Momleader 65 Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 In a bit of a dilemma. I’ve been Pack Committee Chair for the last 9 years. I’ve been actively trying to turn over the position to any other parent who would step up. Problem is the CubMaster has been actively giving me assignments of things to do for the pack - parents see this and don’t want to take that on too. Fist it started out as picking up things at Costco for pack events since I have a membership and setting up meeting times with the CO so we have space. It’s turned into ‘anything CM doesn’t have time to do and his wife doesn’t have time to help him with because she’s busy with their children and w part time’ Now I’m stuck wondering if I just outright quit or should I continue to try and find anyone else to take this role on. Seeing as my own have aged out of the troop I’m feeling like they are taking advantage of my willingness to help in the past Link to post Share on other sites
AwakeEnergyScouter 162 Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 We're all busy with work and our own children. You, too, right? Does the CM ask or command? It sounds a bit like they're telling, not asking. Not a good working vibe to set in a group of volunteers. Does he ask you to make the coffee, too? 🙄 What is the rest of the committee doing? Are the DLs and any ADLs not running errands and making calls? If the CM asks you and only you despite having others to ask and you've had enough, then you've had enough. If there's not much else of a committee, then perhaps it's time to name the elephant in the room and point out that unless you two can get more parents involved, the pack risks folding. Two busy adults isn't enough in the long run regardless of how you share the work. And part of that might well have to be for your pack parents to see that CC is a limited time commitment. I don't know, you're the one with the insight into the situation, but if you're not willing, you're not willing. Emotional blackmail (either from yourself or others) doesn't improve the situation. Our CC runs errands and helps run meetings, but I'm pretty sure that's what he understood himself to be signing up for so he's good with it. And he has a kid in the pack. Link to post Share on other sites
InquisitiveScouter 1439 Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 (edited) Army guys People are lazy, and they will let you carry their water as long as you are willing to carry it. There is really no dilemma here. Set a deadline for your departure (recommend no more than 60 days from now.) Stick to it! Announce to the COR and Cubmaster that, as of that date, you will no longer be with the Pack. Stick to it! Tell everyone that you have asked, for some time, for someone to take the position, with no takers. Give them your departure date. Mass email, committee meetings, or whatever method of communication you use... Stick to it! At each and every meeting, announce your impending departure date. Stick to it! On your departure date, send out your email or other notice thanking everyone for the opportunity to serve, and that you will take some great memories with you. Stick to it! After your departure date, forward Pack business emails to the COR and Cubmaster. Do not add anything to them... just forward. After your departure date, if anyone calls you about Pack business, politely tell them you have left your position with the Pack and give them the COR and Cubmasters phone numbers or other contact info. Stick to it! It will take a few weeks, but soon all contacts will dwindle to a trickle, then to nothing. Personally, I'd give it three weeks after departure, and then I'd ignore all Pack business emails... Learn to say "No." Amicably, but firmly. Thanks for serving the Pack and Scouting for 9 years! Enjoy your retirement! Edited March 28 by InquisitiveScouter 4 Link to post Share on other sites
MattR 2652 Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 Just remember that the cub master reports to the committee chair This sounds like a bad working relationship. My guess is the CM has no idea you're burned out. The only reason you're sticking around is for the scouts. That's really good of you, up until it explodes. My suggestion, for the continued good of the scouts and your sanity, is prepare yourself to educate the CM on what he's doing to you and any future CC that you can't find. Be honest, firm, and kind. Leave your anger at the door. Remember the scouts. Remember that he's likely burned out as well. Talk about ways to get more adults to help out. And then after all of that, follow @InquisitiveScouter's exit plan. Good luck. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
InquisitiveScouter 1439 Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 (edited) P.S. It is nice of you to do, but it is not your place to name your replacement. That is COR business. Of course, you can ask and help, but it is the COR's signature on the application. Period. I followed this exit plan when I was departing as the Scoutmaster. I gave them one year advanced notice, and gave a reminder at every Committee Meeting. I gave my recommendations to the CC and COR for who from the ASM Corps could be my replacement. I talked with each of the ASM Corps about taking the job. No one did anything until I announced in my Scoutmaster's Minute, "Scouts, it has been wonderful working with you! This is my last meeting as your Scoutmaster! I look forward to working with you guys as a Merit Badge Counselor, and from time to time as an Assistant Scoutmaster. The Chartered Organization Representative and Committee Chair will announce who the new Scoutmaster is as soon as they have finished their selection. See you on the trail!" It was actually funny that, after all my admonitions for the year, the parents and other adults in the room had a look of genuine shock on their faces. People hear what they want to hear, I guess... They had a new Scoutmaster named by our next event that weekend. And there were no hard feelings 😜 Edited March 28 by InquisitiveScouter 3 Link to post Share on other sites
fred8033 1493 Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 This is a common pattern in scouting. The next volunteer does not step up until the current person leaves. It happens all the time at all levels in scouting. Set your date. Communicate it. Move on. At some point, the current parents need to step up and fill the void. 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites
DuctTape 1172 Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 29 minutes ago, fred8033 said: This is a common pattern in scouting. The next volunteer does not step up until the current person leaves. It happens all the time at all levels in scouting. Set your date. Communicate it. Move on. At some point, the current parents need to step up and fill the void. It happens in many organizations. Sometimes it is necessary to create a vacuum to generate movement. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
scoutldr 674 Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 I agree with the others. As long as you keep showing up, they have no incentive to find a replacement....which is the COR's responsibility, not yours. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
SSScout 1568 Posted March 30 Share Posted March 30 (edited) What they said..... youtube button factory skit Edited March 30 by SSScout 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites
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