MEETING PEOPLE
Have you ever moved to a different neighborhood or started classes at a new school? Have you gone to the first day of practice with a sports team you didn’t know, or showed up for a meeting of a Scout troop you’ve never attended before? Not knowing anyone can be scary.

But remember how good you felt when someone said hello and started to show you around? Suddenly you were no longer a stranger. You knew that people valued you and were happy you were there.

You can be the one who takes that first step toward welcoming another person. Is there a new student at your school, someone attending your church for the first time, or a family that has moved into your neighborhood? Introducing yourself and asking people about themselves is an act of kindness that can help them feel at home.

Meeting people is a skill that grows with practice. You might be uneasy about stepping forward to greet someone you didn’t know. Talking to a person of a different race, religion, or generation might at first seem awkward, but others are probably just as shy as you are. Focus on making someone feel welcome, and you can open the door to understanding and friendships.
“The good scout is always at work – working to improve himself and to improve the daily lot of others.” –Handbook for Boys, 1st edition, 1911