Torch At a Glance

Overview What is Torch? What are the Torches Successes and Setbacks The Levels of Torch How Torch Works Successes and Setbacks Tips from Successful Chapters Questions to Consider

What is Torch? “Torch... frames and guides a BPA member's leadership and service to their chapter and community.” -bpa.org Key words: Leadership & Service A way to keep our business honest and our goals pure

What are the Torches? Leadership Service Cooperation Knowledge Friendship Love, Hope, Faith Patriotism

Levels of Torch Award Organization Level Points Required in Each Category Submission Deadline Recognition Executive Local Chapter 10 varies Pin and certificate Diplomat Varies by State 30 Statesman State 50 Mid-February Pin and certificate (otherwise varies by state) Ambassador National 70 Beginning of April Pin and certificate, Recognition at NLC

How do you do Torch? Each activity is worth 5, 10, 15, or 20 points Submit the resume online to be reviewed for recognition All students completing a satisfactory resume will be awarded. Key Points: Online Submission, Worth of Activities, and All Students

Success Setbacks Allows for a preset stage of why we help others Allows any student regardless of intelligence or physical ability to advance and be recognized Focuses on values that do not tire Allows chapters big and small to have a mission Lack of participation by many chapters Variety of reasons Lack of awareness from Advisors If an advisor doesn’t investigate it’s very difficult to start/maintain Stagnation of growth Torch has not been acknowledged recently for its benefits

Notes from Successful Torch Chapters Points come from chapter activities not individual accomplishments Advisor motivates members by recognizing Torch’s worth The community knows what the chapter is doing and offers opportunities Inter-organizational participation with FFA, student council, etc. Consistent structure from chapter officers on pre- submission dates and tutorials

Questions to Consider Why don’t members know about Torch? How can Torch modernize? How can Torch become more structured? How can Torch be made to benefit members long-term?