Every lodge leader has heard about the virtues of creating lodge goals. Many lodges make the mistake of writing down goals each year, only to have them sit, untouched, for the entire lodge year. That makes the process nearly meaningless. Instead, lodge leaders should give thought to making specific, measurable goals. Lodges can make their goals parallel Journey to Excellence achievements, or the goals can target a more specific aspect of the lodge’s program.
Remember that a goal must be measurable. That is, it should be quantifiable either by a percentage or a specific number during a certain time period. For example, a lodge may set a goal as follows:
- Increase the lodge’s participation at the section seminar by 3% of our registered membership from the previous year.
A lodge should not make a goal like:
- Emphasize Brotherhood conversion at the Fall Fellowship.
A lodge can create goals in several ways. One way is for lodge officers to propose a set of goals during an LECM as part of their first order of business at the beginning of the lodge year. Another way is by drafting a recommended set of goals at the lodge’s LLD with final approval by the LEC. Many lodges favor the second process because it allows those at the LLD to offer suggested goals for the LEC to think about, digest, and edit prior to approval. A byproduct of this analysis period could generate additional measurable goals. A successful lodge chief will include his adult leadership in this process, seeking their wisdom regarding practical application of the goals.
Examples of goals that one lodge has established throughout the years follows. These goals are simple one-liners:
- The lodge will host three lodge Ordeals per year.
- The lodge will conduct a unit election in every unit requesting a unit election
- The lodge will increase participation in the national event programs by 3% from the previous event.
- The lodge will increase participation at the section conclave program by 3% from last year’s participation.
- Each lodge committee will provide leadership to at least one section competition
- The lodge will contribute to the Maury Clancy Indian Campership fund at least $1.00 per person in attendance.
- The lodge will contribute $1.50 per registered Arrowman to the council’s FOS campaign.
- The lodge will secure funding ($1000.00) to recognize one recipient for the James E. West award.
- The lodge will contribute $20,000.00 to the council for scouts who attend summer camp
A lodge’s list of goals will grow as the lodge periodically revisits its progress. The objective is to get the lodge leadership to target what is important to the lodge, council, and units. Of course, the lodge Key 3 should visit with the council Key 3 to make sure the lodge goals are consistent with the council’s overall objectives.
Finally, publish the goals either online or in the lodge newsletter, but hang the information out there for the lodge membership to see. Periodically re-publish and emphasize upcoming goals. This way, the membership will be focused on achieving the same goals and the leadership will be held accountable for achievement. Have fun while establishing your goals, be creative, and make sure the goals are specific and measureable.
The above resource was submitted by O-Shot-Caw Lodge in Miami Lakes, Florida, which has used this method to establish strong lodge goals. The lodge has experienced tremendous success with this method and continues to achieve great things with its implementation. To submit your best practice, send an email to @email.