New Role of the Section:
The Basic Idea
There are now three major parts to the role of the Section in the Order
of the Arrow:
- To put on a Section Conclave.
- To make "Lodge Assistance Visits".
- To use the Council of Chiefs meetings as an opportunity for
monitoring and mentoring lodges.
The Section Conclave
Section Conclaves in the Order of the Arrow will continue to exist just as they always
have up until now. They have proven to be experiences that helped Arrowmen grow,
exchange ideas, and have a lot of fun. That won't be changed.
Lodge Assistance Visits
Lodge Assistance Visits are one of the major changes that are coming to the section. At
least once every three years, a group from the section will meet
with each lodge's key
youth and adult leadership. The group making these visits is called the "Section
Assistance Team" and is led by the Section Vice Chief. Prior to the visit, the lodge
will fill out a Self-Evaluation for and send it into the section. The Section Assistance
Team will use that self-evaluation, the lodge's previous Quality Lodge Petition, the
length of time since the last visitation, the possible recommendation of the region, as
well as the possible request of the lodge, as criteria for which of the section's lodges to
visit in any given year.
The visit meeting itself is led by the lodge chief
as the
lodge's program and support to the council are reviewed by everyone there. The Section
Assistance Team, made up of youth and adult Arrowmen with proven leadership ability in the
lodge or section,
make suggestions
and try to share ideas on how certain aspects might be improved. There is no specific
follow-up on lodges after a visit. The Section Assistance Team is only
there to make suggestions and try to help. The lodge is on its own to decide what they
think might be helpful or what needs to be done.
Improved Council of Chiefs Meetings
Traditionally, meetings for the Section Council of Chiefs have been for the
sole purpose
of conclave planning. Of course, as the role of the section broadens, so does the
importance of these leadership meetings. With so many talented Arrowmen gathered in one
place, the opportunities for monitoring and mentoring are unmatched.
At each Council of
Chiefs meeting, the section leadership will make presentations and
arrange roundtable
discussions concerning issues facing the Order or its lodges. All of this is designed to
help lodges improve their programs and collect feedback that can be communicated to the
Order's national leadership. Every lodge has a vital role in helping to
choose the future direction of the Order.
Introduction - Why a New
role? - The Basic Idea
- Section Officer's Jobs -
The Lodge's Job -
Implementation
Revised 11/23/99c.
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