Implementation Plan for the Awarding of a James E. West Fellowship
by Woa Cholena Lodge
The concept and the implementation of awarding the lodge supporting the council Endowment Fund by awarding a James E. West Fellowship in the name of a deserving arrowman each year was discussed at the National Council of Chiefs Meeting at NOAC 2006.  This concept is in congruence with the OA Strategic Plan and follows the route already taken by many lodges across the nation. It would also fulfill item #11 on the 2006 Quality Lodge Petition which requires each lodge to support the local council endowment fund with a $1,000 contribution.

The plan to be implemented within Woa Cholena will consist of the following:

  • Donations will be accepted at all four functions and at any other time a donor wishes to contribute. The money will be accumulated in the lodge account designated for "endowment fund" until enough funds are raised for a James E West. Contributions can be given to me or turned in at the scout office. The minimum donation is $1.00.

  • Funds not sufficient to fund an entire fellowship ($1,000.00) will be carried over year to year and added to donations collected in that year. All funds collected will be reserved exclusively for the council endowment fund.

  • Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

  • A committee comprised of the major donors will select which dues paying active member or members of the lodge is honored.

  • It would be terrific to fund at least one by the end of the year so we can count this achievement toward Quality Lodge.

Many lodge members donate directly to the annual Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign conducted by the council, and/or by purchasing significant quantities of lodge memorabilia.  In addition, many lodge members donate many hours to Scouting which is service that truly cannot be measured in dollars and cents.  This plan gives every lodge member a means to contribute significantly to the Council Endowment fund and insure Scouting in the Mobile Area Council is perpetuated. 

If anyone is interested in contributing to the lodge's plan to award a James E. West Fellowship, please contact the Lodge Advisor, Steve Pierre.  The council Endowment Fund is an important issue with both the National OA and BSA.

This program as outlined above has the approval of the Supreme Chief of the Fire.