Effective Unit Elections:

1. Effective Unit Elections: Mastering the Presentation Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

2. Why are successful unit elections important? • To recognize those campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law. • Provide new candidates for membership. • Convey the Order’s principles and ideals. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

3. Does your presentation affect the Scoutmaster/Coach’s perception of the OA? • Remember, the unit election team represents the OA. • The election can show the positive impact the OA has on their unit. • Your presentation can make or break their impression. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

4. Youth Membership Eligibility • Scoutmaster/Coach approval. • Registered member of a troop/team. • Hold the First Class rank. • 15 days and nights of Scout camping within two-years of the election, • Including one 6 day, 5 night long term Scout camping experience. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

5. Adult Membership Eligibility • Registered member of the BSA. • Camping requirements for youth are fulfilled. • Able to perform the functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose. • Provide a positive role model for youth OA members. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

6. Unit Election Resources • Unit Election Form • Lodge Unit Election Manual/Resource Booklet • Lodge Unit Election Ceremony • Lodge Call Out Ceremony • Lodge Officers and Advisers Guidebook Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

7. Procedures: Before Election • Know: SM/Coach info, meeting location, election date and time. • Confirm with Scoutmaster/Coach. • Prepare proper election materials. • Ensure election team members are properly trained. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

8. Procedures: During Election • Wear full Scout uniforms with OA sash. • Meet with Scoutmaster/Coach. • Ensure 50% of active youth are present. • Review eligibility requirements. • Obtain Scoutmaster/Coach approval for eligible youth. • Conduct unit election. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

9. Procedures: After Election • Complete and sign the election form. • If at least one youth is elected, present Scoutmaster/Coach with Adult Nomination form. • Conduct the call out ceremony used by your lodge/chapter. • After the call out, hold a private meeting with them. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

10. Common Election Problems PROBLEM: Confusion over what Scouts in the troop are eligible for election. POSSIBLE SOLUTION: • Cover requirements with Scoutmaster/ Coach again. • Remember, Scouts under 21 must meet Youth membership requirements. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

11. Common Election Problems PROBLEM: Confusion over who can vote during the election. POSSIBLE SOLUTION: • Inform unit that anyone under 21 registered in the unit may vote. • “Adult” in BSA = 18 years of age. • “Adult” in OA = 21 years of age. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

12. Common Election Problems PROBLEM: During first ballot, no Scout is elected. POSSIBLE SOLUTION: • Re-discuss traits and values among Arrowmen. • Explain there will be one more ballot. • That ballot will be the results for the year. • Conduct a final ballot. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

13. Common Election Problems PROBLEM: Inappropriate comments made during the election. POSSIBLE SOLUTION: • Reiterate that it is a secret ballot election. • No discussion is permitted. • If problems continue, partner with Scoutmaster/Coach to settle disruptions. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

14. Common Election Problems PROBLEM: An eligible Scout was elected previous year but did not complete the Ordeal. POSSIBLE SOLUTION: • Inform Scout that you have 1 year to complete the Ordeal. • Match his election date with future Ordeal dates. • If there is not an Ordeal within a year, place his name on the ballot. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

15. Common Election Problems PROBLEM: An eligible Scout declines to have his name places on the ballot. POSSIBLE SOLUTION: • Remind him that being elected is an honor. • Being elected does not require him to complete the Ordeal and become a member. • By leaving his name on the ballot: • He has nothing to lose. • Provides opportunity for possible recognition. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

16. Common Election Problems PROBLEM: There is not 50% of the active youth present at the election. POSSIBLE SOLUTION: • Ensure Scoutmaster/Coach is only counting “active” youth in the unit. • If there is not 50%, before you leave: • Reschedule the unit election date. • Remind the Scoutmaster/Coach to stress the importance of attending the election to the unit. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

17. Common Election Problems PROBLEM: When calling to confirm unit election, the Scoutmaster/Coach cancels the election. POSSIBLE SOLUTION: • Ask why he/she would not like an election. • Attempt to address their concerns. • Remind the Scoutmaster/Coach: • Being elected is great recognition for unit members. • An Arrowman’s primary responsibility is their unit. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

18. Role Play • Ron Smith, Scoutmaster of Troop #817 • Been Scoutmaster for many years. • Built strong, well mixed troop. • Troop goes camping once a month. • Last year, 817 was the council’s “Unit of the Year”. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

19. Role Play • Billy Johnson, Election Team Captain • Experienced unit election team member. • This will be your first election as Captain. • Responsible for: • Confirming election with Scoutmaster. • Recruiting trained election team members. • Leading the election. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

20. In Conclusion, Remember: • Work together with your team. • Fully prepare for every election. • Make a great impression with the Scoutmaster/Coach. • Improve your presentation by: • Working with the Unit Leader. • Resolving any conflict situations quickly and tactfully. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes