We had a great turnout for the meeting with 12 Groups represented, Godwin, Brenda, Denise, David and Ulla from the Area Team, Helen, Ruth and Tony from Council.
The Leadership Summit address by Steve Kent was presented followed by the Council 5-yr plan and the Oakville plan that has been developed so far.
The process to recruit a new Area Commissioner, Area Youth Commissioner and more Area Team members was discussed and it was decided that Godwin, Brenda and Denise would make up the nominating review committee to submit recommendations to the Council Commissioner for possible appointment. The review would be first to the review committee, then forwarded to Ed Balyk, Council Field Executive, then to the Council Commissioner.
A notice will be sent out to all leaders in Oakville looking for candidates. Ideally we will receive more than one person willing to stand for the role and if so, then GCs and Area team members will have some kind of process to indicate their preference. It was pointed out that the Area Commissioner is part of the Council team and this is an appointment process by the Council Commissioner.
One of the key priorities raised as a barrier to growth is facilities. Specifically new Durham schools won’t allow scouting and rental costs of the existing schools is exorbitant.
Repatriation of District funds back to the Area was discussed – this is on the agenda for the November 26th Council Meeting. Area funds are going to be used by the Area team for the Area and not distributed directly to Groups. Area Commissioners will decide the process of how and what the funds are to be used for within Areas. Group Commissioners were asked to provide ideas to the Area team.
One of the fundamental issues discussed is the concept of no-barriers to scouting. We are all part of the whole; we are not 8 Areas but One Council, all Oakville groups form the Area and it is part of the council and we need to have all groups participate as a team, not individuals and we must break down these walls and work together.
Oakville is hosting the Council Annual Reporting Meeting and the Area would like to hold skills workshops or other value added activities prior to the 1pm ARM.
If you have any ideas, would like to help or join the Area Team, please contact anyone from the team. Get involved, be part of the solution.
Everyone was challenged to write up deserving individuals for Awards, including all GCs to work on write-ups for each other as an example to get the process re-started. Laurie Romanica at the Council has offered to assist anyone in the area to help with this process.
An all leaders meeting is in the planning stages for early 2010.
Communications flow: any issues related to the following:
Administration – Brenda
Training – Denise
Program/Servicing – Godwin
Special Events/Fundraising – David
Marketing/Recruitment Events – Ulla
Council Team for support to the above
All Policy, Risk Management or other sensitive issues to call Tony
Great first steps to keep the Area moving forward with much work yet to be done, but as a team all working together to achieve our mission, we will succeed in delivering our mission and providing a fantastic program and learning opportunity to the youth of Oakville and beyond.
This annual event drew 565 last year. With tickets for just $24 (seats worth $30 all by themselves), free give-away for everyone, draws for autographed sticks & a pair of Leafs tickets, meal voucher and skating on the rink after the game it’s an outstanding value. Click