Introduction to VOAs Presenter’s Name(s)
Benefits of a VOA CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Starting Up, Stepping Up CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Framing a VOA as a Crew
Standard VOA Organization Chart CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Recommended VOA Organization Chart CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
VOA Leadership Entirely youth driven Advised by adults Four main officers President VP of Administration VP of Program VP of Communications Other positions may may be added or removed All Crew Presidents from within the council are invited CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Council VOA President Works with the Council VOA Advisor Is one of the two top youth leaders in the Council Is the primary Venturing Ambassador in the Council Helps to achieve the Area Venturing President’s goals Sets the Council Goals and oversees their achievement Delegates responsibilities to VOA VPs Sets the tone for the program for the Council’s crews Maintain constant communication with Crews Any other jobs as assigned by Area or Council Advisors CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Council VOA VP of Administration Works with the Associate Advisor for Administration Develops and implements strategies to increase Venturing membership Promotes and facilitates the selection and presentation of the Venturing Leadership Award and other Venturing awards Promotes Venturing with Charter Organizations Takes minutes of the Council meetings and publishes them Any other duties as assigned by the President CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Council VOA VP of Communications Works with the Council Associate Advisor of Communication Ensures communication is happening throughout the Council via Facebook, newsletters, websites, etc. Works to maintain a contact list of crews in the Council with the help of the other Council Officers Any other duties as assigned by the President CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Council VOA VP of Program Works with the Council Associate Advisor for Program Supervises activity chairs and the planning of fun, training, and service activities Promotes external training events and maintains a knowledge base of all training opportunities available Facilitates internal training events of the VOA Any other duties as assigned by the President CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Council VOA Advisor Works with the adult Area Venturing Committee to support the youth driven program Chairs the Council Venturing Committee or is a principle member of the committee and part of the Key 3 (or 4) Serves as a mentor and advocate for the Council Venturing President Works with coordinating things between youth and adults Ensures fiscal, programmatic, and risk management issues are properly addressed Appoints/manages associate advisors CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Selection of Council VOA Officers Selection process is handled at the council’s discretion (eventually written into your Council Operation Procedures) Recommended selection dates Council Venturing Presidents are to be selected by April 30 Current and past Venturing Crew officers are eligible to submit an application All tier terms are recommended to start on June 1st and end on May 31st CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Operating Procedures States purpose and responsibilities Provides guidance and clarification Example: Dates of newsletters, which weekend is your fun event, etc. and the backdating timetable to achieve Outlines organization and responsibilities Can customize to fit specific needs of each council ByLaws generator located on CR website CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Operating Procedures Content Mission (National Youth Cabinet and Region/Area VOAs) Methods to select youth officers and appoint adult Advisors to the Council VOA Timetable for selections Position descriptions for each role Organizational charts for Council VOA Detail of your annual events (fun, training, service, recognition) Short glossary to provide definitions and clarify terms CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Council VOA Meetings Recommended to hold meetings at least once a month In person is best Freeconferencecall.com, live Google hangouts Set an agenda for each month Allows VOA to stay on task throughout the year Ensures constant communication with the officers Who attends: Council Venturing President, runs the meeting Council Vice Presidents Crew Presidents All respective advisors CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Council VOA Goals As a VOA create a set of goals before/start of your term Focus on: Administration Program Communications Personal Remember, keep them SMART! CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
We have a VOA, Now What? Utilize the ALPS model Adventure (Fun Events) Leadership (Training Events) Personal Growth (Recognition Events) Service CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Fun Events Get creative! Use all of your resources Promote, promote, promote... Examples Video Game Nights Skiing Trips Whitewater Caving If you need ideas, run an Activity Interest Survey! CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Training Events Effective training leads to well performing teams Aim to hold at least one internal and one external training event each year Provides opportunities to: Train new officers Plan the year Get to know your crews Example: Council’s University of Scouting - see if you can host/attend Venturing specific trainings CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Council Recognition Events Recognize the hard work in your council! Honor Venturing Leadership Award recipients Swear in next VOA term officers Good way to promote Venturing Can be fun, formal, or unique! Themed banquets with food and skits Formal dinners Council overnight/weekend trip CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Service Events Service is needed to meet awards requirements Spotlights Venturing in the community Aid in council-based events Council Jamborees Mentor Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts Outreach to your community! CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Council Communications Communication with professionals is key Initiating VOA talk with professionals Reach out to Scout Executive Highlight the advantages to the council Mentorship to youth Provides service Membership retention Financial benefits (popcorn, etc..) Encourage your Council VOA President be in communication with the Key 3 CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Further Information Venturing.org/connect.html Venturing.org/apply-to-be-a-voa-officer.html Venturing Awards and Requirements handbook, Handbook for Venturers, and the Advisor’s handbook <insert additional resources> CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016
Questions? Presenter’s Name(s) Contact Information