Unit Services Committee FAQ
Unit Elections
How does one become a member of the O-A?
The O-A has different procedures for youth and adults. Youth members (under the age of 21) are elected by other youth members of their troop in an election conducted by the O-A Lodge through the Chapters. At least 50 % of the registered youth members of the troop must be present for an election to be held. Each youth member of the troop has one vote for each youth eligible for election. They may vote for none, one or as many eligible youth that are on the ballot. The eligible youth must receive a vote from more than half of the voting members - e.g. if 15 youth vote, to be selected an eligible youth must receive eight votes.
Adults are nominated by the troop committee and the nomination is forwarded to a Lodge Adult nomination committee headed by the Lodge Adviser for consideration.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
What's an O-A Election?
The O-A has different procedures for youth and adults. Youth members (under the age of 21) are elected by other youth members of their troop in an election conducted by the O-A Lodge through the Chapters. At least 50 % of the registered youth members of the troop must be present for an election to be held. Each youth member of the troop has one vote for each youth eligible for election. They may vote for none, one or as many eligible youth that are on the ballot. The eligible youth must receive a vote from more than half of the voting members - e.g. if 15 youth vote, to be selected an eligible youth must receive eight votes.
Adults are nominated by the troop committee and the nomination is forwarded to a Lodge Adult nomination committee headed by the Lodge Adviser for consideration.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
Are there any membership requirements?
Yes. To be considered for election, a youth must be a registered member of his unit, must have achieved the rank of First Class, must not have reached his 21st birthday, and must, while registered with a troop or team, have a minimum of 15 days and nights of scout camping experience, including one (and only one) long term camping experience (6 days / 5 nights) within two years prior to the election. With the exception of the first class and age requirement, adult nominees must meet the same camping and membership requirements.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
Is there any limit to the number of youth who are placed on the ballot for election?
Provided they all meet the eligibility requirements, no.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
Does the Scoutmaster have to list all youth who are eligible?
No. The scoutmaster must sign the election form certifying that all those on the ballot are eligible for election. If the scoutmaster feels that a certain member or members of the unit do not exemplify the high ideals of the O-A, he does not have to list them as eligible for election even though they may meet the membership requirements. The scoutmaster has full discretion as to the eligibility of any troop member for the election, but he may not waive the membership requirements. This certification takes place prior to the election, and cannot be changed once the election takes place.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
Can the Scoutmaster vote in the election?
No. No one over the age of 21 may cast a vote in the election.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
How many elections can my troop have per year?
One. Each troop is entitled to only one election per year. The Lodge calendar runs from January 1 through December 31. Each troop may have only one election during that time period.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
When can this election take place?
The election can be done anytime during the year; however, most unit elections occur in the fall and spring of the year in advance of our Ordeal induction weekends at one of our Council camps. Scout units are encouraged to schedule a recurring annual date for planning purposes.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
How do I arrange for an election?
In the fall of each year, Chapter election teams will start contacting each scoutmaster in their Districts to set up elections. If your troop has not been contacted each year by January 1st, you are encouraged to contact your Chapter Adviser or the Lodge Adviser for action.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
Can a Scoutmaster conduct his own election?
NO! All elections must be conducted with at least one member of the Chapter or Lodge election team present, preferably a member from outside the troop.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
How do I nominate an adult for membership?
Adult nomination forms are available from the election team or your Chapter Adviser. They must be filled out accurately and completely, and signed by the Committee Chairman. The committee chairman should retain one copy of the form with the remaining copy and original forwarded to the Chapter Adviser. The Chapter Adviser will forward the original on to the Lodge Adviser for consideration.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
How many adults may I nominate?
Each troop who has a youth election may nominate only one adult per 50 in the unit (0-50, 1 adult; 51-100, 2 adults; 101-150, 3 adults, etc.).
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
What if my troop does not have an election; can I still nominate an adult?
No.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
How are adult nominations considered?
The adult nomination process is very selective. Since the O-A exists by and large for the youth, with the youth only, serving in the leadership positions, adult nominations are carefully screened. The committee considers the adults ability to perform the necessary functions to help the O-A fulfill its goals and purposes, how the adult will be an asset to the Lodge and whether the adult will be a positive role model to the youth. O-A membership is NOT a recognition for service either past or present NOR a reward for achievement or position.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
Once the adult nomination form is submitted, what happens then?
Within two to four weeks of receipt, the Adult Nomination Committee, through the Lodge Adviser, will generally respond in one of three ways. If approved, the nominee will receive a letter noting such. If additional information is needed, the nominator (unit committee chairman) will receive a letter requesting the additional information. If denied, the nominator will receive a letter noting such and the reasons why.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
Can my Venture Crew, Varsity Team or Explorer Post have an election?
O-A elections can only be held by Scout Troops and Varsity Teams. Elections cannot be held by Venture Crews or Explorer Posts.
Last Updated: March 30, 2004
Is there a way to electronically request a unit election?
You bet! In the left toolbar of our website, select "Unit Election." The resulting page is an electronic form you complete with details on your request for a unit election. The request is disbursed to multiple lodge members for follow-up and confirmation.
Last Updated: November 25, 2005
Do adults need to become Brotherhood members?
All Ordeal members are encouraged to seal their membership in the OA as a Brotherhood member. This can only be done after 10 months of service in the OA. It is especially important for adult Ordeal members to seal their membership for two primary reasons: 1) you demonstrate by action your commitment to the OA national honor society; and, 2) the lodge is dependent upon Ordeal members converting to Brotherhood in order to achieve the annual Quality Lodge recognition.
Last Updated: November 25, 2005
Can a unit election be done at an out-of-council camp or event?
No.
Last Updated: April 3, 2006
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