The New-Unit Organization Process
Before We Can Put Scouting's Values Into Youth,
We Have to Put Youth Into Scouting.
Click any of the steps below for a more detailed description
| The Steps | Who Is Responsible | |
| 1. | Identify the Prospect | District membership committee |
| 2. | Approach the Prospect | Influential Scouter |
| 3. | Make the Sales Call (Presentation) | Influential Scouter, new-unit organizer, and district executive |
| 4. | Organization Adopts the Program | Chartered organization head |
| 5. | Organizing Committee Meets | Chartered organization representative and new-unit organizer |
| 6. | Select and Recruit Key Leaders | Organizing committee |
| 7. | Train the Leaders | District training team |
| 8. | Plan and Organize the Program | Unit committee and new-unit organizer |
| 9. | Recruit Youth Members | Unit committee and new-unit organizer and Orient Parents |
| 10. | Complete the Paperwork | Unit committee and new-unit organizer |
| 11. | First Unit Meeting | Unit leadership |
| 12. | Follow Up | New-unit organizer, unit commissioner, and chartered organization representative |
Teamwork, Planning, and the Process
From experience, the Boy Scouts of America has learned that one sure way to get more youths into Scouting is to have more units available for them to join. One person can't effectively organize a new unit alone, but one person can motivate others to get involved. It takes a team to organize a new unit. That team usually consists of the district executive, new-unit organizer, and unit commissioner and is supported by district committee members.
The New-Unit Organizer
Organizing units is a function of the district membership committee, which designates people to be new-unit organizers. Although there is no limit to the number of new-unit organizers in a district, each prospective new unit should have an assigned organizer. A new-unit organizer can work with more than one unit at a time if the units are in different stages of development. For instance, a new-unit organizer may work with one unit in the final stages of organization, as well as work with another unit that is just starting.
The District Executive
The district executive usually helps make the sale to the head of the prospective chartered organization. Once the organization agrees to appoint an organizing committee, the new-unit organizer should assume responsibility. The district executive will continue working with other chartered organizations in the early stages of unit organization, thus extending the opportunity for additional organizations to offer Scouting as part of their youth programs. The district executive is also available to advise and support the new-unit organizer.
Following the Plan
Later on, the process will involve other members of the district committee, such as members of the training committee. The unit commissioner continues to nurture and serve the new unit as it begins its program.
Take no shortcuts in new-unit organization. Omit a step and the new unit will likely suffer. A unit that is organized using all the time-tested steps stands an excellent chance of enjoying a long tenure.
Follow All 12 Steps
Successful new-unit organization requires teamwork and careful attention to the 12 steps discussed. Skip a step and that becomes a weak link in the process. Remember that following each step closely helps ensure strong new-unit organization and reinforces the unit's ability to build tenure and develop quality leaders.
It's up to the district executive, new-unit organizer, and unit commissioner—with support from district committee members—to work as a team with the chartered organization toward a common goal.
Before We Can Put Scouting's Values Into Youth,
We Have to Put Youth Into Scouting.