Cubmaster Jerry

I am just beginning my first full year as Cubmaster for my new Pack. My Pack currently has 12 Dens and as I was transitioning in with the old CM last year I noticed that not one of the Dens had flags. This year, at the first Pack Meeting, I plan on handing out a flag stand, flag, and pole to each Den (as long as I can get the committee to pay for it ). I believe the flag will elicit pride and excitement from the Dens. Because, you see, I have also noticed that some dens aren't quite as active as they should be. Some don't even show up to Pack meetings - even B&G or Crossover!! But that's another of my agenda items for this year.

Anyway, I plan on handing out ribbons, beads, and such at each Pack Meeting for each Den to attach to their respective flag. These will be awarded for things such as attendance at Pack meetings, bringing the flag to the meeting, bringing something for the Display table, winners of games we have at the meeting, etc.

Soon, I hope to see flags full of things that the boys will be proud of.

I'd have to disagree that there are no "votes" at Committee meetings. True that if good discussion is present, then a consensus can be arrived at and no vote may be needed. However, there may be certain circumstances, especially when dealing with expenditures, when votes may be necessary. Things like whether or not the Pack will spend money on a new PWD track or should the Pack pay for an active boy's camp who can't afford it should be voted on.

Now, who gets to vote depends on your Pack by-laws (or common practice if you don't have by-laws). In my first Pack, all registered leaders were automatically voting members of the committee. However, my new Pack has one representative from each rank designated as a voting member of the committee. Ideally, you don't want either of these situations. But I challenge anyone to come up with a committee in which all positions are filled without using Den Leaders.

In both of my instances, all other members of the committees (Treasurer, Awards, Secretary, etc) EXCEPT the Committee Chair were also voting members. You, as the CC, are the only person that can call for a vote. It isn't necessary to vote on everything. It is also important to note that if a voting member is not present for the vote, then they miss out.

Another helpful hint when facing this situation is to make sure that everyone has had their opportunity to present their side of the discussion. Though, as CC, be sure that this doesn't turn into an argument!