PILOT Academy will be unlike anything else available to lodge chiefs, up-and-coming youth lodge leaders, and lodge advisers (or their designees) at NOAC. These lodge leaders from across the nation will gather one morning during the conference for a brand new training program designed to give you the tools to be an even more effective leader. This immersive, engaging, interactive, and fun-filled leadership challenge will be conducted in a non-classroom format and empower you to return home and be powerful agents of change.
The name PILOT Academy wasn’t chosen just because it’s short and easy to remember, nor was it chosen because this is a new program. "PILOT Academy" was inspired by the airline industry: a pilot is charged with getting passengers safely to their destination, but he can’t do it alone. He needs co-pilots, flight and ground crews, air traffic controllers, maintenance crews, and many other team members to mobilize to make extraordinary things happen in the organization. Leaders like you perform a similar role, in your lodge and in your life. You may be "in charge" by title, but must rely on others to make the whole team successful in reaching their destination.
Youth and adult leaders will have a unique opportunity to network and discuss lodge operations with their peers. A member of the PILOT Academy Crew, selected from current and former youth leaders and advisers at the lodge, section and national level, will guide and support you throughout your morning’s journey through the five practices of Exemplary Leadership. Together, you will reflect on your own leadership experiences, learn what it takes to become an exemplary leader, and share best practices and learn from one another. You will learn about the qualities people seek in leaders and two important rules that contribute to credibility, rooted in 25 years of research
Each lodge will be able to send two youth, the lodge chief and an up-and-coming youth leader, and the lodge adviser or their adult designee. The up-and-coming youth leader should be a change agent who is passionate about his lodge and will still be a youth member influencing his lodge’s program and operations for at least two years. Similarly, if the Lodge Adviser sends a designee, he or she should be a part of the next generation of advisers in the lodge.
If you are interested in attending this event, talk to your lodge chief and adviser today! Once individual registration opens on April 2nd, your lodge adviser will be able to assign attendees to the PILOT Academy. And since space is very limited, it’s important that you express your interest as soon as possible to have the best chance of being selected to attend.
Are you ready to Chart Your Destiny and become a PILOT for your lodge?