Troop Elections

[Kudu 186]

Twocubdad writes:

 

Always interesting to hear a historical perspective. But for those operating within the current program

 

That is the whole point of knowing Scout history, isn't it?

 

1) Human nature does not change.

 

2) The traditional methods always work.

 

3) There is no rule against using them.

 

Kudu

[sandspur 10]

The most popular scout running gets elected. As long as we have elections, and not appointed leaders, that will happen.

 

You write that as if it were good thing

Not good, bad or indifferent. It just is. Facts are neither good nor bad. They just are.

 

So, require certain qualifications for SPL.

 

Yeah, its called gaming the system.

 

Adults do that all the time to keep the most talented natural leaders out of office, so they can teach business manager skills to a greater number of Scouts. Of course the central contradiction of Leadership Development is that business managers are appointed, aren't they?

 

Ill game the system any day (and any system) to do what needs doing. Dont do it for the wrong reason (keeping power in the hands of the adults) but for the right reason. Making sure the important SPL post is not held by a popular 13 year old second class who is not ready (but may be ready next year). To help scouts choose from a slate of candidates that can do the job. Who they choose from the qualified is still up to them, but you can have minimum qualifications.

Twocubdads point about emphasizing the importance of the post and the reason not to elect the cool guy over the competent guy is well taken. A scoutmaster minute right before an election often works wonders.

Finally, as far as appointed vs. elected: In the civil war many units elected their officers and NCOs. They tended to be the important men from back home. That usually lasted until the first battle. Then qualified leaders were appointed. Ironically, you can survive a bad governor but probably not a bad major. Not suggesting scouts should not elect the SPL, but dont be afraid to set standards and qualifications for the office as troop policy.