Well said "twalter." Your practicing of what you are preaching is why you are successful!!! Keep up the good work.
I have great hopes that as a movement we are progressing down this trail. The recent creation of the newest BSA is another indication that we (the BSA) are serious about changing the way we think, operate and evaluate individuals.
Clearly this is a local council, district or unit project.
National could support councils by reaching an agreement with Salvation Army, Goodwill and other national organizations that Boy Scout uniforms be given to local councils at no charge.
It would be another good opportunity. There is no stigma associated with those that ring the opening bell to the up or down of the market that day or to the NYSE itself.
There will be a BSA float in the Tournament of Roses Parade. It is a partnership with three local councils (Orange County, Los Angeles Area, and San Gabriel Valley) and the National Council.
The 2 millionth Eagle Scout will be a part of the float.
Most groups have a nice document on their team. I have seen and gootne them from recent training sessions. If you can't find them anywhere contact the team leader. I am sure they will send you what they have.
Wood Badge is two words. Before we add patches, pins and all we should spell it correctly.
Seriously, there is a reason the words of the song say "I used to be a ..." This includes a staffer. I thinkn it is the course is done and I am moving on to "serving youth and/or other leaders." With two, three or four beads, who cares.
Do you really think adding knots and all will improve participation and quality of the instruction.
The Cub Scout Division (former) did some very positive things: Webelos wear the Boy Scout uniform so it isn't a buy a new uniform or not decision; Webelos complete a Boy Scout application to earn the Arrow of Light so there is a Boy Scout troop connection; changed camping access of Webelos to one on one Webelos den and Boy Scout troop so a relationship is built; emphasized the program is 18 months not two years and there is no Webelos II but 2th and 5 grade Webelos so the proper transfer occurs in February not june or later; and made the Webelos award match the colors of the Boy Scout uniform so they have a patch on their Boy Scout uniform.
The Boy Scout Division helped align the Scout requirements with the Arrow of Light requirements so a new Boy Scout could have a conference with the Scoutmaster and have a Boy Scout recognition.
All that works when executed.
Having said all that, I agree with all the thoughts on making transition a process that cause kids/parents to opt out not re-sign up. A seemless transition should be our objective.
Often it is our fault that volunteers aren't as involved as we would like in membership. We may say we want them to be involved but our actions take back the responsiblity and the authority resulting in professionals "owning" membership.
We need to be intentional about the recruiting, training and leading of membership volunteers if we truly wish to make a shift. Shortcuts to meet goals or short term objectives simply reinforce that it is a professional job task.
We can play with semantics (goals vs projections vs history) and we can change measurements (+1, 2%, 5%) and nothing will change unless we address and recognize the process of involveing volunteers in membership programs.
Perhaps My Scouting would be a better vehicle than Facebook. I find that facebook gets so cluttered by comments that aren't relevant to what we would be trying to accomplish.
A My Scouting group could accomplish the same communication desires and be within the Scouting family.
As we continue to move to the new role of the AD, there may not be anything more important for them to do. Sufficient time is a concern but that may work out with if they were used as a consultant.
This is still a very appropriate activity. Public televbison stations are begging for this type of engagement with youth and their families.
Newspapers are also looking for positive PR with potential readers. I have seen some very good stories in local papers about Scout's visiting their operations.
The primary concern would have to be age appropriate knowledge and requirements. Awareness not diagnoses and/or treatment should be the objective.
The idea of sharing with our adult leaders in some format is desireable. I am not sure current training is the ideal delivery vehicle.Perhaps something special online through H & S would work.
Sounds like a job for the area director. The area membership committee could/should be of assistance as well. I know they are under development in some areas but what a great way to support a local council.
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