Strengthening the Culture of Section E9 Officer Elections
Dear OA Council of Chiefs and Conclave Planning Members,
Last weekend during the February Council of Chiefs meeting, I shared and discussed this memo outlining steps Section E9 is taking this year to strengthen the culture of our Section Officer elections.
The intent is simple, to ensure our elections are fair, respectful, youth-centered, and fully aligned with the values of Scouting and the Order of the Arrow. The memo introduces a new Section E9 Elections Code of Conduct and highlights several process enhancements designed to support candidates and improve clarity and consistency across the Section.
One of those process enhancements that will be new this year is the Section E9 Officer Candidacy Statement. Candidates will complete a structured online form outlining:
- The office(s) they are seeking
- Why they believe they can fulfill the duties of that office
- How they will contribute meaningfully to Scouting and the Order of the Arrow
- How they will best represent the members, values, and missions of Scouting and the Order of the Arrow
Upon submission, the candidate automatically receives a copy of their completed statement as a PDF via email (blank template here), along with a pre-filled Candidacy Approval form as a PDF (blank template here) for their Scout Executive to review, fill, and sign.
The purpose of the Candidacy Statement is not to create barriers, but to promote reflection, clarity, and accountability. It encourages candidates to think intentionally about service, leadership, and responsibility before stepping forward. Candidacy Statements will be shared with Section membership through the official Conclave app in advance of voting. Providing consistent access to each candidate’s background, vision, and commitments promotes transparency, informed decision-making, and a more meaningful election experience for all delegates.
As mentioned earlier; to streamline the process, candidates will also receive a pre-filled Scout Executive Candidacy Approval form upon submission of their Candidacy Statement. However, candidates and Scout Executives may choose to provide a more traditional written approval letter via email in lieu of utilizing the new form, consistent with past practice. The goal is clarity and intentionality, not added bureaucracy.
In addition, the new Candidate Checklist & Process Guide walks youth through eligibility requirements and expectations step-by-step, helping reduce confusion and timing issues.
As we approach Conclave, a formal Notice of Officer Elections will be shared in late March. That notice will include reminders of key dates, election procedures, and any additional instructions or clarifications for candidates.
Please take a few minutes to review the attached and linked documents and share them with others on your leadership teams as appropriate.
If you have questions, concerns, or would like to discuss any part of this, I’m always happy to talk.
Thank you for your continued leadership and for helping set the tone for a strong and positive Conclave.
Yours in Service,
AJ Kelly | Section Adviser
