I was at a Scout luncheon last week where several of my council’s prominent officers and executive staff were invited to attend.  In the hour and a half they were in the same room with 60+ volunteer scouters, I was pretty disappointed that they didn’t do much to mingle with the other guests.  I suppose with all the presidential campaigning going on during this election season, maybe I mistakenly thought these council dignitaries would act in a similar manner.  You know… walking around, shaking hands, thanking participants for their service, appreciating the staff for their commitment and recognizing the sacrifice it takes for so many to spend so much time away from their families to be involved in this program.  Perhaps the brand new scouters in attendance didn’t know who these folks were, but those of us who were clearly identifiable as volunteer staff members sure did!  Am I wrong for expecting these higher levels of local leadership to extend themselves in this way at such scouting events??

In my opinion, if you hold a prominent position in Scouting, please take every opportunity to let other scouters know how important they are.  And I don’t mean speaking in general about a large group during your presentation, but individually and personally as you attend social functions where there’s time before or after to “make the rounds”.  Isn’t this how you become connected with the people, hear what they have to say and humbly acknowledge that if it wasn’t for us doing what we do, there wouldn’t be anyone to lead?!