EBOR Observers

[WeeWillie]

Because a policy does not state you can't does not infer that you can. The SM is the designated observer and that is all that you have to say. Stand on your principles and your role as CC and don't hide behind the alledged lack of rules. A Scout is brave! Bravery means standing up for your convictions.

Before participating in an EBOR a prospective board members should have experience with lower level BORs where their performance can be evaluated and if needed improved. An after BOR discussion with the CC and more experienced board members is the forum for this to occur. You apparently have a very experienced board and I don't understand why an inexperienced CM would not defer to that experience.

Why does this CM need to observe when he/she already sat on a board?

My gut feeling is that you have a problem CM and this isn't the first problem. One of the responsibilities of the CC to coach other committee members. Adult participation is a priviledge not a right and at some point in time it may become apparent that the priviledge is being abused. When that situation arises remember that a Scout is Brave. That may come down to asking a CM to step down.

[ThunderingWind]

Before participating in an EBOR a prospective board members should have experience with lower level BORs where their performance can be evaluated and if needed improved.

Not all EBoR members are Scouters. Many come from the Community per the application of the Advancement Guide.

So sitting on a Star or Life BoR is not applicaple in all instances.

But asking these fine citizens to be an observer so they can learn the process and thus serve the Council/District on future EBoRs is a good idea. We just need to make it clear the Scout that this
adult is there to learn, etc....

We have unfortunatley made a tangent from the OP...................So let's get back on it.

[Nuts4Scouts]

We have unfortunatley made a tangent from the OP...................So let's get back on it.

Not really a tangent.

The OP was asking about a Committee Member who wanted to sit in as an observer at an EBOR.

She already has experience with an EBOR, I see no reason for her to be observing. Have you asked her why she wants to observe?

Personally, razor, I feel if you do not trust her motives for being there, simply tell her sorry, no.

[deweylure]

The key word is observer,not participant. if its that much of a hassle simply tell her no.




Dewey

[Bill Pitcher]

Razor,
If you are setting up the EBOR, you can control the number of people there, from 3 to 6, with at least one Council AC member. If she was disruptive on her first one, you can expect more disruption. As Dewey said, "just say no" or "I have enough members attending, but thanks for asking!" If she insists, tell her: "Not a word or you will be excused" or: "If you speak, the EBOR will be postponed WITHOUT another invitation."

Bill

[USMA_Eagle]

On the Eagle BoR, 12 steps from Life to Eagle, last page of the Eagle Workbook:
8. The board of review for an Eagle candidate is composed of at least three but not more than six members. One member serves as chairman. Unit leaders, assistant unit leaders, relatives, or guardians may not serve as members of a Scout’s board of review. The board of review members
should convene at least 30 minutes before the candidate appears in order to review the application, reference checks, and leadership service
project report. At least one district or council advancement representative must be a member of the Eagle board of review if the board of review
is conducted on a unit level. A council or district may designate more than one person to serve as a member of Eagle boards of review when
requested to do so by the unit. It is not required that these persons be members of the advancement committee; however, they must have an
understanding of the importance of the Eagle board of review.

9. The candidate’s unit leader introduces him to the members of the board of review. The unit leader may remain in the room, but does not participate
in the board of review. The unit leader may be called on to clarify a point in question. In no case should a relative or guardian of the candidate
attend the review, even as a unit leader. There is no set of questions that an Eagle candidate should be asked. However, the board should be
assured of the candidate’s participation in the program. This is the highest award that a Scout may achieve and, consequently, a thorough discussion
of his successes and experiences in Scouting should be considered. After the review, the candidate and his unit leader
leave the room while the board members discuss the acceptability of the candidate as an Eagle Scout. The decision must be unanimous. If the candidate meets the requirements, he is asked to return and is informed that he will receive the board’s recommendation for the Eagle
Scout rank. If the candidate does not meet the requirements, he is asked to return and told the reasons for his failure to qualify.
A discussion should be held with him as to how he may meet the requirements within a given period. Should the applicant
disagree with the decision, the appeal procedures should be explained to him. A follow-up letter must be sent to the Scout confirming the
agreements reached on the action(s) necessary for the advancement. If the Scout chooses to appeal, the board should provide the name and
address of the person he is to contact. (See ‘‘Appealing a Decision” in Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures, No. 33088.)

That seems to pretty clearly outline who attends, and what they do... hope this helps! I have had parents accompany the Scout to the BoR site and sit outside, but have never had one try to sit in. I have also clearly explained to Unit Leaders what the expectation is when they attend the Board, and none have had a problem so far.

YiS,

Paul
http://www.scoutspirit.com