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Unit Commissioners

The unit commissioner is a generalist whose passionate overriding mission in Scouting is to help units succeed. Specific responsibilities include:

• Help each unit earn the Quality Unit Award.
   
• Use the annual commissioner service plan, with its scheduled opportunities for commissioner contact with units.
   
• Know each phase of the Scouting program. Review Scouting program literature.
   
• Visit unit meetings.
  a. Observe the unit in action and determine the degree to which the descriptions in the literature are being followed.
  b. If called upon, participate or help in some of the regular activities of the unit.
   
• Visit regularly with the unit leader.
  a. Listen to what the unit leader has to say.
  b. Offer encouragement and support.
  c. Using the literature and profile sheet, help the leader see new opportunities for improvement.
  d. Maintain the best possible relationship with unit leadership.
  e. Help the leader with forms and applications.
  f. Encourage unit participation in district and council program events and training opportunities.
   
• Work to assure effective and active unit committees.
  a. Visit with the unit committee periodically.
  b. Observe the committee in action.
  c. Using the literature, offer suggestions for improvement.
  d. Work with the committee to solve problems and improve unit operation.
   
• Keep in touch with the chartered organizations of the units you serve.
  a. Meet and orient the chartered organization representative.
  b. Meet the head of the organization and explain your role as helper of units.
  c. Help develop a good relationship between unit leaders and chartered organization leaders.
   
• Know the neighborhood in which your units are located.
  a. Help graduating members of one program join the next level of Scouting.
  b. Identify potential sources for new youth members.
  c. Cultivate men and women of good moral character who might become Scouting leaders.
  d. Know chartered organizations and prospective ones.
  e. Learn about resources and characteristics of the neighborhood, which may affect a unit.
   
• Know the district and council.
  a. Identify resources that can help the unit.
  b. Know scheduled events that will help the unit.
  c. Work closely with the professional staff.
  d. Use members of district operating committees to help meet specialized needs of your units.
   
• Set the example.
  a. Adopt an attitude of helpfulness.
  b. Keep promises.
  c. Be concerned about proper uniforming.
  d. Be diplomatic.
   
• Continue to grow in experience and knowledge.
  a. Attend commissioner training experiences and earn the commissioner training awards.
  b. Meet with, and share information with, other commissioners.
   
• Involve unit personnel in Cub Scout roundtables, Boy Scout roundtables.
   
• Make certain that proper techniques are used to select and recruit unit leaders.
   
• Facilitate the on-time annual charter renewal of all assigned units.
  a. Help the unit conduct a membership inventory of youth and adults.
  b. Help the unit committee chairman conduct the char- ter renewal meeting.
  c. See that a completed charter renewal application is returned to the council service center.

Contacts

Forms & Flyers

The Commissioner

Why be one

Resources

Position Description

Role we play

Commissioner Thesis

Selection

Vision

Job Description