OA Unit Representative

The Order of the Arrow unit representative is a youth serving the unit as the primary liaison to the unit’s lodge or chapter. They meet the unit’s needs by providing a communication and programmatic link to and from all Arrowmen, Scouts who are not presently members of the Order, and adult leaders. These efforts are meant to assist the unit and its members in achieving the mission of the Boy Scouts of America, and at the same time fulfilling the lodge’s role in the Strategic Plan of the Order of the Arrow of being an integral part of the council. By setting a good example, they enhance the image of the Order as a service arm to their unit.

The OA Unit Representative Support Pak contains information to help the representative understand their dual position in the unit and the lodge. Included in the Support Pak are a collection of frequently asked questions and an official job description. Much of the content in the Support Pak is contained in appendices to the document.

Support Pak

OA Unit Representative Newsletter

This newsletter is for the OA unit representative and their adviser and contains important updates and information about Colonneh Lodge. The OA unit should share the information with the Order of the Arrow members in the unit.

Sign up for the Unit Representative Newsletter

OA Unit Representative Summit

The OA Unit Representative Summit is a training experience for OA unit representatives and their advisers. The summit focuses on building leadership skills, providing service to the unit and working with the OA unit representative adviser.

The summit emphasizes how the OA unit representative is a jack of all trades in their various leadership situations. The course also revolves around the OA Unit of Excellence Award and will give Arrowmen an opportunity to develop a plan for their unit to achieve this recognition. Finally, Arrowmen will begin to think critically about crafting their own goals regarding service to their unit.

Lead Your Unit. Be The Catalyst. Inspire Others.

The OA unit representative is a leadership position held by an OA member. They serve as a liaison among the unit, chapter and the lodge. Practically speaking, this gives your unit a voice in the OA and is the avenue through which your unit questions or requests of the OA are addressed.

OA Unit Representative Duties

  • Attends unit and chapter or lodge meetings regularly as a youth representative of the unit and Order.
  • Serves as a two-way communication link between the unit and the lodge or chapter.
  • Arranges with the lodge or chapter election team to conduct an annual Order of the Arrow election for the unit at a time approved by the unit youth leadership.
  • Arranges with the lodge or chapter for at least one camp promotion visit to the unit annually.
  • Makes at least one high adventure presentation to the unit, to include the OA programs, annually.
  • As requested by the unit youth leader, participates in courts of honor and other unit recognition events by recognizing: high adventure participation of unit members, induction of new OA members, changes in OA honors of unit members, the leadership of unit members, and other appropriate activities.
  • Coordinates the Ordeal induction process for newly elected candidates by ensuring they know the time and location of the Ordeal, providing information of what to bring to the Ordeal, assisting (as needed) in arranging transportation to the Ordeal, and offering assistance (as needed) to the lodge in the Ordeal process.
  • Assists current Ordeal members in the unit in sealing their membership by becoming Brotherhood members by ensuring they know the time and location of Brotherhood opportunities, assisting (as needed) in arranging transportation to the Brotherhood opportunities, and offering assistance to the lodge (as needed) in the Brotherhood process. At the discretion of the unit youth leadership, offer periodic training and discussions of OA principles, symbolism, and the Legend as needed by and appropriate for the unit members of the Order.
  • Leads at least one unit service project for the community or charter partner during the year. May also serve, at the discretion of the unit youth leadership, as the unit’s service chair.
  • Assists the unit (as appropriate) as a trainer of leadership and outdoor skills.
  • In all cases, advocates environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace camping.
  • Sets a good example by wearing the Scout uniform correctly, showing Scout spirit, and living by the Scout Oath, the Scout Law and the OA Obligation.

Qualifications:

  • Under 18 years old
  • Appointed by the senior patrol leader, crew president or ship boatswain with unit leader approval
  • Order of the Arrow member in good standing

Reports To:

  • Senior patrol leader, crew president or ship boatswain
  • Maybe included as a member of the unit youth leadership (e.g., PLC) at the discretion of the unit leadership.

Term:

  • Serves for a 12-month period
  • Appointed 60 days before the unit election to facilitate election procedures and fulfill follow-up duties
  • May continue to coordinate with Ordeal candidates elected during their term as they progress to Brotherhood membership even after their term has expired.

Flow of Information

The following is a list of information that needs to flow between the OA unit representative and the lodge or chapter:

Lodge/Chapter to Unit:

  • Lodge/chapter calendars
  • Unit elections visit
  • Camp promotions visit
  • Community service project opportunities
  • Invitations to Ordeal members to obtain Brotherhood membership
  • Invitations to candidates to attend their Ordeal
  • Resource lists
  • OA representative registration forms
  • Encourages OA members to be active in their lodge and chapter

Unit to Lodge/Chapter:

  • Does the unit conduct monthly campouts?
  • Does the unit attend a long-term camp?
  • Do the unit's older Scouts participate in high adventure programs?
  • Does the unit need assistance with its outdoor program?
  • Does the unit need assistance with community service projects?
  • Does the unit need assistance with training?
  • Do the unit’s OA members participate in lodge and chapter functions?
  • Name of the new OA unit representative
  • Reaction of the unit members to the lodge and chapter program