Re: Charter Organization Woes (Long)
Bill Sills (whs@IDCNET.COM)
Wed, 21 Apr 1999 11:11:23 -0500
As Bruce Cobern stated, Chartering Organizations enjoy
primary coverage. Lack of knowledge of BSA insurance
coverages, the role of commissioners and the role of
Chartering Organization Representatives is endemic at
the unit level. That lack of knowledge often leads to
serious trouble for units.
The National PTA (Parent Teachers Association, Inc.) has
a political agenda. That agenda is not supported by many
citizens hence the proliferation of independent PTO's
(Parent Teacher Organizations). The issue of BSA unit
sponsorship is not understood by many, many Chartering
Organizations. That lack of knowledge is certainly NOT
the sole province of PTOs.
Quite a few units and unit leaders have little
interaction with their Chartering Organization. Generally,
the term "benign neglect" can be applied to the
relationship between units and the governing bodies of
their Chartering Organizations. The maxim "let sleeping
giants lie" with respect to their sponsor is the attitude
of too many Scouters. That is why "when the s___ hits
the fan" too many CO's drop their units
Besides having a vote on the local council, Chartering
Organization Representatives have the job of liaison
between their units and the BSA. That is a both a
singularly important and neglected duty.
Keep your CO regularly informed. The CC, CR and IH
(Institutional Head) should meet at least quarterly. The
CC and CR should attend ALL meetings of their CO's
governing body. The CC and CR should present an annual
report in person to the governing body and to the
membership if sponsored by a membership organization.
The above will ensure that there are no untoward
surprises for the units and the institution.
Try to get the CC, CR, IH and any others to attend the
training course for Chartering Organization
Representatives. Immediately obtain copies of the BSA
booklet "The Chartering Organization Representative"
the unit libraries, the CCs, the CR and the IH.
Chartering Organization Representatives are one of
the important keys to having long tenured units. Sadly,
CRs and Commissioners often are weak points in local
councils instead of being the powerful forces for
good for which the positions were designed.
Yours In Sea Scouts;
Bill Sills
