Commissioner Service

 The Commissioner Concept

The Commissioner is the liaison between the local council and Scouting units.  The com-    

missioner's mission is to keep the units operating at maximum efficiency, maintain regular

contact with unit leaders, counsel leaders on where to find assistance, note weakness in    

programs, and suggest remedies.  The commissioner is successful when units effectively

deliver the ideals of Scouting to their members.                                                                              

 Roles the Commissioner Plays

  A commissioner plays several roles, including friend, representative, unit "doctor," teacher, and counselor.

  The commissioner is a friend of the unit. Of all your roles, this one is the most important. It springs from the attitude, "I care, I am here to help, what can I do for you?" Caring is the ingredient that makes commissioner service successful. Be an advocate of unit needs. A com­missioner who makes himself known and accepted now will be called on in future times of trouble.

  The commissioner is a representative. The average unit leader is totally occupied in working with kids. Some have little if any contact with the Boy Scouts of America other than your visits to their meeting. To them, you may be the BSA. Be a good example. Show that you believe in the ideals, the principles, and the policies of the Scouting movement. Represent it well!

The commissioner is a unit "doctor." In your role as "doctor," you know that prevention is better than a cure, so you try to see that your units make good "health practices" a way of life. When problems arise, and they will even in the best unit, act quickly. Observe symptoms, diagnose the real ailment, prescribe a rem­edy, and follow up on the patient.

  The commissioner is a teacher. As a commissioner, you will have a wonderful opportunity to participate in the growth of unit leaders by sharing your knowl­edge with them. You teach not just in an academic environment, but where it counts most as an imme­diate response to a need to know. That is the best adult learning situation since the lesson is instantly rein­forced by practical application of the new knowledge.

  The commissioner is a counselor. As a Scouting counselor, you will help units solve their own prob­lems. Counseling is the best role for you when unit leaders don't recognize a problem and where solutions are not clear-cut. Everyone needs counseling from time to time, even experienced leaders.

The Commissioner's Pledge

On my honor I will do my best, by example in my daily life to make the Scout Oath and Law a more vital force for good character and citizenship in the lives of the youth and leaders I serve.

I will do my best to help secure, and help to make effective the finest possible leadership, for the units I serve.

I will do my best to help make the program of the units I serve, the best that can be given, rich in wholesome fun and adventure.

In all that I do, I will strive to help my units attract into membership, every possible youth so that through their participation, that youth can help make America a finer, greater nation in a world community.