Lodge and section chiefs across the country gathered with the national officers for the National Council of Chiefs (NCOC). This is the largest gathering of lodge leaders, with goals to improve lodge retention, communication, and engage in discussion about the future of the OA.
Retention is one of the key issues the Order of the Arrow faces today. Many potential Arrowmen get elected but not inducted, and Inducted but not engaged. To combat this, the national leadership encouraged lodge leaders to plan intentional programs to engage new members. Whether its activation and fellowship events or an annual awards banquet, events planned with purpose and the goal of engaging new members will benefit any lodge.
“Intention drives retention,” explained 2024 Gateway Region Chief Jake Whitley.
Another one of the key issues many lodges face is effective communication. Chiefs were told that effective communication is a powerful tool to keep Scouts engaged in the program. “We need to communicate to activate,” urged 2024 Eastern Region Chief Cam Dalton. A consistent social media presence, navigable website, and accessible information sent to both new and returning members all help bring more Arrowmen into the program.
The last major part of the NCOC was choosing the National Program of Emphasis for 2028. There were four options presented to the NCOC: A nationwide training event, a large-scale service project, an open fellowship event, or to take a break and focus on lodges. More information will be provided to key three leadership in the coming weeks and months, and the final vote will happen this fall in a virtual gathering.
As lodge leaders worked to Seek New Heights in their lodges, they left the NCOC with tools and ideas to help them grow the Order of the Arrow and Scouting America by focusing on the most important programs of the OA: the ones back home.