Unit Recruitment and Marketing Resources

2021 Spring Theme "Escape the Great Indoors"

Summary Table:

1. MTC Membership / Recruitment Calendar Timelines
2. Unit Recruitment Support Documents for Spring Campaign
3. Upcoming "Recruitment' trainings"  
4. My.Scouting.org Online Tools 
5. Understanding Membership Fees
6. Den Leader Resources
7. Social Media Playbook
8. Promoting Your Unit 

The most effective recruiting occurs when the professional Scouting staff, unit volunteer leaders, and parents all work together, share ideas, and leverage each other’s skills, insights, and resources. For parents, it’s an opportunity for their kids to make new friends. And for unit volunteer leaders, it’s a chance to watch youth learn new skills, try new things, and discover new paths. Regardless of your role, the outcome is the same:

We’ve assembled several assets you can use to grow your unit this Spring.  If you need help developing a plan, contact your local District Executive for help.  As we can print fliers and support distribution.

Getting Started!

1. Take some time to understand the overall membership calendar timeline (#1).  This document guides the unit each month through a recruitment cycle.
    
2. Identify a meeting, activity, or event the unit can invite a new Family to learn more about the unit and Scouting.  Can be a Pack/Den meeting, outdoor Pack activity, local Firehouse visit, or simply a Community Park "sign up" event.
   
   Pro Tip: Use the unit FaceBook page or Group to create an event.  Make it shareable with others to spread the word on their FaceBook pages. 
    
3. Select a fillable document that will best support the unit during recruiting (#2).  Your District Director or District Executive can help with printing - just provide the needed information.
    
4. Learn how to use the online resources available in the my.scouting.org platform (#3).  Through the BeAScout.org webpage, a Scouting family can identify units in their community to join.  Be sure to make the unit visible and up-to-date with contact, locations, events info!  BE SEEN! 
   
   Pro Tip:  right now do a test, visit BeAScout.org and enter in your hometown zip code.  What did you find - is it up to date - is it easy for a new Family to understand or learn more?
    
5. Review upcoming trainings and remaining resources to support the unit. 

1. MTC Membership Committee - Membership/Recruitment Calendar Timelines

2021 Unit and District Membership Calendar 

2. "Escape the Great Indoors" 2021 Unit Recruitment Support Documents

All documents are downloadable and fillable to meet your needs.  The MTC professional field staff are here to help you with all efforts! 

3. Recruitment Trainings

Wednesday March 24, 2021 - 7 pm

Saturday March 27, 2021 -  8:30 am

4. My.Scouting.org Online Tools

Information about online registration for unit leaders

5. Understanding BSA Membership Fees

BSA National Council Membership Fees FAQ       

BSA Membership Fee Info Graphic

6. Den Leader Resources

Den Leader Resources Center 

7. Social Media Playbook

• 

  Social Media Playbook

  The BSA Social Media Playbook will be your guide as you use social media to communicate, recruit, retain, and inspire those in your community. Learn about best practices, recent trends, and the tools available to ensure your success.

  GET STARTED

• 

  BSA Social Media Guidelines

  The Boy Scouts of America has developed the following guidelines and policies to help you safely navigate the use of social media channels for your council or unit. These guidelines are a complement to the BSA’s existing Youth Protection policies
  and training.

  LEARN MORE

• 

  Social Media Images

  Access high-quality branded photos, profile images,
  and cover images to share on your council or unit social
  media accounts.

  BSA BRAND CENTER

8. Promoting Your Unit

To continue to be successful and keep growing, your unit must be visible in the community. Community newspapers want and need submissions. Most do not have large staffs, so a submitted article is a welcome assist. Scouting should not be a well-kept secret. Scouts in action should appear next to articles about athletic teams and other youth activities. Articles posted on refrigerator doors across the country help keep Scouting at the center of family activities.

Use these resources to help promote your unit within your community.  

Public Policy and Photo Refusal

Media Contact List (Organized by District)

Tips for Unit Public Relations

Sample Press Release

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