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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mock Unit Election We need four volunteers: Three to serve on Unit Election team One to serve as Scoutmaster The election team will then leave the room to prepare for the election. Upon their return, we will hold a mock election. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes

In Conclusion, Remember: Unit Election is one of the most important activities in the OA. Work together with your team. Fully prepare for every election. Make a great impression with the Scoutmaster/Coach. Order of the Arrow • Lodge Leadership Development • www.oa-bsa.org Effective Unit Elections: Learning the Ropes