“Sustain.” We’re using that word a lot in Scouting today. What does it really mean, and more important, what does it mean to commissioners?

Start with the definition: “To provide what is needed for (something or someone) to exist, continue, etc.”¹

Then consider the vision (picture of future success) for unit service: “Every member of the BSA has a great Scouting experience.”

And one other thought: too often, the potential impact of an effective commissioner isn’t understood.

Scouting exists to make our communities, nation, and world better through service to youth. That work is done in our units; it’s the program our units deliver that attracts youth and adult leaders to Scouting and retains them. Yes, our districts, local councils, and national council add additional opportunities and provide support, but Scouting’s success rests on its units.

Unit leadership isn’t easy. Whether experienced or not, there’s always a new question, situation, or need. And there’s always something new going on in Scouting. Often, there’s a ready answer or solution available. The challenge for unit leadership? How to find it!

Commissioners are the first, best resource of unit leaders. That doesn’t mean they know the answer to every question, but it does mean they have access to resources (local, regional, and national) that can provide—or find—the answer.

Commissioners help unit leaders have meaningful discussions about ensuring that every one of their members has a great Scouting experience and identifying changes and new opportunities that might help with that. When those require new resources, commissioners can help make them available.

Commissioners help unit leaders help youth continue Scouting, both in and beyond their current units. We understand the need to facilitate Cub Scouts’ transition to Scouts BSA. There’s equal opportunity in enabling transition to our programs for older youth (Exploring, Sea Scouts, and Venturing). The longer a youth is engaged with Scouting, the greater Scouting’s impact.

Commissioners share Scouting’s good news. There is good news to share—every day—regardless of news that may be appearing through other channels. Our unit leaders need to hear it; commissioners can deliver it.

Commissioners are the heart of Scouting; they build relationships based on candor, respect, and trust; they enable Scouting to change lives. They sustain the units that enable Scouting to help make our communities, nation, and world better.

That’s impact.

 Be the heart, build relationships, change lives!

On the uptrail…