belgrade, Kragujevac, Vranje and Valjevo. A special gathering was held in Belgrade on 5 May. All other Scouting activities will commemorate the anniversary.

The Scout Organization of Montenegro celebrated its 40th anniversary on 3 May.

All Scout units will take part in in the following global events: Education for Peace, on 21 March, "One Race, Human Race"; an action devoted to refugees named "It is Easier with a Friend",16 June, International Refugee Day; World Campaign Clean up the World, 13 -15 September (the Association organized this activity in Yugoslavia in the last two years. In 1995 more than 250,000 Yugoslavs took part in it); JOTA (Jamboree on the Air); and anti-AIDS activities in December.

The Scout Organization of Serbia will hold its 5th Jamboree as well as several other activities, including the Vidovdan Scout Meetings in Kruevac, the International Scout Colony of Painters in Kovajica, sailing along the Danube and the Tisa, a Colony of Cub Scouts in Belgrade and the meeting of Serbian Venture Scouts. Also worth mention are the Scout Cup, the Serbian Scout Games in Velika Plana, Poetry in Scouting, held in Mokrin, the Scout all-around competition, the Festival of Scout songs, Scout March "Mountain Eyes," the Montenegrian Cub Scouts’ Meetings, and "This is my World" in Podgorica. Also, we hope to hold a Scout Ecological Camp in Boka Kotorska.

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Home Page of Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije, Yugoslav Scout Association Marko Petrovic, International Commissioner

Contact Information
E-Mail: Marko Petrovic
ztpbginv@eunet.yu.

Postal Address:
Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije
PF 7
11150 Beograd
Yugoslavia

Telephone: +381 11 194 449
Fax: +381 11 194 449

World Wide Web Edition
Edited and published by Lew Orans and the Pine Tree Web
with the support and cooperation of Savez Izvidjaca Jugoslavije, Belgrade.

Return to the "Yugoslavia" page of the Chronicle of Scouting in Eastern Europe and Russia

A Chronicle of Scouting in Eastern Europe

With the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe and Russia, Scouting has returned to many lands where it had previously taken root. These pages chronicle the return of former members and the addition of new members to the World Organization of the Scout Movement. They also report the growth of Scouting in the other nations of Eastern Europe.

Scouting organizations around the world are assisting in the growth of Scouting in both Eastern Europe and Russia. They have been identified by country where information is available.

Currently, the "Chronicle" reports on the progress of Scouting in 19 countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The Chronicle Home Page provides links to each.

Return to the Chronicle of Scouting in Eastern Europe and Russia

Return to the Pine Tree Web Home Page

Your feedback, comments and suggestions are appreciated.
Please write to: Lewis P. Orans

Copyright © Lewis P. Orans, 2001
Last Modified: 9:24 PM on December 26, 2001