Chiefs,
It is hard to believe that only a few short days stand between us and the beginning of a new year. When we arrive in Dallas for the National Order of the Arrow Planning Meeting, we will lay the groundwork for our 2019 program of emphasis: Focus 2019. The three different components of Focus 2019 will be Hackathon, Lodge Performance, and Conclave 2.0. Lodge Performance will be made up of three committees: election, induction, and activation rate. Conclave 2.0 will consist of both a program and administration committee. Each of you will play a key role in planning this program, and will make decisions that will impact the future of the OA. We are excited to see the unique skills and ideas that you’ll bring to the table! As many of you have not attended a national planning meeting before, below is a brief overview of what to expect and a few key reminders from the call we had last month.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when you touchdown at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (remember, don’t fly into Love Field!):
When you land, grab your bags and head to Terminal C, baggage claim C-31, and check-in with the uniformed BSA representative who will coordinate transportation for you to the hotel. Once you arrive at the Marriott Solana, you may check in to your room and participate in afternoon recreation. Find some time to get to know the other chiefs, committee members, and key volunteers as they arrive! We will also be holding the traditional national officers vs. national committee basketball game. Feel free to stop by and watch; you know which team you should be rooting for…
On the night of December 27th, there will be a reception, dinner and a presentation on the basics of the 2019 program of emphasis. Following this general session, you will go straight into the national chief and national vice chief elections. The elections are known to end late at night, so make sure you are well rested when you get to the hotel. After the elections, you’ll want to head to bed as breakfast and region chief elections are first thing in the morning on December 28th. Each region will meet in a separate room and elect their region chief.
Following the region chief elections, professional photos of each planning meeting guest and a group photo will be taken. In the afternoon, the new national officers will be installed, your committee assignments issued and the program planning will commence! After going through some initial, big picture discussions on your committee’s vision and involvement, you will elect a focus vice chief (FVC) to lead your committee.
The rest of the meeting will be spent compiling your plan to deliver on your respective committee’s responsibilities in 2019. Of course, the planning meeting is not strictly business. You will have the chance to enjoy fellowship with other attendees, as well as see the exciting things happening in the Order of the Arrow first-hand.
On December 30th, continental breakfast will be served and we will depart, ready to put on amazing program for our fellow Arrowmen.
Please be sure all of your paperwork has been taken care of, and you have reviewed all of the event information that was sent to you several weeks ago. Additionally, make sure to download the 2018 National Planning Meeting App on your smartphone or tablet to access schedules and other important information you’ll need on-site.
We look forward to joining you soon, and if we may be of service, please do not hesitate to ask.
Yours in Service,
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Anthony Peluso 2018 National Chief |
Michael Kipp 2018 National Vice Chief |