Every conclave needs a cohesive program that engages, enables, or inspires Arrowmen in some way. The following section is a library of different programs that you can present during your conclave. Some of them may encompass components that can be used across the event, while the others are simple and are designed to fill a standard hour-long block.
The I.D.E.A. Method
Identify – Develop – Engage – Activate
One of the strongest bonds that people develop are those connections with other people. The I.D.E.A. Method is an activation process that utilizes the strength of interpersonal bonds by developing and fostering an individual’s relationship with a group of people. This method focuses on cultivating this relationship at each of the four stages of group relationship development: The Identify stage, the Develop stage, the Engage stage, and the Activate stage. Each of these stages focuses on how an individual, referred to as a Candidate for Activation (CA), perceives their relationship with a group, as well as the depth of their relationship with the members within the group.
This concept was developed with the intention to capitalize on the experiences Arrowmen have at conclave in order to improve their local lodges. It’s aimed to be achieved through developing Arrowmen and connecting them with other lodges.
The I.D.E.A Method is used throughout the Conclave 2.0 program in the following ways:
- To develop a CA’s relationship with their interest group
- To develop a CA’s relationship with their chapter-based group
Additional I.D.E.A Method processes can be applied:
- To develop a CA’s relationship with the Order of the Arrow
- To develop a New Arrowmen’s relationship with other New Arrowmen
Objectives:
Identify a group as one the candidate desires to join
Develop a strong sense of identity as a member of the group
Engage with the group to build relationships that extend beyond the group’s identity
Activate members through continued connection and engagement with their group and attempting to expand the group.
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Identify |
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Stage Focus: |
Shared Interests |
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Stage Beginning: |
CA is unaware of group’s existence |
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Stage Ending: |
CA chooses to join the group. |
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Stage Characteristics: |
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Develop |
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Stage Focus: |
Shared Identity, Relationship Development |
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Stage Beginning: |
CA begins developing their relationship with the group as a new member |
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Stage Ending: |
CA is resolved in their decision to join the group and strongly identifies as a member of the group |
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Stage Characteristics: |
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Engage |
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Stage Focus: |
Shared Experiences, Personal Relationship Development |
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Stage Beginning: |
CA’s relationship with the group begins to extend beyond the group’s identity |
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Stage Ending: |
CA has developed strong interpersonal connections within the group based upon factors unrelated to the group |
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Stage Characteristics: |
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Activate |
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Stage Focus: |
Shared Activation |
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Stage Beginning: |
CA’s passion for the group drives them to recruit additional members |
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Stage Ending: |
N/A |
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Stage Characteristics: |
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I.D.E.A. Group Assembly
Scouting gives youth and adults the opportunity to interact from people they normally wouldn’t, every person can find someone that they relate with. The group assembly program marks the beginning of the Identify Stage of the I.D.E.A Method. Participants will roam within a centralized area where they will have the opportunity to discover or create interest groups, with whom they will participate in a morning program. Each pre-selected group will have an informal, ice-breaking activity designed to both attract participants to that group as well as foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Participants will then select their group before exiting the program area.
Objective:
- Arrowmen get to experience small slices of Saturday’s program
- Arrowmen have a fun, exciting evening activity
- All Arrowmen will self-select into the group they want to join
As presented in the I.D.E.A. Method section of this document, the Identify stage is focused on common or shared interests. This program is designed to accelerate the Identify stage by placing all CAs in a smaller centralized area and structuring the evening program around shared interests. During this program, CAs will first become aware that these shared interest groups exist within the conclave membership, then they will have the opportunity to explore, or “feel out”, different interest groups before selecting an interest group to join, and thus concluding their Identify stage.
Allowing groups to form naturally within a structured conclave program presents a challenge, both logistically and chronologically, but done right, the group program has the potential to greatly impact an Arrowman’s feeling of belonging, and therefore, their continued level of activity and involvement with the Order of the Arrow.
Required Materials:
- # booths = # of groups (pop-ups, tables, chairs, signage, etc.)
- Group specific activity materials (sports group = soccer ball, frisbee, etc.)
- Method in which participants select their group (through an app, notecard & shoebox, etc.)
Instructions:
The first step in successfully implementing the Pre-Selected Interest Group approach is polling a section’s membership effectively. A simple, broad question should be posed:
What Interests You?
Answers to this question can be collected electronically or through brainstorming sessions at lodge or chapter events. Once an initial list is created, each interest should be examined to determine whether it is compatible with the program. Each interest group should meet the following criteria:
1. An interest group is able to have any desired number of crews.
In order to provide the best foundation for all Arrowmen, the Interest Group program should contain as few limitations as possible, which means any number of members desiring to participate in an interest group should be given that opportunity. While the number of participants in a given crew should be consistent, each interest group needs to be capable of expanding to any number of crews. Activities for these groups should be low-budget and either low-resource or use resources that are easily attainable.
2. An interest group activity engages all members within the group.
The interest group program is designed to activate members through group relationship development within the I.D.E.A. Method. If an interest group activity does not engage all members, then those members are excluded from forming such strong relationships with the rest of their group, compromising the goals of the program. In order to build strong activating groups, it is vital that the beginning programs focus on engaging all members within a group.
3. The interest group is led and facilitated by an enthusiastic member.
As the program is designed to increase activation, it is important that the conclave administration select leaders for the interest groups who are empathetic and able to connect to all members of the group. The leader also exudes excitement for the program, ensuring each member feels important.
Some past conclaves had lower energy morning programs such as training sessions or lectures. The interest group method tailors the morning program specific to each Arrowman’s interest in order to maintain high participation. As the conclave is a brief event, it is important for staff members to convey enthusiasm and high energy, maximizing every interaction with the participants as an opportunity to activate.
Tips/Resources:
Consider assembling both scouting and non-scouting related interest groups. For example, you may consider groups based on interests in;
- OA High Adventure
- Patch Trading
- Sports
- Video Games
The I.D.E.A. Method: Develop – Arrowman Connect
At the conclusion of the group assembly on Friday evening, participants completed the Identify stage of the IDEA Method. Saturday morning’s goal is to deepen connections as they enter the Develop stage and begin to form stronger relationships among the members of the group revolving around the group’s shared identity.
Objective:
- Develop a strong shared group identity
- Active participation in a shared activity based on the group’s topic of interest
- Form connections with other group members. At this stage, these relationships will likely be based on the interest group’s shared activity and group identity
Required Materials:
- Group program materials
- Group discussion prompts
At this point in the program, conclave participants have chosen a group and therefore have completed the Identify stage. In the I.D.E.A. method, this gives the participants a way to connect with people who have similar interests. This is the basis for forming stronger group relationships. In the Develop stage, participants interact with other members of the group and learn more about their connection to the group’s shared interest. Activities will focus on this shared interest to provide something which all members can build stronger relationships. Through participation in the group’s morning program, CAs will develop a personal identity as a member of the group and find satisfaction in their decision to join the group.
Instructions:
From the interest groups the conclave participants selected, individuals will then be placed into inter-lodge crews of 10-15, providing the opportunity to form relationships. Each crew will begin their morning program by participating in a group icebreaker discussion. This discussion is intended to build a comfortable group environment, prior to the group’s morning activity, to help foster quicker and stronger group development. After the completion of the discussion, the group members will begin to form stronger connections through their shared activity based upon a common interest. For example, those participants who selected an art-focused interest group, may spend their time designing a patch set as a group, or painting a group (themed) mural. This focus on their common interest will allow these participants to develop connections with other members within their group, furthering their progress to activation.
The I.D.E.A. Method: Engage – Scavenger Hunt
The scavenger hunt is a fast-paced, high-energy, and task-oriented challenge where crews will need to unite in a competitive environment, cultivating further development as a group. The Arrowmen Connect program revolved around the group’s shared interest and shared identity, culminating a shared activity. The scavenger hunt focuses on strengthening a group’s unity and developing connections independent of the group identity. Putting the groups in this competitive environment allows the opportunity to shift the focus from just a shared interest to a shared achievement, another known method for strengthening a group dynamic. Thus, the group members develop stronger relationships that are not solely dependent upon the original interest.
Objectives:
- As a group, complete as many tasks/challenges as possible within the given time frame.
- Build upon the relationship each member has with the group.
- Build upon the relationships with others in the group.
- Actively engage every Arrowman.
- Maintain high energy, focus, and enthusiasm
- Continue the participant’s immersion in the theme
Required Materials:
- Task list (physical or digital)
- Method to track scores (physical w/clipboard or digital)
- Task/Challenge specific materials (e.g. a phone to take a photo)
The Develop stage focused on interaction between participants around their shared interests. This helps form a common ground to connect people and allows the formation of relationships. The goal of the Engage stage is to deepen the relationships with the members of a crew by extending their common ground beyond their original shared interest. Shared achievement provides additional depth to their relationships. Engage begins after the participant is further resolved and confirmed in their decision to join the group, establishing the framework for fostering these relationships. By the end of this stage, participants will have developed relationships with the group that are independent of the original interest. Now, individuals can begin their transition into the Activate stage.
In the course of a conclave, it is not reasonable to expect that all of a group’s members could achieve transition into the Activate stage. This stage is marked by strong commitment to grow and expand the group. The work of the previous stages serves to bring a CA to this point, however a CA’s transition into the Activate stage requires a deep internal motivation. Activation demands a future-focused mindset. Activated members have a goal to carry the group into the future and are willing to step up and perform the actions required to ensure the group’s long-term success.