Section NE-5B

The Lodge Assistance Program makes available a section’s extensive resources to help the lodges of the section. With the section’s help, lodges will be able to provide better service to their councils and fulfill the requirements of the Quality Lodge Recognition program.

The assistance program encompasses two major elements, lodge visits by a section assistance team and use of the council of chiefs meetings to provide training. Through a system of evaluation and review, lodge leaders are able to interact and learn from experienced Arrowmen within the section. The lodge visits help identify the resources, training, and guidance that lodges require to ultimately increase the service they provide to their councils.

Sections gain first-hand knowledge of lodge strengths through onsite visits. This in turn enables the section to prepare programs to meet the needs of the lodges, and provides them through conclave training and Council of Chiefs discussions and presentations. The Lodge Assistance Program uses the resources of the section to improve and strengthen the lodges.

Responsibilities

Section Chief
With the help of the Vice Chief, appoint members of the Assistance Team
Be responsible for the maintenance of the Order of the Arrow standards as they pertain to
uniforming, ceremonies, use of the program, and other policies and procedures
Promote the Quality Lodge program as a standard of performance and ensure recognition of lodge leaders and lodges achieving this standard
Be responsible, through the Council of Chiefs, for the presentation of program plans, ideas, and material via effective meeting presentations
Involve members of the COC in training and roundtable (forum) discussions
Evaluate the effectiveness of COC’s and seek suggestions from all council members

Section Vice Chief
Manage the Assistance Team appointed by the Section Chief in all functions relating to the LAP
Report to the Section Chief and serve as an officer of the Council of Chiefs
Be responsible for the monitoring/mentoring service function of the Section
Chair the meetings of the Lodge Assistance Team
Provide sufficient training opportunities so that every member of the Assistance Team may receive training
Be responsible for the maintenance of the Order of the Arrow standards as they pertain to uniforming, ceremonies, use of the program, and other policies and procedures
Keep the Section Chief and Adviser apprised of the status of lodges

Lodge Assistance Team Members
Report to the Section Vice Chief, Section Chief, and Team Advisers
Assist each lodge in earning the Quality Lodge recognition
Know all aspects of the Order of the Arrow and its literature
Know the resources available to the lodge from the section, other lodges, and national supply
Become trained as an Assistance Team member. Visit, as assigned, with the lodge
Listen to what the Lodge Key 3 have to say; offer encouragement and support
Using literature, help the lodge leadership in setting future goals to augment their program
Assist the lodge leadership in setting future goals to augment their program
Maintain good ‘coaching’ relations
If asked, offer program assistance or resources that the section may provide
Encourage lodge participation in Section/Regional/National events and training
Verify that proper techniques are used to select and recruit lodge leaders
Become familiar with the annual program events offered by the Order of the Arrow
Set the example, adopt an attitude of helpfulness, keep promises. Be diplomatic
Keep track of re-charter status, quality lodge applications and the progress of all lodges
Help meet the section’s goals
Support local and national OA and Scouting policy, procedures, and practices

Contact us: lap_at_ne5a.org