How do you get volunteers?
Barry C Runnels (Barry_C_Runnels@MMACMAIL.JCCBI.GOV)
Fri, 21 Mar 1997 10:39:28 CST
This is not a new situation. In fact I know of several Packs that end up
losing several leaders at one time and have to rebuild quickly. The
advantage you have right now is you have a good pack built by these
leaders.
I agree with another post is you need to fill the major positions quickly
while the parents still feel good about the Pack.
Two years ago when I was CM, I knew that in three years I would move on
into the Troop full time. We started a three year plan. We created a list
of people who we thought we make good CMs. I then started interviewing
these candidates. I told them that they weren't committed to anything and
that I just wanted to explain what the job was all about.
This gave me a chance to get to know them and it planted a seed into their
heads. Everyone I talked to said they couldn't do it. That's OK. I found
two I thought would be great for the boys and Den leaders. I believe the CM
has to put the boys first in everything. I believe they have to have fun in
everything they do. So I looked for these qualities.
After I found the two that would be almost as good as me, I started
inviting them to meetings so they could see how they worked. Even though
they said they couldn't be the CM, they came anyway. I showed them how the
committee worked and how important it was for my boys. I would explain
everything I did at the Pack meetings, campfires and other activities. I
explained where I got my resources for skits, songs and awards ceremonies.
I explained how important it was to (above all) help the boys feel good
about themselves.
The end of last year I handed the CM position to the new CM. After a year
of watching and seeing the benefits of the position, he jumped right in.
This year was the hardest year of my life. I now only have a Den and not a
Pack. And what is worse, the new CM is doing great and he doesn't do it the
way I did (didn't he watch me last year?). Just how much growing up do I
have to do in Scouting? I get so tired of being humbled.
Last month the CC quit without finding a replacement. But the new CM is
excited so he can find a new CC and together really make the "Mighty" Pack
339 even more mighty. More mighty then when I was CM? Yah right! Maybe as
much, but not more.
Packs have to plan ahead. I had three CCs while I was CM. We had an
assistant for each CC and so the transition was minimal. Try to get an
assistant for all the major positions. I was always recruiting for
assistance. It's not much work for them but they see how the Pack works.
Once you see it, your not afraid.
I was never concerned about the success of the Pack while I was CM because
we seemed to have what it takes to be good. But I was always worried about
it after I left. I don't know why, but I felt the success of the Pack was a
reflection of how well we prepared it for the future. After watching the CM
with his new committee, I am not worried.
Even now in the Troop I am thinking two years ahead. I can't help it. I
love this Scouting Stuff
Barry Runnels
"Mighty" Pack 339
Troop 386
Edmond OK
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
