Advancement Resources
Scouting ranks, merit bades, and the advancement programs
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LATEST POSTS
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Back in the day, when I was trying to save the world, I sought the commissioners' help in identifying issues that were undermining the program, such as losing over 50% of Webelos before crossover (the National Average). The short story is not just NO, but..... If the commissioners could visit a unit once every two months to just observe casually what the Dens and patrols are doing, then they could report their observations to the District Commissioner (DC). If the DC identifies a trend, the district can then approach a solution, such as training. Of course, that approach requires identifying levels of performance and methods for working below minimum performance. If judging unit performance is not expressed correctly, then yes, observing units will appear to be overstepping. I've been there. But it can work. One DC friend ran the UC corps successfully in the largest district in Minnesota. He addressed problems quickly and with compassion. A good UC corps starts with a good DC. In my opinion, the DC is the most critical Key Three position. They require a big-picture understanding of the scouting program and how the units fit in the model. Then, they develop a district program to help unit leaders enhance their unit performance within that model. Most districts take the first person that says yes to the UC position, but more often than not, they aren't qualified. First, the district needs to find someone who is a good recruiter; it's a skill. They will find a qualified UC. Barry -
The conflict of interest angle is an interesting point. I've heard arguments for and against. The against is pretty much the argument of having an outsider peering in can help prevent blind spots. The for has been explained to me in various ways; however, the reason that really stands out (to me) is that sometimes it takes an insider to step up as the commissioner to get the unit use to having a commissioner. -
Its interesting that you say that. Conflict of interest, I wouldn't be assigned to my troop but hoping it might free up others to do so. Currently being told to expect maybe 3 to 4 unit assignments 2 to 4 visits a year. Based on my in-troop experience and the little district observations, its going to take a lot more the 4 visits a year. Not relishing the idea of being the new kid in town in the wild-west district. -
So, the Commissioner is sort of like the Dutch Uncle of Scouting. The experienced, knowledgeable, understanding Scouter who can listen sympathetically, point finger without casting blame (maybe), mention rules when necessary (or not), see things "as they are" as well as "how they could be" . She/he is available for consultation and diagnosis. Higher degrees in Social Science, Auto Mechanics, Corporate Dynamics and Timber Engineering are appreciated, but mostly "Life Engineering" is most needed. . Prior Scouting experience in one's yoooth is useful but not necessarily necessary. Red Jacshirt covered with patches is okay, but again, not necessary. Commissioners meet with Committees, Key 3s, watch Troop meetings, teach lashings and knife and axe safety and tell stories about "back when I was a Scout....". They either make themselves well meaning nuisances or appreciated Dutch Uncles.... Depends on the personality and Unit Ecology..... When I took Woodbadge, I had some ideas for my Tickets, and the Guide(s) liked them, but there was a problem. I was registered as a ASM, Scoutson having just crossed over into the Troop. My time as a Cub Parent/leader was fun and rewarding, and so my Tickets had both Cub Scout ideas and Boy Scout ideas. I was told my Tickets HAD to be appropriate to my registered position. What to do? Eliminate the Cub ideas? No. "You should be a COMMISSIONER ! They can do ANYTHING!"" Great . What's a Commissioner? I'd never heard of that, never met one that I knew of. Here, sign this paper.... Three days later, I had a new patch on my sleeve, a newly minted Unit Commissher, noted to my son's Troop, in my home District (which had just changed it's name for the second time since I had returned to Scouting as an adult). This has led to new friends, new "jobs", helping with CSDC, adult training, Troop mechanics and society, public appearances, faith connections, some successes and smiles, some disappointments. The Troop I Commish ,like every other one, has it's ups and downs, I hope I can say I have inspired and helped along the way.... I know the present SM and two ASMs have been to Woodbadge and came back with enthusiasm. Even if I forget (or never learned) the parent's names, I am welcomed and approached for advice. Must mean something. You say you haven't seen a Commissioner in your Scout neighborhood? What was it Mr. Rogers said? Look for the "Helpers"? Maybe that's the answer. Maybe YOU could be one of the "Helpers". -
Every unit is supposed to have a commissioner; however, most councils have a hard time getting people to step up to become commissioners. In councils that do not have enough commissioners the method is to assign commissioners only to problem/struggling units. To see if you have a commissioner your key 3 should go into the my.scouting.org and check the unit dashboard to see if a unit commissioner has been assigned (it will be noted in the same panel as your unit key 3, advancement chair, etc ... . If you have not seen a commissioner in years it might be because of lack of commissioners, your unit might be viewed as high functioning, lack of responding back to commissioner contacts by your key 3, or simply your key 3 telling the commissioner that they do not want him at any meetings. My unit has a new commissioner and he attends every unit committee meeting. He basically just sits there and takes notes unless someone asks him a question. Our old commissioner disappeared and we had not seen him in like 4 years.
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