Unit refuses to hold elections

[Mrjeff]

The most important reason that a Scoutmaster should not be permitted to add to the list is very simple.  The Order of the Arrow is really youth run.  The Lodge Chief and their Lodge Executive Committee, all youth, make the rules administer and organize the events, and adults serve as Advisors.  The most difficult job for the Lodge Advisor is keeping adult influence in check.  Recently a National Council of Chiefs and the huge majority of Lodge Chiefs voted down the idea of doing away with elections.  It is up to the Scoutmaster to validate each candidates eligibility.   Everyone is not elected but the choice belongs to the kids since they own the lodge.

[Eagle94-A1]

14 minutes ago, Mrjeff said:

Recently a National Council of Chiefs and the huge majority of Lodge Chiefs voted down the idea of doing away with elections.  It is up to the Scoutmaster to validate each candidates eligibility.   Everyone is not elected but the choice belongs to the kids since they own the lodge.

You are joking that it came up, right?

[Mrjeff]

No, I'm afraid not.  That proverbial "Somebody at National", who will never be identified, came up with that grand plan.  They even had the form for Scouts to be placed on the list for eligibility to join up!  Another example for handing out a trophy for showing up.  I have come up with an option for those who refuse to "go along with the program" , won't work, won't follow instructions, and talk all weekend long.  It just takes a little imagination and thought🤔

[mrjohns2]

On 8/4/2022 at 6:03 PM, Eagle94-A1 said:

You are joking that it came up, right?

There were 5 (?) items to consider. That was one. The others that were also voted down included moving the rank requirement to star, going back to the "vote only for 1/2", something to do with the honor society name, and one other I don't recall.