Nawakwa Order of the Arrow Chapters should begin contacting all the Scouts BSA troops, crews, and ships in their chapter area to schedule unit elections for those units having eligible individuals. The unit election cycle is to occur during the period of October 1 to February 15. This gives eligible candidates three opportunities to complete their Ordeal Induction. Even if a unit does not have any eligible individuals, it is important that members from the chapter visit the unit so that all will be aware of what the OA offers. 

In the past, some units have held or requested to hold elections at dates different from the specified period. Going forward, it is expected that all elections will be held during the October - February time frame. Deviations from this period will generally not be granted. However, any request for a deviation should be submitted to the Unit Elections Adviser and the Lodge Adviser for consideration and approval.

Information on holding unit elections, qualifications, and procedures can be found on the Nawakwa website under unit elections. Unit elections can be requested going to Nawakwa Lodge Election Request

It is extremely important that all election team members be properly trained. Recently all Chapter Chiefs and Chapter Advisers were asked their preference on holding a unit election training session at service weekend or at their regular chapter meetings. The majority preference was that chapters would conduct training at their chapter meeting; so that is where the training will occur.

In addition to holding a unit election, scouting units should be encouraged to earn the Unit Award of Excellence. Details can be found at Unit Award of Excellence

The lodge’s goal is to have 100% of all units hold elections – I know that with your help with prior planning and training, the lodge will meet this goal.

 

John O Hunnicutt

Unit Elections Adviser