Achunanchi Chapter/Choccolocco District
The Achunanchi Chapter is back!!!
The Achunanchi Chapter has taken a long hiatus but is pleased to announce its second chapter meeting! All OA members of the Choccoloco District are invited to attend the Choccolocco District Christmas Party on December 9 from 5:30-8:00 at Western Sizzlin in Anniston. The chapter will conduct an officer election and discuss the formation of a ceremony team. ALL YOUTH ARROWMEN WILL BE ABLE TO VOTE IN ELECTIONS AND ACTIVITY DECISIONS! If you are an Order of the Arrow Representative, be sure to attend or send someone to represent the Arrowmen of your unit. Come with plenty of ideas and be prepared for an active new year!
Adults are encouraged to attend to find out how they can get involved to support the youth of our chapter. This year we will need advisers for lots of different activities! Please also contact the youth arrowmen of your unit to see if you can offer a ride!
Note to OA Reps:
Did you know that the OA Representatives are integral part of the chapter leadership team!?! According to the Coosa Lodge Rules and the Achunanchi Chapter Rules, every unit can select one youth representative to serve as a voting member of the Chapter Executive Committee (or the group of youth that decide what the chapter is going to do).
FAQs:
Q: What if my unit does not have an OA Rep???
A: Have your Scoutmaster and SPL appoint one. This is a troop leadership position.
Q: What if I am the SPL or Scoutmaster and don’t know the job description of the OA Representative or who I am allowed to select?
A: There is a description of the job found on the Troop/Team Representative page of the national OA website. Any youth member of the Order of the Arrow (someone who has completed the Ordeal) who is under 18 and dues paid in the Coosa Lodge. You can always contact the Chapter Adviser if you have any additional questions about the job.
Q: So now that I am the Troop OA Representative ….. what do I do?
A: First contact the Chapter Chief. He will add your name to the roster of OA Reps. He will also give you more info about Chapter Executive Committee Meetings and your job. Essentially, you need to keep your troop informed about what is going on in the OA and the chapter about the needs of your troop. The OA is both a brotherhood and a service organization. There may be a program that chapter members from other units can help you out with! At minimum, attend chapter meetings and stay informed.
Q: So who are our chapter leaders?
A: The chapter is lead by a team of youth called the Chapter Executive Committee as per the Coosa Lodge Rules. This consists of chapter officers, OA Representatives from each troop and team, the Chapter Adviser, and the Chapter Staff Adviser. In our chapter the officers are the Chapter Chief (head youth), the Vice Chief Service, the Vice Chief of Native American Affairs, and the Vice Chief of Communications. The Chapter Adviser and other adults only function to support and facilitate the youth leadership and cannot vote on chapter decisions.
Q: So how do I get active?
A: Come to the District Christmas Party on December 9 at Western Sizzlin in Anniston! This is our next chapter meeting. You can also contact the Chapter Adviser if you have questions and will not be able to attend.
Q: How do I become a chapter officer?
A: Come to the Chapter Meeting on December 9 at 5:30 at Western Sizzlin in Anniston! If you cannot make it, contact the Chapter Adviser to add your name to the elections for a specific position (see the list above).
Q: I am an adult. Why did I get elected to the OA???
A: Adults play a crucial role in the OA. Their job is to facilitate the activities of the youth. You become a resource … a.k.a. a ride to events, a mentor for specific projects/activities, a supporter of OA activities in your home unit, etc. The chapter is always in need of adults willing to help the youth of the chapter with specific activities such as creating regalia, coaching ceremony teams, helping plan activities at District Camporees, editing the webpage, helping with newsletter articles, dealing with Scoutmasters for OA elections and camp promotions, etc. Contact the Chapter Adviser to find out how you can get involved.
