1. Introduction to VOAs
Presenter’s Name(s)

2. Benefits of a VOA
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3. Starting Up, Stepping Up
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4. Framing a VOA as a Crew

5. Standard VOA Organization Chart
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6. Recommended VOA Organization Chart
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7. 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
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8. 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
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9. 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
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10. 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
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11. 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
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12. 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
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13. 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
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14. 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
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15. 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
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16. 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
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17. 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!
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18. We have a VOA, Now What? Utilize the ALPS model Adventure (Fun Events)
Leadership (Training Events)
Personal Growth (Recognition Events)
Service
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19. 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!
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20. 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
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21. 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
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22. 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!
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23. 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
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24. 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>
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25. Questions? Presenter’s Name(s)
Contact Information