Controlling and Training
Craig A Bond (craig00@inu.net)
Tue, 28 Jan 1997 16:18:23 -0800
Susan:
You asked some great questions.
For training advice, I just checked out Jim Miller's Web Page on
Exploring Training and agree with virtually everything he says there.
Please check it out right away, at
http://www.stefford.com/jim/exptrain.htm
Jim, it's a marvelous job. I want to particularly stress his
recommendation that you ask your EE (or the DE advising the Council
Training Committee who actually probably has this responsibility) to add
your name to the list of people nominated for the *Exploring* course at
Philmont Training Center (PTC), July 6-12, 1997. If you find it
interesting that there is about a 12:12:1 ratio of Cub Scout/Boy
Cout/Exploring courses at PTC, others on the list will advise you on who
you might want to share your thoughts about that with. It would be
stepping over a line for me to do the same.
Concerning control of the treasury, the answer is found in the financial
policies of BSA which should be included in both Scoutmastership
Fundamentals (I see you're an SA and hope you're taking this excellent
training) and Explorer Leader Basic Training, whether or not the
information is actually included in the syllabus (it isn't). The basic
recommendation on any unit checking account is that the it be set up as a
two-signatures required account, with at least three authorized
signatures, and that while the checkbook is maintained by the treasurer,
the statements are mailed to the committee chair. What does this do? It
reduces the likelihood of someone using money for recreational chemicals
or other personal use. Have the youth treasurer responsible for
maintaining the account and have the other signatures those of adults (EA
and CR, for example) and you've got pretty good support (and 'soft'
control). Another reason, based on sad experience, if your youth member
moves away without transferring the signature to another youth, the
adults can still write checks until a news signature card be be effected.
I haven't seen the Exploring Advanced Leadership Workshop training, yet,
but ordered a copy of it today. With the 'troubles' existing at National
Supply, I'm not certain when it will arrive. Jim certainly recommends
it, though.
Meanwhile, there's really nothing at all wrong with your taking the lead
on something like this by getting a list of the other EAs and ECCs in
your district (from your EE) and invite them to a meeting to discuss
'things'. And, go to the Council Exploring Committee meeting to discuss
your concerns (these should be at least quarterly, probably in
conjunction with something called the Council Coordinated Committees
meetings). Please go not gently into that good night: ask nicely and
carry a big stick. You're a volunteer and almost cannot be fired!
--
Craig Bond
Lufkin, Texas
"I think animal testing is a terrible idea;
they get all nervous and give the wrong answers."
--A Bit of Fry and Laurie--
| 
