Tetonwana Lodge #105
Sioux Council, BSA 

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Order of the Arrow Unit Elections

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Has your unit scheduled an Order of the Arrow election?

A successful unit election is the first step to attaining membership in the Order of the Arrow. If your unit has had an election every year or if this is your first exposure to the "OA", this page will help you understand what will happen, when it will happen and what you need to do to best have your unit prepared. If at any time you have a question contact the lodge for clarification and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Many "tall tales" are shared between "old timers" and even some more recently inducted members to our Order. Foremost, is the rumor that the Order of the Arrow does a lot in secret and is some sort of "secret society". Nothing could be further from the truth. The OA is a program within the Scouting program. ALL the rules that apply to your unit apply to the OA. Hazing in any form is not allowed. We encourage an air of mystery to the youth because it builds anticipation. But the content of our ceremonies and the details of our induction sequence may be discussed with any truly interest adult leader or parent. If this is an area of concern, please contact the Lodge Advisor, and he will arrange a time to discuss and answer your questions. There are NO religious implications.

Eligibility

Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit members, following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach. To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced fifteen days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the two-year period prior to the election. The fifteen days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps.

Adult selection is based on their ability to perform the necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose, and is not for recognition. Selected adult Scouters must be an asset to the Order because of demonstrated abilities, and provide a positive role model for the youth members of the lodge.

Question: Why should my unit have a unit election?

There are several reasons each troop in the Sioux Council should plan for and hold an annual OA election. It is an excellent opportunity for the youth of your troop to recognize those they view as leaders and outstanding Scouts. This recognition can encourage your members as they progress in Scouting. When an older Scout becomes more involved in Scouting, his bonds will grow. Because all OA members must be an active member of their unit, your unit can benefit by retaining older members as leaders and examples to younger Scouts. Finally, the OA has many opportunities beyond what most units can offer to gain leadership skills that benefit them personally and ultimately, your troop.

Question: Can a troop do its own unit election?

Under some specific guidelines a unit may be allowed to conduct its own unit election. It is best to have a lodge or chapter Election Team do the election but if circumstances require and your unit complies with the following rules you may be authorized to conduct the election.

    You must have an OA Troop Representative in your unit and that OA Representative must be registered with the lodge.

    At least the Troop Representative or one other Scout must have completed a Tetonwana Lodge Unit Election training session.

    An adult leader will assist with the election. A minimum of two OA members from your unit will conduct the election.

    Your unit has the proper OA Election Forms, OA Election Ballots and the OA Election Video . Unit O.A. Elections Packet, Guide to Inductions

    Receive approval from the Tetonwana Lodge or local chapter prior to conducting the election.

Units may also conduct a "joint" election with a neighboring unit at the same time and location. This has an advantage to the unit and to the lodge Election Team. Only the paperwork must be completed separately.

Question: When can we have an election?

Anytime from January to March 31^st. The date can be a regular troop meeting or a special meeting. Our goal is to have all unit elections completed by the Spring Camporee in May.

Contact the Tetonwana Lodge if you have any other questions concerning O.A. membership or O.A unit elections.