Golden Empire Council’s School Access: Government Relations Initiative Fall Area 3 Meeting October 20, 2017

Cub Scout Recruiting Growth 2017: 3,000 new Cub Scouts (projected) 2016: 2,573 boys (early success) 2015: 1,563 boys (developed plan) 2014: 1,351 boys (before initiative) Goal: Achieve long-term sustainable growth in (non-LDS) traditional membership with school access plan

Cub Scout Growth Cub Scout membership growth is top priority over the next three years GEC has 83 public school districts that serve youth in 16 counties of Northern California GEC school access advocacy plan initially identified 12 targeted public school districts to improve relationships with principals, superintendents and school board policymakers

Seeking: Circle of Influence Council & District Key 3: Do you know superintendent or school board member in targeted school district? Do you have family members or friends that have relationship with these policymakers? Do you know other elected officials in your community that have relationship with these people? Educational Policymaker Currently serving as scout leader Currently has family member (son, grandson) in Scouting Former scouts (especially Eagle Scouts)

School Board Meetings Presentations at School Board Meeting during public comment period on Agenda Presentation in public setting for community to observe Superintendent views “bosses” responses Principals observe in the audience Meetings with superintendents to resolve school access issues and challenges Ask for the Ideal: 2-3 minute classroom presentation Lunch Time Rally Schoolwide Assembly Presentation Flyer Distribution

Leave-Behind Materials Report to the State National’s “What Should School Board Members Know About Scouting?” Tufts University Study “Does Scouting Work?” Local piece “Partners in Education” 2017 Camp Card

Next Steps Second Wave of School Board Presentation Targeted School Districts that are friends and Reinforce our relationship Continuing Superintendent Meetings Adopt-A-School Program Outstanding Educator Award Tie Report to the State Initiative to a Report to the School District Program

Other Strategies Develop Relations with California School Boards Association Seek changes to CSBA policy guidelines and Exhibitor at Annual Meeting Develop Relations with Association of California School Administrators Participate in Regional Meetings and Exhibitor: Annual Conference

Contact Information Wess Larson Director of Community Relations Golden Empire Council k.wess.Larson@scouting.org (916) 273-2265