The Language of the OA (LOOA) encompasses style, usage, and grammar norms observed by both Scouting America and the Order of the Arrow. The OA has developed this resource so that communications at every level of the organization are more consistent. Through periodic updates of terminology, it will become a more comprehensive primary resource to ensure chapters, service areas, lodges, sections and regions are aware of terms and style specific to the OA. Additional Scouting terms not used in daily operations can be found on the Language of Scouting (LOS).
Following the Language of the OA and Language of Scouting, grammar, spelling, style, and usage decisions are based on the latest editions of the following references, in order of preference: Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, The Associated Press Stylebook, and The Chicago Manual of Style. The LOOA and LOS always take precedence. Feel free to reach out to @email with any questions or to suggest an update of the LOOA.
The National Order of the Arrow Committee sets policy and directs the program of the OA. The volunteer leader is the chairman of the national committee. Members of the national committee are appointed annually by their chairman.
Capitalize as shown. May be abbreviated as "national committee" or "national OA committee" after first reference. Refrain from using "OA national committee."
A subdivision of the National Order of the Arrow Committee, lead by a national committee member who serves as the chair of their national subcommittee.
Capitalize only in the official name of a particular subcommittee.
"Johnny Arrowmen serves on the National Trading Post Subcommittee," "Johnny Arrowmen is a member of a national subcommittee."
The Order of the Arrow is divided into two regions. The region leadership helps execute the national program on a more local level, provides its member sections with resources, and facilitates communication between local organizations and the national OA committee.
Capitalize in sentence case and when in the title of a specific region.
"Tannu Lodge is in the Gateway Region," "The Eastern Region hosted a National Leadership Seminar."
The top elected youth Arrowman in each region, elected by their peer section chiefs.
Capitalize in sentence case but do not capitalize the region name, except when preceding a name.
"Dirk Smelser is the 2022 gateway region chief," "2022 Eastern Region Chief Alex Pillis."
Appointed annually by the chair of the national OA committee, this person is responsible for administering and managing the program regionally, with a special emphasis placed on the role of adviser to the region chief.
Capitalize in sentence case except when preceding a name.
The Admonition is a word in the Lenni Lenape language that means “To Love One Another”.
Capitalize as shown.
The Obligation is the promise taken at the conclusion of the Ordeal, committing new Arrowmen to the ideals of the Order of the Arrow.
Capitalize as shown.
The handclasp is given with the left hand, as in the Scout handclasp, intertwining the third and fourth fingers.
Capitalize as shown.
The standard grace appropriate for a moment of reverence and thanks before meals at OA events.
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The lyrics to "Firm Bound in Brotherhood," the official OA song, were written by Dr. E. Urner Goodman, one of the founders of the OA. It is sung to the tune of "God Save the Tsar!"
Capitalize as shown. May be referred to as "Order of the Arrow Official Song," "the official OA song," or by the song's title "Firm Bound in Brotherhood."
Ordeal can refer to both the honor level of new Arrowmen, prior to receiving Brotherhood, as well as the induction itself.
Capitalize as shown.
"Johnny Scout is an Ordeal member," "The pre-Ordeal ceremony was completed flawlessly," "Last weekend's Ordeal was a success."
The second level of membership in the Order of the Arrow.
Capitalize as shown only when referring to the honor level or ceremony.
"Amanda Arrowman is a Brotherhood member," "There is a Brotherhood ceremony next weekend," "The Order of the Arrow emphasizes the importance of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service."
The Vigil Honor is the highest honor that the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members for service to lodge, council, and Scouting.
Capitalize as shown.
"Amanda Arrowman received the Vigil Honor."
OA LodgeMaster is a system to help lodges track and manage membership in an easy, yet powerful way. Each lodge is given a database on the Order of the Arrow's LodgeMaster servers.
Capitalize as shown. May be abbreviated as OALM after first reference.
The primary system for registering for events hosted by the Order of the Arrow.
Capitalize as shown. May abbreviate as NOAERS after first reference.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to Arrowmen, youth and adult, who have rendered distinguished and outstanding service to the Order on a sectional, regional, or national basis.
Capitalize as shown. May abbreviate as DSA after first reference.
The Founder's Award recognizes Arrowmen who have given outstanding service to their lodge. The award is reserved for an Arrowman who demonstrates that they personify the spirit of selfless service.
Capitalize as shown.
The Red Arrow Award recognizes individuals who are not members of the Order of the Arrow, for outstanding service to the Order. This award can only be awarded by action of the National Order of the Arrow Committee.
Capitalize as shown.
The Legacy Fellowship Award is awarded to members who make a direct contribution to the National OA Endowment Fund.
Capitalize as shown.
Membership in the Goodman Society is extended to those who incorporate the National OA Endowment as a planned future gift.
Capitalize as shown.
Arrowmen can join the 1915 Society through a $19.15 monthly donation, earning the exclusive 1915 Society Sash after 6 months of giving.
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The Josh Sain Memorial Scholarship was established in 1998 to honor the spirit and the memory of Josh Sain, a former National Vice Chief of the Order of the Arrow. The scholarships are provided to immediate past national officers, immediate past region chiefs, and immediate past section chiefs, upon completion of their successful service of their terms.
Capitalize as shown.
The National Leadership Seminar is a weekend conference that focuses on the skills and attributes of leadership. The program enhances the leadership skills of the Order of the Arrow’s key youth and adult members as they seek to improve their service to Scouting America and the greater community.
Capitalize as shown. May abbreviate as NLS after first reference.
The Developing Youth Leadership Conference will strengthen an adviser’s capacity to develop youth leadership within the lodge and chapter. Conference topics will include learning how to promote resilience, foster a growth mindset, provide constructive feedback, and create a life-long mentoring relationship.
Capitalize as shown. May abbreviate as DYLC after first reference.
The section conclave is an annual activity involving the lodges in each section.
Capitalize in sentence case unless referring to a specific conclave.
"The G16 Conclave will be held in September," "Amanda Arrowman attended her first conclave."