Brothers,
It is hard to believe that we already find ourselves more than halfway through the year. This week, we are supposed to be gathered together for the 2020 National Order of the Arrow Conference. We may be physically distant, but we aren’t alone. This week as we come together for Momentum Launch, we all must look ahead to delivering our programs in this new normal.
In any leadership role, specific moments arise that seek to define your term. Less than four weeks after our organization started experiencing a period of rapid change and restructuring, we began facing an unprecedented pandemic that would test each of us immensely. The spread of this virus has led to more tough decisions in our organization, like events from the local to the national levels. We know many of you are adapting your chapter or lodge’s programs to reach our members safely. That is no easy undertaking—we’re grateful for your leadership in these trying times. It is tempting to believe these moments can overshadow this year.
At Momentum Launch this week, we will chart a new course for the Order of the Arrow for the remainder of 2020. Our joint commitment to bold, decisive action will enable our organization to emerge from this crisis stronger than ever before.
The instant we let these tough moments define this year and our legacies as leaders, we seal our movement’s fate. This year will be remembered for each day that we take the opportunity to advance our organization. As we move through the second half of 2020, we invite you to join us in staying true to that promise. Together, here’s how we’ll make it happen:
- Providing each eligible Scout an election opportunity by visiting every remaining unit before December 31.
- Encouraging each candidate to complete their induction through upscaling our individual outreach.
- Inspiring all existing members to become active Arrowmen through regular virtual and/or in-person events.
Last October we committed to thrive, setting up this year as our greatest opportunity for growth to-date. By fulfilling this promise, 2020 will be defined by the leaders who kept the momentum going. Our top priority as a national organization continues to be supporting lodges and chapters in these efforts. On behalf of the National Committee, we are publishing our plan as a national organization to join you as we redefine 2020.
Don’t let the tough moments control your year, for your abilities are far stronger than any obstacle you encounter. The challenges of the moment seek to define your term, but your character and resolve will leave a legacy.
With eyes to the sky,
Zach Schonfeld Noah Smith
2020 National Chief 2020 National Vice Chief