Order of the Arrow • Boy Scouts of America

UNIT ELECTIONS FROM A TO Z

 

GOAL

This session discuses how to plan and perform spectacular unit election and call out ceremonies.

Objectives

Materials

 

  1. Introduction
    2.

    A. Trainers

    B. Topic

    C. Participants

  2. Unit Election Procedures (Youth)

A. Why do we use an election by members of the unit to select new youth members?

1. Allows Scouts to honor fellow Scouts.

2. The members of the unit have regular contact with the Scouts that are being considered.

3. Encourage nonmembers to develop stronger Scout spirit and camping ability.

    1. Encourage cheerful service.

B. Review basic election requirements and exceptions for youths.

1. Certification by Scoutmaster.

2. Camping Requirement.

3. Registered in Boy Scouts of America.

    1. Active in unit.

 

 

C. Process used to conduct unit elections.

1. Establish basic policy for unit elections.

a. Who is in charge of unit elections in the lodge or chapter?

    1. When and where are elections held?

2. Before the election

a. Make arrangements with unit leaders to conduct elections.

1) Provide initial notice to unit leaders about upcoming elections.

2) Schedule election with each leader

3) Follow-up with unit leaders that do not schedule elections.

    1. Notify lodge/chapter adviser when unit does not want to conduct an election.

      2. b. Recruit and select members of unit election teams.

      1) How can you recruit members of the election team?

      2) How large should the team be?

      3) What are the characteristics of a potential member of an election team?

      4) Should a member of a particular unit be a member of the election team for that unit?

    2. Should each team have an adult adviser?

c. Train members of the unit election team.

1) Why is training important?

2) What should be covered in training?

3) How should the training be conducted?

    1. Each team should confirm the date, time, and place of the unit election with the unit leader. This should be done as soon as the election team is selected and again just before the election. Make arrangements for TV and VCR.

3. During the election:

a. Appearance of team members.

b. Initial meeting with Scoutmaster

1) Review election process

2) Obtain Scoutmaster signature which indicates that he has approved all Scouts that will be listed on the ballot.

3) Determine the number of active youths in the unit and the number of youths that are present.

    1. Process that will be used to notify Scouts that are elected.

c. Conduct the election ceremony.

1) Answer questions

2) Collect and count ballots

a) Can adult leaders and arrowmen be present when ballots are counted?

3) Discuss common problems that may arise during the election.

a) Uncertainty over who can participate.

b) Inappropriate comments by candidates.

c) Inappropriate comments by arrowmen.

d) Inappropriate comments by adult leaders.

    1. Other problems.

d. After the election:

1) Complete and sign unit election form. Be sure to get correct address, birth date and phone number of Scouts that were elected.

    1. Hold a private meeting with candidates (if results are announced at troop meeting) to go offer congratulations and process to register for Ordeal.

    1. Review common mistakes that are made during an election.

D. Group Activity - Conduct mock election. In this activity, select participants that will become possible candidates and the rest of the participants will serve as voters in a mock troop. Staff will serve as the election team. Participants will be shown how to fill out unit election form.

III. Adult Selection Procedure

A. Adults are recommended for membership provided the following conditions are fulfilled:

1. Selection of the adult is based upon ability to perform the necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purposes and not for recognition of service, including current or prior achievement and position.

2. The individual will be an asset to the Order due to demonstrated skills and abilities which fulfill the purpose of the Order.

3. The camping requirement set forth for youth members are fulfilled.

    1. The adult leaders membership will provide a positive role model for the growth and development of the youth members of the lodge.

B. Selection procedures:

1. Unit Committee can recommend adults for membership

2. Lodge Adviser, District Chairman, Council President and Profession Staff may submit names to the selection committee. (Camping requirement can be waived by the Scout Executive or Lodge Adviser in the case of District or Council scouters.)

3. Selection committee, composed of the Lodge Adviser, the Camping (or Scouting) Committee Chairman, and Staff Adviser. Final approval comes from the Scout Executive.

4. Professional staff are ex officio members of the lodge when they receive their assignment. If they have not been previously inducted, they should be invited to do so at the earliest opportunity.

 

  1. Candidate Recognition

A. Purpose of Candidate Recognition

1. To officially honor those that are selected by their unit.

2. To better explain the purpose of our Order to candidates and Scouts.

    1. To encourage Scouts to develop stronger Scout spirit and better camping abilities in order to be elected into the Order.

B. Candidate Recognition Ceremony

1. Troop Ceremonies

a. Some places, the results are announced immediately after the election.

b. Announce names of candidates after results have been tabulated.

    1. Say a few words about what the candidates stand for, what they have done, and what is now expected of them.

      2. 2. District/Council Ceremonies

      a. Usually held in Spring and Summer at camporees or Summer Camp

      b. Callout, not Tapout (This is an important distinction)

      c. Do not use symbolism, text, or principals from ceremonies.

    2. Different ceremonies are available

C. Group activity - Assign groups to prepare (in outline) form a callout ceremony that can be used (a) at a troop meeting immediately after the election, (b) at a troop court of honor, (c) at a district/council camporee that precedes the Ordeal, or (d) at Summer camp (assuming candidate has taken the Ordeal in the Spring).

  1. Summary

  1. Evaluation