District Nominating Committee Orientation Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America

Four Functions of the District

The Council Guides and supports its districts in order to achieve BSA’s purpose Work of the council is carried out through its districts

The District Geographical area of council Established by Council Executive Board Works through chartered organizations to organize & support successful units Leaders mobilize resources to ensure growth & success of Scouting units

Function vs. Organization All districts are responsible for carrying out the same four functions District organization can be flexible, but must be designed to effectively carry out these four functions

Functions of the District All districts are responsible for carrying out four standard functions: MEMBERSHIP FINANCE PROGRAM UNIT SERVICE

Membership Function Growth through organization of new Scouting units Growth through new members joining existing units

Finance Function Assure the district provides its share of funds to the total council operating budget: Family Friends of Scouting District Friends of Scouting Scout Fair Popcorn

Program Function Assist Scouting units in providing quality programs for youth: Camping promotion District-wide activities Community service Training of adult volunteers Advancement and recognition

Unit Service Function District volunteers provide personal coaching and resources for unit leaders Goal is to help every unit provide quality Scouting to youth members

Unit Service function carried out by District Commissioner Staff Membership, Finance, and Program functions carried out by District Committee Unit Service function carried out by District Commissioner Staff

What We Do Is Important

Importance of the Job If we believe in what Scouting can offer America’s youth… we must also realize the only way to reach more youth is through more volunteers

Importance of the Job Scouting membership grows when the district provides quality programs to youth Quality program flourishes only when there is an adequate and effective team of quality district volunteers

Importance of the Job The most important responsibility of key district leaders… Create a continuous expansion in the network of new volunteers for the district Develop and train volunteers for success

The Process of Developing District Leadership

Identifying District Leadership Volunteers play a major role in providing the leadership in Scouting The nominating committee is the key to identifying and recruiting volunteers dedicated to the principles of Scouting

Identifying District Leadership The nominating committee looks for people who… can recruit others are successful in a profession or career can get things done have resources available and will commit those resources to Scouting

Identifying District Leadership The nominating committee looks for people who… have a significant sphere of influence are well liked and respected demonstrate integrity and good character

Identifying District Leadership Identify district needs Identify district talents and resources Match the right people to the right jobs Resources Knowledge Personality Drive to be successful in area served

Involving Scouters and Community Leaders Leaders should come from both the Scouting family and the business community The key to success is the strength of the network formed through Scouting and community relationships

Creating a Network of Leadership Involve key community leaders School superintendents Leaders in banking, medicine, local businesses Local government officials Law enforcement officials Key people identify and recruit from within their sphere of influence Quarterly business meetings promote Scouting and allow networking of community leaders

Creating a Network of Leadership Effective relationships with community leaders take time and attention to develop Move new community leaders towards specific tasks Merge traditional volunteer Scouters and community leaders into network of leadership for the district

The District Nominating Committee

How It Starts District chairman submits names for the nominating committee to the council president 90 days before the district’s annual meeting

Nominating Committee Membership Three to five members Includes representative of the council board of directors If district commissioner is to be replaced, council commissioner or representative will serve on committee

Nominating Committee Responsibilities 30-60 days before district annual meeting, identify nominating committee members to the district Allow district members-at-large to make recommendations to the committee Accept written nominations no later than two weeks before district annual meeting

Nominating Committee Responsibilities Form a slate of nominees for: District members-at-large District chairman District vice-chairmen Secure agreement of nominees to stand for election Recommend a district commissioner

Nominating Committee Responsibilities Nominating chairman conducts the district annual meeting in November Nominating committee is a standing committee for the year

Timeline

August District chairman submits suggested names to serve on district nominating committee to council president Council president selects board member or council commissioner representative to serve on district nominating committee

September Names and addresses of district nominating committee members are published in the council’s Scouter publication

October Nominating committee meets to evaluate current committee members and suggest volunteers for the coming year Committee meets again to confirm recommendations and make assignments for contacting nominees

November Submits the names of district chairman nominee and recommended district commissioner to the council president Conducts district’s annual meeting and election of district leadership

Remaining Months Nominating committee serves as a resource to district chairman for recruiting quality volunteers

District Nominating Committee Orientation Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America