SCOUTS BSA

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National Youth

Council Overview

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October 2021

(Public)

Role

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In Scouts BSA, we believe that youth are the experts of their experience. In order to strengthen the relevance and impact of the Scouts BSA program, the national Scouts BSA committee seeks to engage youth in decisions that affect their experience.

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In January 2022, the national Scouts BSA committee will launch its inaugural Youth Council - a group of youth who will help shape the future of the Scouts BSA program by:

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• Sharing their perspectives on the program’s strengths and growth areas, as well as what we should be thinking about going forward.
• Providing feedback on programmatic ideas under consideration by the Scouts BSA committee.

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This is a unique opportunity for youth to virtually meet Scouts from across the country and help improve the Scouts BSA program.

OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

Commitment

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Tenure and Monthly Commitment

The inaugural Youth Council will serve from January 2022 to May 2022. During that time, the Youth Council will meet virtually once a month on Zoom. The anticipated commitment is approximately 3 hours per month, including virtual meeting time and pre-work/homework.

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Meeting Schedule

The Youth Council will meet monthly from 7-9p ET on the second Sunday of every month between January 2022 and May 2022. The specific meeting dates are:

• January 9
• February 13
• March 13
• April 10
• May 8

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Youth are expected to attend at least four of the five meetings.

OVERVIEW

Composition and Criteria

Composition

The inaugural Youth Council will be comprised of approximately 10-15 total youth that represent:

• Demographic diversity, with specific focus on gender, race/ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, and different abilities.
• Geographic diversity.
• A variety of positions and experiences in the program.

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The Youth Council will be staffed by two volunteers who serve on the National Scouts BSA Committee: Dwayne Fontenette, Jr. and Winnie Lee.

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Eligibility Criteria

In order to be nominated to the Youth Council, youth must be:

• A currently member of the Scouts BSA program.
• First Class rank or higher.
• At least 14 years old and not yet 18 years old during the entire term (January 1, 2022 - May 31, 2022).
• Currently or have served in a position of responsibility in a Scouts BSA troop.

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There is no cost to participate. Youth must have the ability to join Zoom meetings.

OVERVIEW

Selection Process

Nomination

Oct 8 - Nov 5, 2021

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Youth must be nominated by a current Scouts BSA adult volunteer or professional.

Application

Nov 8 - 28, 2021

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Nominees (and their parents/guardians) will be notified of their nomination via email on Nov 8 and invited to apply electronically by Nov 28. Parents/guardians must consent to their Scout’s participation.

Selection Notification

Nov 29 - Dec 13, 2021

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Nominees (and their parents/guardians) will be notified of acceptance decisions via email by Dec 13.

Launch

Jan 9, 2022

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The first Youth Council meeting will be held on Jan 9 from 7-9p ET.

Complete this form - bit.ly/YouthCouncilNominate - to nominate an eligible Scout for the Youth Council by November 5.

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To nominate a youth, you will need:

• the youth’s name, phone number, email address, gender, race, council name, and current city and state/U.S. territory.
• to confirm that the youth meets the eligibility criteria.
• the youth’s parent/guardian’s name, email address, and phone number.
• to share a brief explanation (3-8 sentences) of why you believe the Scout should be considered for the Youth Council.

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You may nominate more than one youth.

Questions?

Contact ScoutsBSAYouthCouncil@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions: Nomination

What are the Scouts BSA positions of responsibility?

To be eligible for nomination to the Youth Council, youth must be currently or have served in a position of responsibility in a Scouts BSA troop for any tenure. Positions of responsibility include: Patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster, or outdoor ethics guide.

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Why is the Youth Council term from January 1, 2022 to May 31, 2022?

When determining the term of the inaugural Youth Council, we sought to make the commitment reasonable in length (5 months) and aligned with the timing of the common spring school semester. The commitment will wind down in time for youth to enjoy their summer.

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My Scout turns 14 after January 1, 2022. Can I nominate them?

In order to be eligible for nomination, Scouts BSA youth must be at least 14 years old and not yet 18 years old during the entire term (January 1, 2022 - May 31, 2022). You may be able to nominate your Scout in the future. We anticipate launching the second cohort of the Youth Council in late summer/early fall 2022.

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