There are lots of types of Chartered Organization Representatives or CORs. This ScoutMaster Dave discussion explores the relationship with your COR and how both the organization and the scouts can make the most of it.
Transcript:
There are lots of types of Chartered Organization Representatives or CORs as they are referred to. There are some that are really involved with your unit, and there are some on the other end of the spectrum that you need to chase down to sign the charter papers year after year.
The Chartered organization is part of the key 3, which is the Scout or Cubmaster, Committee Chairperson and the Chartered Organization Rep. Togther these three form the ruling body of the unit.
As part of the key 3 they serve as a liaison for your unit, encourage leaders to run an effective program, promote recruitment, promote the outdoor program, and represent your organization on the council and district levels.
One of the big things the Chartered Organization is supposed to do is provide a meeting place for the unit, and approve and maintain the leadership of the unit.
Many however take a back seat and simply sign paperwork, which is a shame, as usually the COR has many connections and outlets as religious or civil organizations that could improve the overall program for scouts.
As Round table commissioner I can count on one hand how many chartered organization reps come on a monthly basis, most times on one finger. CORs should be attending roundtables, and trainings, attending pack and troop functions, evangelizing scouting within their community and also attending committee meetings.
The reality however is most Scoutmasters and Cubmasters and Committee Chairs are happy their representatives fade into the background, as they believe they can challenge their authorities in the unit. And for some, this may be true.
This needs to balance with the benefits the chartered organization can provide.
Look at it in the context of promoting fundraising. How many chartered organizations even bring up the yearly popcorn sale, or let them put a table out after services or meetings. I would believe not many. But is this because you have not extended the hand of friendship and cooperation?
Maybe so. If each time you go to the chartered organization and ask for something you obviously will get little in return after a while, so why not turn this around?
Invite them to participate in Court of Honors, or pack meetings, camping trips and barbeques. Ask their opinion, or simply send them a monthly report on what’s going on in the unit. Any way you can keep them connecting and engaged has to lead to greater involvement or understanding.
If not, maybe it’s time to find a representative who will.
Take what you like and leave the rest, and as we say in Woodbadge, feedback is a gift, leave yours below in the comments, with the hope we can all learn together.
I’m Scoutmaster Dave, and this was a bit on relationship building with your chartered organization.
