OA Member A:
Fellow Boy Scouts, the Order of the Arrow is the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America.
Its purpose is to recognize and honor those campers who best live up to
the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law in their daily lives and to
guide them in expanding the service that has made them outstanding. The
Order promotes Scout camping and maintains camping tradition and
spirit. It emphasizes that the good scout camper is not only skilled at
Scoutcraft, but also true to the ideals of Scouting and its tradition
of the daily good turn.
The only way a Scout can become a member of the Order of
the Arrow is to be elected for this honor by the members of his unit.
To be eligible for election, a youth must fulfill the camping
requirement and hold the First Class Rank. Although the unit leader
must certify eligibility of all nominees, leaders 21 or older are not
permitted to vote in the election or to influence the votes for or
against particular nominees.
After being elected, the Scout must undergo the Ordeal,
which is a series of tests of his sincere dedication to the high ideals
of Scouting and the Order. If he is faithful in performing the tests,
he takes a solemn pledge of service and is admitted into the Order. A
long period of self-improvement and service then follows.
The patch, the arrow ribbon, and the distinctive sash
identify the Order of the Arrow member. They are symbols of service.
Our Lodge has its own activities and projects, but our program does not
replace the member's responsibility to his unit. Indeed each Arrowman
is expected to give richer service to his own troop in return for the
honor his unit extended to him.
Indian lore is an attractive sideline in our Order. The
Indian is ours to preserve. Indian dances and ceremonies add color to
our program of service, and members often make Indian lore their hobby.
However, one does not need Indian attire or skill in Indian lore to
become a valuable member of the Order of the Arrow.
Scouts you will elect representatives to our Brotherhood
of cheerful service, and we are here to assist you in the election. All
active registered youth members of this troop, except those 21 years or
older, are entitled to vote. All those who receive votes from at least
half of those who turn in ballots are elected. The number you elect
will depend on how your votes agree with other members. Remember that
an Order of the Arrow election is not a popularity contest! Don't vote
for a Scout just because he is your friend or just because he is a good
athlete or just because he is older than the rest. What really counts
is his loyalty to the Scout Oath or Promise.
Campaigning in the Order of the Arrow election is not
permitted. You are expected to think for yourself, do not let others
influence your decision. The election is by secret ballot and no
discussion will be permitted, so no one will know for whom you are
voting. This important decision about your fellow scouts is entirely up
to you.
Before we announce the names of those eligible, and beginning the election are there any questions?
OA Member B:
The following members of this unit have met the camping and advancement
requirements and are eligible for election, as certified by your unit
leader. Will you stand and form a line over here (point) as your names
are called?
(Point out place and read the list slowly. Arrange the
candidates in line facing the voters at the place indicated; the line
can be semicircular if the eligible group is large. Write each name on
chalkboard or flip chart as called.)
Scouts, you should answer each of the following questions to yourself; your answer will help you make the right selections.
OA Member C:
Who in this group is a friend to all and brother to every other Scout?
Who is pleasant and easy to get along with? Is he kind and helpful? In
all, if you were a Tenderfoot, would you like to hike and camp with
him?
Who is cheerful, even when he has many tiresome jobs to
do? Who smiles whenever he can? Who obeys promptly and cheerfully? Does
he control his temper? If you were to camp with him for several weeks,
do you think you would enjoy it?
Who is always ready to give unselfish and wholehearted
service to others? Who, in serving others, can forget his own desire
and interests? Who has served your unit all year round, faithfully
attending your meetings and helping with your service projects? Do you
think he will continue his service in the future? If you were his
Patrol Leader, could you depend on him?
In all, ask yourselves: Who in this group, by living up to
the Scout Oath or Promise, serves your fellow Scout with such an
example of brotherhood and cheerfulness that you look up to him with
deep respect and admiration?
OA Member B:
Scouts, on the
ballot you will be given, print the first and last names of the
candidates who, in your opinion, have set the best examples of
brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. Vote only for those you believe
will continue in unselfish service to your troop. If you feel that no
one is worthy, turn in an unused, blank ballot. If you are new in the
troop and do not know the candidates well enough to vote wisely, you
may abstain by not turning in a ballot at all, and this will not affect
the final result.
Those eligible for election also vote, and they may vote for themselves if they feel they are worthy.
The names of those eligible are listed on this chalkboard (flip chart,
poster, etc.). When you are finished fold the ballot only once and give
the pencil and ballot to any of us.
(Distribute election ballots and pencils.)
(Collect ballots and pencils.)
(Count the votes in private with the unit leader.)
