Scouting, Volume 2, Number 16, December 15, 1914 Page: 1

SCOUTING
Published semi-monthly by National Headquarters, Boy Scouts of America
For Scout Officials and Others Interested In Work for Boys
Vol. II.
NEW YORK, N. Y, DECEMBER 15,-19*5. (f/f
No. 16.
HOW THREE FINANCIAL
CAMPAIGNS SUCCEEDED.
Details of Financial Efforts Recently
Made in New York, Philadelphia
and Worcester.
THE endorsement of the Boy Scout
Movement in Worcester, Philadel-
phia and New York City, in con-
nection with definitely planned financial
campaigns, is the most significant develop-
ment of scouting in this country. In each
instance, 'the fund desired was over-sub-
scribed. These three financial successes
in addition to providing unquestionable
evidence as to the value with which scout-
ing is regarded by the general public,
demonstrate the wisdom of a carefully
planned campaign. Further, it shows that
those engaged in scouting can, by present-
ing their cases in a business-like way se-
cure the financial support necessary to
make scouting available to boys in an
efficient manner.
How the Campaigns Were Conducted.
What was accomplished in Worcester,
Philadelphia and New York can easily be
duplicated in any community where there
is a Local Council and a record of actual
'accomplishments to demonstrate the value
of the Scout program. There is no mys-
tery about any of these campaigns and
there was no factor which cannot be
duplicated elsewhere. The essential ele-
ments which contributed to the success in
each case were:
1—A strong conviction on the part of
those planning the campaign that there
was a real need for the money to be re-
quested and that the general public would
be willing to contribute voluntarily if given
the proper opportunity.
2—The selection of a well-known, rep-
resentative man to serve as chairman of
the campaign committee and the selection
of ten or more men of standing of the
community, thoroughly conversant with
the results of scouting, to serve as the
canvassers.
3—The fixing upon a definite time and
place, and a systematic method of conduct-
ing the campaign.
4—A preliminary meeting on the eve-
ning before the opening of the campaign at
which time lists are carefully gone over
and definite assignments assumed by those
who have been enlisted to serve with the
committee. At this meeting, during the
serving of the dinner and preliminary to
the checking of lists, a concrete presenta-
tion of the needs for the purpose of in-
spiring the workers and making sure that
they all present the same case, is an im-
portant factor.
Daily Meetings Important.
For the following three days of the can-
vass it is important that everyone engaged
(Continued on page 3, column 2.)
HOW ALL CAN HELP.
An Invitation To The Field For A Frank Expression
Of Opinion.
THE year 1914 is coming to a close. Already we are beginning to make
preparations for our Fifth Annual Meeting, which will probably be held
the second week in February at Washington, D. C.
It is our desire to present just as encouraging a report as 'the facts war-
rant. We must, however, take pains to report only actual facts. All Scout-
masters who have thus far failed to re-register should feel their responsibility
in this matter. The second notice has been sent to every Scout official whose
registration expired September 30 who has not re-registered. It is hoped we
will hear from all before the end of the year. Likewise it is hoped that all
Local Councils whose registrations have expired will appreciate the importance
of sending in their papers at an early date.
Our President, Mr. Colin H. Livingstone, has addressed a letter to the
members of the National Council and to the Presidents of all the Local Coun-
cils with a view of extending an invitation to them to have a definite part in
the formation of our plans and policies for the new year. A copy of the
letter to Presidents of the Councils is printed herewith, together with the
various enclosures as sent out by Mr. Livingstons. It is hoped that every
member of Local Councils and every Scout official will read this and the ques-
tional referred to as if it were_ addressed to him personally, and that every-
one who has a suggestion or criticism to offer will feel free to submit same as
a contribution to the cause of Scouting.
It is the sincere desire of all engaged in Scouting to profit by the ex-
perience and advice of all the men in the field. Frank criticism and sugges-
tions will greatly strengthen our work for boys and give us greater opportuni-
ties for rendering the maximum degree of service.
On behalf of the Executive Board and the Headquarters' Staff, I take
great pleasure in extending Christmas greetings to all engaged in Scouting
throughout the whole country. .
(Signed) James E. West, Chief Scout Executive.
THE PRESIDENT'S LETTER.
An Appeal for Facts and Suggestions
from Local Councils.
Letter from the president of the Na-
tional Council, Mr. Colin H. Livingstone,
to the presidents of all Local Councils:
" As the President of a Local Council,
the officers and members of the Executive
Board will greatly appreciate your co-op-
eration in the development of "ways and
means whereby the methods and policies
of the Boy Scouts of America may be im-
proved upon so as to make the Boy Scout
Scheme more effective in reaching its pres-
ent membership and in extending its use-
fulness to just as many more of the 8,000,-
000 adolescent boys in this country as pos-
sible.
" In preparing for the Fifth Annual
Meeting, which will probably be held in
Washington the second week in February,
it is desired to have consideration given to
the view point of the men in the field in as
democratic a fashion as is possible. To
facilitate your consideration of the subject
a memorandum is attached with various en-
closures explaining themselves.
" Because of your position as the Pres-
ident of a Council you can undoubtedly
serve the cause of Scouting by frankly
presenting the point of view of yourself
and those associated with you in Scout-
ing, about some phase of the boy problem
and the adequacy of the Boy Scout Scheme
and the policy of the National Council in
dealing with that problem.
"The members of the Executive Board
under whose personal direction all of the
administrative problems and policies are
developed in accordance with authorization
of the National Council, will sincerely ap-
preciate your suggestions or constructive
criticisms.
" Will you be good enough to let us
hear from you at your convenience and ac-
cept the season's greetings from the officers
and members of the Executive Board and
the Headquarters' Staff and our assurances
that we want to co-operate to the fullest
extent in all of your splendid efforts to
help boys to help themselves and to de-
velop the character of the American boy