Commissioner Job Descriptions

Unit Commissioners
The Unit Commissioner is a generalist whose overriding mission in Scouting is to help units succeed. Specific responsibilities include:

• Help each unit earn the Quality Unit Award
• Use the annual Commissioner service plan, with its scheduled opportunities for Commissioner contact with units
• Know each phase of the Scouting program and keep current by reviewing Scouting program literature.
• Visit unit meetings and observe the unit in action and determine the degree to which the descriptions in the literature are being followed. Only if called upon, participate or help in some of the regular activities of the unit.
• Visit regularly with the unit leader and listen to what the unit leader has to say. Offer encouragement and support and help the leader see new opportunities for improvement. but always maintain the best possible relationship with unit leadership. Help the leader with forms and applications. Encourage unit participation in district and council program events and training opportunities.
• Work to ensure effective and active unit committees. Visit with the unit committee periodically and observe the committee in action, offer suggestions for improvement and work with the committee to solve problems and improve unit operation.
• Keep in touch with the chartered organizations of the units you serve. Meet and orient the chartered organization representative. Meet the head of the organization and explain your role as helper of units. Help develop a good relationship between unit leaders and chartered organization leaders.
• Know the neighborhood in which your units are located so that you can help graduating members of one program join the next level of Scouting (e.g. Webelos to Boy Scouts).