Background: Becoming a Brotherhood member seals one’s membership in the Order of the
Arrow and it represents a deeper understanding of the ideals taught in the Ordeal. To ensure your
lodge obtains high-performing status, it is important chapters do their part to reach the Brotherhood
conversion goal of 50%. The chapter can work toward this goal by actively assisting Ordeal
members on their path to Brotherhood.

Meeting Resources: Brotherhood test questions and answers can be found through the web, OA
handbook, ceremony team members, and your lodge Brotherhood chair. Have information
about JumpStart available, or—better yet—arrange for Internet access at the meeting to
demonstrate the value of JumpStart in person.

Meeting Content: Invite the lodge Brotherhood chair (or a lodge officer) to give a review of the
Brotherhood requirements and their importance. Then, let the experienced members train the
Ordeal members.

• Have resource materials on hand available for coaching and answering questions. For example, have a copy of the Spirit of the Arrow booklets, the OA Handbook, and the Ordeal ceremony scripts at the meeting.
• The path to Brotherhood does involve some memorization. Stress that this memorization comes easily after an understanding of the Order. Break into groups for the specific purpose of coaching Ordeal members on becoming Brotherhood members. Remember: Youth should coach youth and adults should coach adults. Make sure that everyone in attendance participates.
• Play the game at https://oa-scouting.org/jumpstart that tests an Ordeal member’s knowledge of the Order. If Internet access is unavailable, encourage members to do so at home.
• Brainstorm with the group methods to reward those who reach Brotherhood within the year. A friendly competition among chapters is a good way to encourage chapter involvement. Of course, it’s not about which chapter is stronger, but how together the chapters can make the lodge stronger.
• Encourage Brotherhood and Vigil honor members to keep in touch with Ordeal members. They should call, email, or text new members (following youth protection guidelines) encouraging them to return to events and learn more about the Order. Use the Elangomat system and encourage Elangomats to work personally with their crew members. Ensure nobody leaves the meeting with unanswered questions!

Although an entire chapter meeting can be devoted to teaching the principles of Brotherhood, set aside a specific time within each meeting’s agenda to break into groups and continue learning. Your lodge, through your efforts, will achieve high-performing status. Most importantly: Have fun! Members will return only if they have a good time.