Recruitment Resources (Boy Scouts of America): Difference between revisions

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A steady flow of youth into a each scout unit is essential to maintaining unit health. New Scouts bring energy and enthusiasm to the program.  To avoid the pitfall of shrinking membership, aim to add at least 10 new Scouts every year. Having a year-round growth plan in place will help attract new Scouts.
A steady flow of youth into a each scout unit is essential to maintaining unit health. New Scouts bring energy and enthusiasm to the program.  To avoid the pitfall of shrinking membership, aim to add at least 10 new Scouts every year. Having a year-round growth plan in place will help attract new Scouts.


== 2020-21 New Recruitment Tips ==
== '''2020-21 New Recruitment Tips''' ==
[[Image:2020 Recruitment.PNG|right]]
[[Image:2020 Recruitment.PNG|right]]
[[Image:ScoutMeIn4.jpg|thumb|right]]
[[Image:ScoutMeIn4.jpg|thumb|right]]
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* '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/unit-recruiting/ Unit Recruiting] (ScoutingWire.org)''' - Here you’ll find resources and tips for making recruiting a fun and enjoyable experience that keeps the bigger picture in focus: growing your unit to reach more kids, strengthen your packs and have more fun!
* '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/unit-recruiting/ Unit Recruiting] (ScoutingWire.org)''' - Here you’ll find resources and tips for making recruiting a fun and enjoyable experience that keeps the bigger picture in focus: growing your unit to reach more kids, strengthen your packs and have more fun!


== Prepare for Recruitment Success ==
== '''Prepare for Recruitment Success''' ==
[[Image:WoodBadge2.png|thumb|right]]
[[Image:WoodBadge2.png|thumb|right]]


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## [https://www.amazon.com/Win-Bigly-Persuasion-World-Matter/dp/0735219710 Win Bigly: Persuasion in a World Where Facts Don't Matter] - By Scott Adams.  Excellent Persuasion skills is necessary quality for any master recruiter.
## [https://www.amazon.com/Win-Bigly-Persuasion-World-Matter/dp/0735219710 Win Bigly: Persuasion in a World Where Facts Don't Matter] - By Scott Adams.  Excellent Persuasion skills is necessary quality for any master recruiter.


=== Annual Plan ===
=== '''Annual Plan''' ===
[[Image:Pack584picnic.png|thumb|right]]
[[Image:Pack584picnic.png|thumb|right]]
Having a year-round growth plan in place will help attract new Scouts.
Having a year-round growth plan in place will help attract new Scouts.
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* Your existing scouts and parents could be your best recruiters.  How will you motivate them to invite their friends and siblings?
* Your existing scouts and parents could be your best recruiters.  How will you motivate them to invite their friends and siblings?


=== Basic Supplies ===
=== '''Basic Supplies''' ===
[[Image:Pack894house.jpg|thumb|right]]
[[Image:Pack894house.jpg|thumb|right]]
Before launching your recruiting drive - stock up on these essential items.
Before launching your recruiting drive - stock up on these essential items.
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# '''Prepare Recruitment Station''' - table, tablecloth, large posters, easles, handouts, etc. (My best posters were photos of the youth doing super fun outdoor activities. I also had old boys life magazines ready to handout too.)
# '''Prepare Recruitment Station''' - table, tablecloth, large posters, easles, handouts, etc. (My best posters were photos of the youth doing super fun outdoor activities. I also had old boys life magazines ready to handout too.)


=== Cyber-Presence Preparation ===
=== '''Cyber-Presence Preparation''' ===
[[Image:BeAScout4.png|thumb|right]]
# '''[[BeAScout Pin]]''': - During recruitment it will be easier to point new signups to the online registration link at '''[http://BeAScout.org BeAScout.org]'''.  Only a member of the Unit Key3 can edit this item, however, it should prominently display a email to your unit recruiter/new member coordinator. Also link it to a digital online recruitment flyer (using your website).
# '''[[BeAScout Pin]]''': - During recruitment it will be easier to point new signups to the online registration link at '''[http://BeAScout.org BeAScout.org]'''.  Only a member of the Unit Key3 can edit this item, however, it should prominently display a email to your unit recruiter/new member coordinator. Also link it to a digital online recruitment flyer (using your website).
# '''Unit Hashtag''' - For use on all social media posts (Example: #Troop726SDIC)
# '''Unit Hashtag''' - For use on all social media posts (Example: #Troop726SDIC)
# Build Unit Website - Many perspective families will do online research before contacting you again. Your website presense should have great pictures and family testimonials to help sell your unit. State your unit mission and purpose.  Google the following scout units for some great examples:
# '''Build Unit Website''' - Many perspective families will do online research before contacting you again. Your website presense should have great pictures and family testimonials to help sell your unit. State your unit mission and purpose.  Google the following scout units for some great examples:
## BSA Pack 235 - Red Hill Lutheran Church. (Sample)
# '''Welcome Page''' - If your unit already has a website - be sure it includes a "get to know us" page so that new families can learn about your unit.  Goals, Activities, Awards, Accomplishments, etc.
## BSA Troop 11 - Alameda CA (Sample)
## BSA Troop 707 & Crew 707 - Lake Highlands Elks Lodge. (Sample)
## BSA Sea Scout Ship 3500 - "Rock of Ages" - Pleasant Harbor Marina. (Sample)


== General Recruiting Tips ==
** [https://www.pack235.com/ BSA Pack 235] - Red Hill Lutheran Church. (Sample)
[[Image:TroopCard19.png|thumb|right]]
** [http://www.troop11alameda.com/ BSA Troop 11] - Alameda CA (Sample)
=== Year Round Referrals ===
** [https://www.troopwebhost.org/Troop707Dallas/Index.htm BSA Troop 707 & Crew 707] - Lake Highlands Elks Lodge. (Sample)
# '''[[Invite A Friend]]:''' By far the single most effective recruitment tool is a word of month '''referral''' youth-to-youth or parent-to-parent. Scouting holds weekly, monthly annual activities that are fun. All activity announcements sent to families by phone, mail, flyer, text, etc should always carry a note to Invite a Friend.
** [https://seascoutship3500.org/ BSA Sea Scout Ship 3500 - "Rock of Ages"] - Pleasant Harbor Marina. (Sample)
# '''Visitor Attendance Log:''' Each unit should keep a visitor attendance log.  Some units may award a year end prize or family membership discount to the top 1-3 recruiters of the year.
# '''Pass-A-Long Card:'''  A simple 3x5 type invite card. Front side is a colorful invite and the backside has contact information for the troop, troop website, BeAScout.org, etc. (See example to the right.)
# '''Recycle that ''[[Boys Life]]'':''' Drop off your old Boys Life magazines at the waiting room for your local medical, dental, vehicle care, or other lobby.


=== '''Recruiter Award''' ===
== '''General Recruiting Tips''' ==
==='''A Scout is Friendly''' ====
 
 
=== '''[[Recruiter Award]]''' ===
[[Image:Recruiter1.jpg|right]]
[[Image:Recruiter1.jpg|right]]
[[Image:Firendly1.png|thumb|right]]


# '''Recruiter Recognition''' - Scout to Scout "word of mouth" referrals is certainly the most effective way attract and retain new members. Encourage the youth to earn and display this patch.  Look for opportunities at each awards ceremony to recognize this scout.  It will motivate other scouts to do likewise.
The '''[[Recruiter Award]]''' is probably one of the most important patches in your scout unit.  Scout to Scout "word of mouth" referrals is certainly the most effective way attract and retain new members. Encourage the youth to earn and display this patch.  Look for opportunities at each awards ceremony to recognize this scout.  It will motivate other scouts to do likewise. See this section for 20+ tips to have a great peer-to-peer referral program:
# '''[https://www.pack216mcs.com/friendly.html A Scout is Friendly]''' - Share a Scoutmaster / Cubleader minute about being a friend.
 
# '''[https://www.classb.com/bsa/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyKKtyI_l4gIVF6rsCh3JRASmEAAYASAAEgI2dPD_BwE Class B Shirts]''' - Encourage Scouts and Leaders to Wear the Class B shirts - especially before Back To School Night or any School Festival. Also wear other souvenir scouting shirts - (I frequently get positive feedback when I wear mine out in public.)
 
# ''' ''Invite A Friend'' ''' - Every scouting activity flyer should include a reminder to the scouts to bring a friend. Fun activities is their opportunity to make a positive impression.
=== '''[[School Open House]]''' ===
# '''Serve your Neighbors''' - encourage scouts to look for frequent opportunities to serve their neighbors.  ([https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/5.14-16?lang=eng Matt 5:14-16])
# '''Scouting Posters for the Home''' - Encourage scouting families to hang scouting posters in the home.
# '''Digital Device Background''' - encourage youth and adults to have a scouting theme backdrop for their phone, reader, computer or other digital device.
# '''Share Scout theme videos''' - in social media, Youtube, facebook, twitter.
# '''Make New Friends''' - A Scout is Friendly - as often as possible. Look for someone who needs a friend.


=== Other Referrals ===
[[Image:PeachJar2019.jpg|thumb|right|PeachJar Flyer]]
# '''[https://www.scoutshop.org/gifts-collectibles/stickers-decals-magnets/stickers-and-decals.html ScoutShop Bumber Sticker]''' - [[Image:Troopsticker123.jpg|thumb|right]]
School Night for Scouting: From June to August, watch your District Roundtable for training cub scout recruiting, and organizing School Night for Scouting in your area. Typically the biggest recruiting event of the year for most scouting units.
# '''[https://tradingpost.classb.com/custom-boy-scout-troop-proud-of-my-boy-scout-bumper-sticker-sp5295/ Custom Troop Bumber Sticker]''' - place on scout vehicles, trailers, camp gear, school binders, etc, etc, etc, and more.  
# '''Benefits of Scouting Flyer''' - Prepare a summary recap handout of the many benefits of Scouting.
# '''Unit Newsletter''' - monthly, quarterly or annual.  Emphasize fun and adventure and outdoors and service.
# '''Frequent Field Trips''' - every scout outting is a unique opportunity to interact with the general population and to show your unit brand.
# '''Use Scouting Lingo''' - Get friends to ask you about what those words mean.
# '''Room Decor''' - Hang a mini-Scout Law or Timeless Values Poster in your workplace or office cubicle.


=== Social Media ===
Back to School Night (Fall Recruiting) - a one night event at the start of the school year, where we provide the opportunity to sign-up for Cub Scouts at every elementary school in the district. Most new scouting recruits come from this event. Ask your district executives which schools (public, private, charter, church-school, home-school, etc) are in your neighborhood and have not been assigned to a Cub Pack as of yet.
[[Image:JRudner.PNG|thumb|right|Update your Facebook Profile]]
[[Image:Benefits bsa1.jpg|thumb|right]]
Social Media Marketing:


# '''Update your Facebook Profile''' - Then just say to your local school and community groups/ pages in Facebook.
* '''[[School Open House]]''' - 20 Big tips for boosting attendance for your Unit Joining Night. Reach local school children and their parents.
# '''[https://www.facebook.com/theboyscoutsofamerica/videos/1461448717366665/UzpfSTI1Mzk5NDczMTI5NTQ0MjozMzMwNzc3NzYwMjgzNzc1/ Scouting in the City: BSA Video Series]''' - Have all unit members post this clip on their social media account!
* '''Back to School Night''' - Traditional event at the begging of the school year.
# '''Business Message Boards''' -
* '''School Festivals''' - A great opportunity to engage parents and children
# '''Church Message Boards''' -
* '''Spring Open House''' - Great to find scouts in time for summer camp and to lay a unit foundation before the next scout year starts.
# '''[https://nextdoor.com/news_feed/ NextDoor.com]''' - "The Private Social Network for Your Neighborhood." Post all invites to local scouting open house events here!
# '''Facebook Advertising''' -
# '''#Beascout Hashtag on Twitter''' -
# '''Share a daily/weekly scout message'''
# '''Encourage Scouter Blogging''' - Many scouters have different journal methods and reach different audiences.  
# '''Facebook Comments''' - post scout positive comments in Facebook.  
# '''Include US Flag Image''' - scientifically proven to have a positive persuasive effect for scouting recognition.
# '''Facebook Compliments #1''' - Thank people and organizations for their support of scouting or the country or for our Veterans.
# '''Facebook Quote of the Day''' -  
# '''Facebook Links'''
## [https://boyslife.org/ Great BoysLife Articles] - link to fun articles in BoysLife, Scouting Wire, etc.
## [Scouting News] - Find lots of positive eagle service project news articles. Positive, complementary, service, and humorous. (There are always lot.)
## [https://scoutingwire.org/ ScoutingWire.org] - more great scouting articles.
## [[Benefits of Scouting]] - Links to great articles about the benefits of Scouting.
## Benefits of Scouting #2 - more great article links
### [http://www.campminsi.org/articles/14-benefits-of-sending-a-scout-to-camp/62325 14 Benefits of Sending a Scout to Camp] -
### [https://honestandtruly.com/9-benefits-from-boy-scouts/ 9 Benefits of Scouting] -
### [https://voiceofscouting.org/why-scouting-a-study-of-benefits Why Scouting] - A Study of the Many Benefits of Scouting
### Troop 282 Honors Veterans with 21-Gun Salute and Flag Ceremony
### Scouting For Food Kick’s Off Giving Season
### University Acceptance Letter Compliments Eagle Scouts -
### Webelos Scout Sells Popcorn in all 50 States
# '''Unit Twitter Handle''' - #Troop726SDIC
# '''Unit Instagram Account''' -
# '''Unit Facebook Page''' - I ran mine like a big private group scrapbook to share event pictures with scouter families. These families could then share with their friends and extended family.
# '''[http://BSAParents.com BSAParents.com]''' - Encourage your families to share their scouting success stories here.
# '''[https://scouthut.fandom.com/wiki/Scouts_on_YouTube YouTube Scouting Videos]'''- Share more great scouting videos - post comments and video links on your SM pages.
# '''Open for more ideas'''


=== Community Events ===
=== Community Events ===
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Many units are running paid ads on Facebook using their "geo-fencing" feature to target their local neighborhood.
Many units are running paid ads on Facebook using their "geo-fencing" feature to target their local neighborhood.


== Back to School Join Night ==
==== Social Media ====
Typically the biggest recruiting event of the year for most scouting units.
[[Image:JRudner.PNG|thumb|right|Update your Facebook Profile]]
[[Image:Benefits bsa1.jpg|thumb|right]]
Social Media Marketing:


=== School Night Recruiting for Packs and Troops ===
# '''Update your Facebook Profile''' - Then just say to your local school and community groups/ pages in Facebook.
[[Image:PeachJar2019.jpg|thumb|right|PeachJar Flyer]]
# '''[https://www.facebook.com/theboyscoutsofamerica/videos/1461448717366665/UzpfSTI1Mzk5NDczMTI5NTQ0MjozMzMwNzc3NzYwMjgzNzc1/ Scouting in the City: BSA Video Series]''' - Have all unit members post this clip on their social media account!
School Night for Scouting: From June to August, watch your District Roundtable for training cub scout recruiting, and organizing School Night for Scouting in your area.
# '''Business Message Boards''' -
 
# '''Church Message Boards''' -
# '''Lots of Pictures:''' Use a large tri-fold poster board.  
# '''[https://nextdoor.com/news_feed/ NextDoor.com]''' - "The Private Social Network for Your Neighborhood." Post all invites to local scouting open house events here!
# '''Class A Uniform:''' If students are present then have scouts there. Class A uniforms are best for elementary school,
# '''Facebook Advertising''' -  
# '''Class B Uniform:''' Best for middle school recruiting.
# '''#Beascout Hashtag on Twitter''' -  
# '''No Uniform:''' Invite a couple of troop moms (with daughters/sons in the troops) there at the table, not in uniform, to talk with other moms.
# '''Share a daily/weekly scout message'''
# '''[https://insanescouter.org/p/3383/34/School_Night_for_Cub_Scouting.html School Night for Cub Scouting]''' - One evening is designated for all parents to gather at the school to learn about and hopefully join Cub Scouting.
# '''Encourage Scouter Blogging''' - Many scouters have different journal methods and reach different audiences.
# '''[[Back to School Night]] (Fall Recruiting)''' - a one night event at the start of the school year, where we provide the opportunity to sign-up for Cub Scouts at every elementary school in the district. Most new scouting recruits come from this event. Ask your district executives which schools (public, private, charter, church-school, home-school, etc) are in your neighborhood and have not been assigned to a Cub Pack as of yet.
# '''Facebook Comments''' - post scout positive comments in Facebook.
## School Night Tips - NorthernStarBSA.org
# '''Include US Flag Image''' - scientifically proven to have a positive persuasive effect for scouting recognition.
## Sign-up Night Playbook - ScoutingWire.org
# '''Facebook Compliments #1''' - Thank people and organizations for their support of scouting or the country or for our Veterans.
## School Night Planning Guide - Prepare for and deliver an effective school recruiting function
# '''Facebook Quote of the Day''' -  
## School Night for Scouting - 2013 YouTube Presentation
# '''Facebook Links'''
# '''[[School Open House]] (Spring Recruiting)''' -
## [https://boyslife.org/ Great BoysLife Articles] - link to fun articles in BoysLife, Scouting Wire, etc.
# '''[[School Festivals]] (Mid-Year Recruiting)''' -  
## [Scouting News] - Find lots of positive eagle service project news articles. Positive, complementary, service, and humorous. (There are always lot.)
 
## [https://scoutingwire.org/ ScoutingWire.org] - more great scouting articles.
=== Boosting Recruitment Night Success===
## [[Benefits of Scouting]] - Links to great articles about the benefits of Scouting.
'''Question: How do I get families to attend our Recruitment Night Event?'''
## Benefits of Scouting #2 - more great article links
 
### [http://www.campminsi.org/articles/14-benefits-of-sending-a-scout-to-camp/62325 14 Benefits of Sending a Scout to Camp] -
Note - some units focus on the following events with varying success
### [https://honestandtruly.com/9-benefits-from-boy-scouts/ 9 Benefits of Scouting] -
# Open House Night: Late spring - before the summer break
### [https://voiceofscouting.org/why-scouting-a-study-of-benefits Why Scouting] - A Study of the Many Benefits of Scouting
# Fourth of July Parade: Huge community turnout - but some families have vacation plans during the summer
### Troop 282 Honors Veterans with 21-Gun Salute and Flag Ceremony
# Back to School Night: Late summer / early fall - A little bit late for annual planning -but this is when most families actually focus on organizing their kids schedule for the new school year.
### Scouting For Food Kick’s Off Giving Season
 
### University Acceptance Letter Compliments Eagle Scouts -
* Hand out flyers at Fourth of July Parades and other large summer community events: Allow 1-2 weeks before recruitment night. Offer two recruitment nights in case families are on vacation. Even hold a recruiting booth there.
### Webelos Scout Sells Popcorn in all 50 States
* During the Summer - Recruitment night should have fun activities for the kid.
# '''Unit Twitter Handle''' - #Troop726SDIC
* Activities and Refreshments - Build marshmallow catapults and have done rockets. We also had pizza.
# '''Unit Instagram Account''' -  
* Hand out flyers during school registration days.
# '''Unit Facebook Page''' - I ran mine like a big private group scrapbook to share event pictures with scouter families. These families could then share with their friends and extended family.  
* Advertise on buy sell trade websites & local facebook groups. Indicating gender and age groups
# '''[http://BSAParents.com BSAParents.com]''' - Encourage your families to share their scouting success stories here.
* Put flyers at the school office.
# '''[https://scouthut.fandom.com/wiki/Scouts_on_YouTube YouTube Scouting Videos]'''- Share more great scouting videos - post comments and video links on your SM pages.
* Put out yard signs.
# '''Open for more ideas'''
* Encourage unit members to post flyers to their personal page.
* Paid Facebook to promote the post to people in our area.
* Place tri-fold flyers at the local bank and a couple of churches that allow for it.
* Stickers made for the little kids. Pencils and pens printed up with the pack info.
* Election days we can sell popcorn so we hand out flyers
* Include BBQ and had an ice cream truck come to our Recruitment Event.
* Be seen in your uniform and flag!
* Find something fun, and can you advertise "A community event for boys and girls grades 1-5" hosted by the Cub Scouts
* Be organized.  Families can sense between a unit in chaos and the opposite - A pack with a computerized registration table, notebooks and calendars ready to distribute.
* Schedule Recruitment night two weeks after school starts and the school handout flyers in school packages.  
* Our council gives rockets with a certain camp date to launch. But for them to get a free rocket kit they had to be registered.
* Outdoor movie night with open house and food.
* Got extra scout patches?  (ie Last year's popcorn patch, etc) - Bring those to handout.  Another attention getter.


== '''Year-Round Recruitment Calendar''' ==
== '''Year-Round Recruitment Calendar''' ==
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#  Community Social Media Groups.
#  Community Social Media Groups.
# '''Promote Local Scouting Success Stories''' - Completed Eagle Service Projects / Camporees / Service Awards and more.  Connect with local media.
# '''Promote Local Scouting Success Stories''' - Completed Eagle Service Projects / Camporees / Service Awards and more.  Connect with local media.
# '''[https://www.scouting.org/commissioners/starting-sustaining-and-growing-units/grow-the-unit/ Commissioner Service - Helping Units Grow]''' - Assess, Plan, Act.
# '''District Recruitment Plan'''  - Email Me : maintour@yahoo.com to swap ideas for district membership plans.


===Community Events ===
===Community Events ===
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# Local History Events -  
# Local History Events -  
# Local Parades. -
# Local Parades. -
# County Fairs and Super Community Events.


=== Roundtable Moments ===
=== Roundtable Moments ===
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== Recruitment Resources==
== Recruitment Resources==
=== Project Brownsea ===
# '''Support [https://projectbrownsea.com/ Project Brownsea]''' - Alumni of BSA understand the lifelong benefits of Scouting better than most people. They also  understand the impact of limited, and in some cases nonexistent, recruitment options at  this extraordinary moment in time.  Your financial donation to Brownsea will help finance an independent scouting recruitment platform.  Scouting is more than just one organization, it is a Movement.
That’s why we’re tapping into the skills first championed by Robert Baden-Powell at the first
Scout camp on Brownsea Island in 1907 — skills like resourcefulness, leadership and teamwork
— to promote recruiting and ensure the future of Scouting in this country.
=== BSA Resources ===
=== BSA Resources ===
# '''[https://scouting.webdamdb.com/bp/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer7222020&utm_medium=email&utm_content=#/lightbox/1411584/ 2020 Scout Talk Videos are Here!]''' - See the BSA Brand Center for Recruitment videos to share at your upcoming Scout Virtual Recruitment Night.
# '''[https://scouting.webdamdb.com/bp/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer7222020&utm_medium=email&utm_content=#/lightbox/1411584/ 2020 Scout Talk Videos are Here!]''' - See the BSA Brand Center for Recruitment videos to share at your upcoming Scout Virtual Recruitment Night.
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# '''[https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/year-round-guide/recruiting/ Youth Recruiting Event]''': Youth-to-youth referrals are highly effective.
# '''[https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/year-round-guide/recruiting/ Youth Recruiting Event]''': Youth-to-youth referrals are highly effective.
# '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/councils/new-member-coordinator/ New Member Coordinator]''' - Sustaining strong membership in a unit depends partly on reaching new audiences to invite them to join the unit and partly on engaging new members and their families so that they feel welcomed and want to stay. The role of the New Member Coordinator is to ensure that both keys to success take place. (ScoutingWire)
# '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/councils/new-member-coordinator/ New Member Coordinator]''' - Sustaining strong membership in a unit depends partly on reaching new audiences to invite them to join the unit and partly on engaging new members and their families so that they feel welcomed and want to stay. The role of the New Member Coordinator is to ensure that both keys to success take place. (ScoutingWire)
# Visitor Attendance Log: Each unit should keep a visitor attendance log.


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