Charter Organization Representative Orientation

What Is A Chartered Organization? zAn organization which uses the Scouting Program to serve the youth of the organization. zThe Boys Scouts of America is an educational, resource program. It charters community or religious organizations or groups to use Scouting as part of their service to their own members, as well as the community at large.

Who Is the chartered organization representative? Is an individual appointed by the head of the chartered organization and heads up the “Scouting Department” in the organization. Is a voting member of the BSA council representing the chartered organization. Is a member of the district committee. The chartered organization representative develops liaison between the organization’s Scouting units and the resources available to these units through the district and council volunteer and professional resources.

The chartered organization agrees to zConduct the Scouting program according to its own policies and guidelines as well as those of the Boy Scouts of America. zInclude Scouting as part of its overall program for youth and families zProvide adequate facilities for the Scouting unit(s) to meet on a regular schedule with time and place reserved.

In Addition, The chartered organization agrees to zAppoint a chartered organization representative who is a member of the organization and will represent it to the Scouting Program and serve as a voting member of the local council. (Chartered organization head or chartered organization representative must approve all leader applications.) zSelect a Scouting committee of parents and members of the chartered organization (minimum of three) who will screen and select unit leaders who meet the organization’s standards as well as the leadership standards of the BSA. zEncourage the unit to participate in outdoor experiences, which are vital elements of Scouting.

SCOUTING COMMITTEE/ UNIT COMMITTEES zEach Scouting unit (Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, or Venture Crew) is managed by a group of adults, approved by the chartered organization, who serve as the unit committee. (This committee typically has a committee chairman, secretary, treasurer, etc.) zThe committee’s principal responsibility is to select the best- qualified leaders for the unit and see that they are supported in carrying out the unit’s program.

UNIT COMMITTEES zThe chartered organization representative’s relationship to the unit committee will vary with the nature of the organization and the type of unit. Generally, the chartered organization representative maintains a close liaison with the unit committee chairman. yThe goal is to be sure that the chartered organization is aware of the unit’s programs, needs, and successes. zThe chartered organization representative should report the status of each unit to the head of the chartered organization or its governing body at regular intervals. yIf help is needed, the resources of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America can be mobilized in support.

The council: zIs a term used to describe a geographic region in which the Scouting program is administered through a paid professional staff. zProvides the Scouting Program to be used by the Chartered Partner. zRespects the aims and objectives of the organization and offer the resources of Scouting to help in meeting those objectives. zProvides year-round training, service, and support to the organization and its unit(s). zProvides training and support for the chartered organization representative as the primary communication link between the organization and the BSA. zProvides techniques and methods for selecting quality unit leaders and then share in the approval process of those leaders.

The council agrees to zProvide primary general liability insurance to cover the chartered organization, its board, officers, chartered organization representative, and employees against all personal liability judgments when using the Scouting Program. zProvide camping facilities, service center, and a full- time professional staff to assist the organization in every way possible. zThe local Council is to work with and help community organizations use Scouting and help Chartered Organizations succeed with the use of the program.

The District zIs a similar geographic area within a council. A district receives direct service from a paid professional called a district executive. zThe two types of people on the district committee are chartered organization representatives and members at large; they each bring particular talents, interests, and skills to the committee. zAs a member of this committee, it’s important that the chartered organization representative attend its meetings regularly. This will assure that the voice of the chartered organization is heard, its needs are met, and its successes are recognized. zIf a chartered organization representative wishes, he or she should accept an assignment on one of the operating committees of the district.

Structure of the BSA Unit District Council National

SUMMARY COUNCIL/CHARTERED ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

THREE SECTIONS OF THE DUTIES zHead of the chartered organization’s Scouting department zAn active and involved member of the district committee zA voting member of the local council representing the interests of the chartered organization

STAY INFORMED zIt’s important that the chartered organization representatives keep well-informed of the unit’s program and activities. zIt’s important that the chartered organization representative keep well informed of district and council activities and programs that could affect the chartered organization’s units.