1/8/09
From: Bob Mersereau, 100th Anniversary Celebration Project Director

A “count-down” or “count-up” timer can be a very effective tool to draw attention to a key event or date. For example, the BSA National Jamboree has a countdown clock. The concept works for the Jamboree because it is a countdown to the opening day of the Jamboree and serves to focus staff and participants on being there, and ready, on opening day.

Applying that concept to the 100th Anniversary, however, is not so readily applicable.

By design, our anniversary celebration plan has, in fact, already launched and is comprised of numerous national and local council initiatives that roll out over a 2 year period of time.

In addition, our focus is on planning and implementing purpose-driven activities to achieve meaningful outcomes throughout 2009 and 2010. We have purposely avoided any specific focus on the actual 100th anniversary day. The date of February 8, 2010 itself is less important for obtaining anniversary outcomes than the idea of two years of many activities and marketing initiatives that share our anniversary messages and engage target audiences in fun, inspiring, and meaningful ways.

A “Count Up” or “Count Down” timer focusing on the 100th anniversary day might also distract national, council, and unit anniversary planning leaders from the more important focus on numerous initiatives reaching a variety or audiences over two years.

Still, “count-down” or “count-up” timers can be an effective tool for focus on a specific date. Thanks for sharing the idea!