1.Recognize the importance of a strong training program.

Unit Leaders and Adult Committee Chairs must be convinced of the value of a strong training program. When these same leaders understand what training can mean to their Unit, and share that information with the adults through as many avenues as possible, the importance of training begins to be recognized by the Unit's parents.

2. Make a Unit commitment to training.

Commitment is an essential factor for a successful training program. In almost every instance, a Unit's high level of participation in training has been accompanied by a definite commitment to train leaders. This commitment should be continually verbalized by the Unit Leader and other key leaders.

The Unit Leader must recognize the importance of training, verbalize its purpose, and set it as a high priority. Key Leaders should consider becoming active participants in Training sessions.

New Scout Leaders want to know the expectations for their positions.

Give a clear explanation as to what is expected. Identify the training available. In enlisting your Sunday School workers, take the time to sit down with them and explain the expectations for their position--especially expectations regarding training. Explain the type of personal preparation and individual study expected of each Sunday School worker, and identify the churchwide training in which the worker is asked to participate.

When asking a Leader to commit to training, explain why he or she is being requested to make this commitment; discuss the value of training; and specify what the Leader can expect to receive from the training.

4. Demonstrate the importance of training and keep it visible.

Look for opportunities to make the importance of training visible in your Unit. Present Leadership Training certificates publicly at Troop Courts of Honor or during the awards ceremony at Pack Meetings. At Committee Meetings, recognize Leaders who are attending training and who have completed a training course and ask them to share how the training will help them to be a better Leader.

Mention training in the Unit newsletter or on the Unit web site, or include training accomplishments in columns and reports for the Chartering Organization's publications. Use pictures of training events and of participants.

5. Set training goals that reflect the Unit's commitment to training.

Goals reflect your priorities, provide direction for new Leaders, and provide an opportunity to keep training visible. Report individual progress toward the goals.

Areas in which goals should be set include the following: (1) The number of trained Leaders in the Unit (2) The amount of training events attended yearly by each Leader.

6. Express individual appreciation and praise to Leaders who participate in training.

One of the best ways to encourage individuals to continue to participate in training is to express appreciation when they do attend an event. Your expression says to them that you recognize their effort and are thankful for their presence. Your act of appreciation also "says" that their attendance at training not only was important for them, but also to the Unit as a whole.

This gratitude can be expressed in many ways. A good way is to simply write a short note or make a phone call commending them for attending and reminding them that it show they are committed to a good Scouting program.

7. Develop a calendar of training opportunities.

Let your Leaders know what training opportunities are upcoming during the next church year so they can plan ahead. A well-planned calendar of training events indicates that such events are significant and important.

8. Cultivate a reputation for quality training.

If you want to have good participation in your training events, develop a reputation for quality. Tell participants in advance what they will receive from the training and then deliver what you have promised. Prepare well.

It is much better to have a few well-prepared times of training than several mediocre events. Future training is much easier to promote when past experiences have been positive.

9. Plan how to promote each training opportunity.