1. Faith-Based Initiative (F.B.I.) Targeting the Faith Community

2. BSA Research BSA research points to congregations as the BEST place to start new sustainable units.

3. Whose needs are these? Membership growth Membership Retention Program Money Trained Volunteers

4. We Need Each Other How do we do this? How can we help each other?

5. Show congregations WHY they need Scouting Stop selling Packs, Troops, and Crews Start selling SOLUTIONS to congregations and their needs

6. Religious Organizations Benefit Enrich current program Proven youth program: citizenship training, character development, fitness Outdoor resources (local and national facilities) Scouting has high brand recognition Membership opportunities

7. Religious Organizations Benefit Training Leaders Religious organizations select the leadership that reflects their values Provides leadership training skills Possibly open new leadership base (adults may volunteer to be leaders because they see it as service to their religious organization)

8. Offer Solutions Congregations need Young families

9. Offer Solutions The average size of a pack is 10 50 to 60% of youth in a Pack, Troop or Crew do not currently have a faith home These parents are pre-qualified as looking for values for their children 5 pre-qualified families already in your building without a faith home

10. Offer Solutions Introduce the congregation to RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS Religious emblems are programs that are developed by the national religious organizations, not BSA

11. Religious Emblems = Linchpin BSA Religious Emblems Congregations

12. A Linchpin enables forward progress

13. Religious Emblems Coordinator (R.E.C.) The R.E.C. position exists at the Council, District, and Unit levels Religious emblems will be promoted like all other rank advancement

14. R.E.C. Resources Duty to God Religious Emblems Chart Duty to God DVD R.E.C. webpage http://www.praypub.org/REC http://www.praypub.org/REC

15. Religious Emblems The unit leader makes a presentation on religious emblems using the R.E.C. / Duty to God resources.

16. Religious Emblems The chartering congregation offers their religious emblems program for their youth members and extends an invitation to the Scouting unit, especially the 50% without a current congregational home. Congregations need to invite the parents to the first class and start building relationships.

17. Congregations need: Young families Retain members

18. What’s in it for Councils: Program 98% = the number of clergy who are unaware that religious emblems exist! 70% + 70% + 98% + 57 = 42%

19. Religious Emblems “Foot in the door” versus “foot in your mouth” Become familiar with the religious emblems program before visiting a congregation Each religion creates its own program Eligibility requirements will differ from religion to religion

20. Do Your Homework! Religious Emblems Analysis Sheet www.praypub.org

21. Do Your Homework! Congregation Questionnaire

22. Resources Cultural Informants – Council Staff, Board, Religious Relationships Committee, your Key 3, Chartered Partners To open doors, teach/speak the language FBI Resources http://www.praypub.org/partnerships/ FBI_resources.htm http://www.praypub.org/partnerships/ FBI_resources.htm

23. Sponsor vs. Chartered Partner The Chartered Partner Concept offers a HUGE strategic tool when approaching religious organizations / congregations.

24. Ingredients for Success Both sides must clearly understand the chartered organization agreement before it is signed. BSA should use as many congregational volunteers as is feasible. The congregation must “invest” their best kid person to be the leader

25. Ingredients for Success All volunteers should be trained by the local council Religious emblems must be promoted by the unit leader Congregations must offer a religious emblems class

26. Religious Emblems = Linchpin BSA Religious Emblems Congregations

27. Wrap up: Why Collaborate? Win-win-win situation Collaboration results in: Stronger youth and families Stronger congregations Stronger councils