Community Service Lessons from the Boy Scouts
This year the Boy Scouts of America are commemorating their 100th Anniversary and, to celebrate, they have created a program that we all can learn from.They have created a Centennial Award. It is a special patch with slots for 5 ribbons - each ribbon signifies completion of achievements in a particular category:
- Leadership
- Achievement
- Community Service
- Character
- Outdoors
To earn a ribbon, a scout (or adult leader) must complete 3 of 5 specific tasks.
So, how would this work at your institution?You could create a program for your staff and for your customers/members. You can create any categories you like, but let's use Community Service, since it makes the most sense. How about outlining the following standards:
- Participate in one American Red Cross or Habitat for Humanity project
- Donate food or time to any local food bank
- Volunteer at least 1 hour to any local high school function
- Participate in or donate to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life
- Organize a litter pick up in your neighborhood
After completing any 3 of the 5 activities above, your customer or staff member get honored in some way.
Don't make it too complicated, base the program on the honor system and take their word for it. The idea is simply to motivate people to participate, not to create a program-policing nightmare.
By creating standards in areas like Community Service, Leadership and Financial Fitness you can have a complete program that would surely effect your community for the better and provide your bank or credit union with unique and positive public relations.
And in this time of negative publicity for financial institutions, wouldn't now be a great time for some good-will in your neighborhood?
Take care,Eric
