No One Left Behind Criteria

There is no clear NOLB policy from Manitoba Council. I've been told by council one year that we are responsible for remitting full fees and that we can apply for some sort of NOLB grant payable back to the group. The next year we're told not to send anything in, just submit the NOLB paperwork.

Who at Council determines what is an appropriate bank account balance? I don't submit that information, because AFAIC, it will just lead to disagreements between the group and council ( what's an appropriate amount? What if we are planning for equipment purchases? Subsidies to group members for CJs?)

Last year, for our subisdy request, we sent in a portion of fundraising and felt it was appropriate for both the group and council to absorb some of the cost (We calculated that for each subsidy request, if we were to cover the full $160 council and national portion out of the additional group portion, we would have to register another eight youth, just to break even!)

The biggest problem I see is that too many parents see it as 'Oh, just ask for subsidy and we don't have to pay' type of program; and of course these parents do not typically do fundraising either.

personaly I think that all parents should have to do fundraising, but if they are getting a subsidy? you bet. they need to find a way to do every fundraiser. you work shift work, well fine, send your aunt, secont cousin, dad, older child, whatever. how to force that I dont know. for people who can pay most groups in this area take 2 post dated cheques for 50-150 each, to be returned once you do a fundraiser. but people who cant pay there is no point in asking them for cheques. not sure how to do that.

Maybe there is something wrong with me, but it seems very clear:

All youth are expected to participate in fundraising activities (Scout Popcorn and Scoutrees). Some youth fall short of what they need and when other sources of assistance are exhausted (family, group, council, or social service agency) then an application to the fund will be considered. The fund is not intended to replace local support systems but to extend the same to allow even more youth to become members of Scouting. All applications are confidential and only the section leaders are aware of the name and personal situation of all applicants. Funding provided is relative to this application only and does not a guarantee future funding. Please re-apply annually.

I donno" we ask.

There is no clear NOLB policy from Manitoba Council. I've been told by council one year that we are responsible for remitting full fees and that we can apply for some sort of NOLB grant payable back to the group. The next year we're told not to send anything in, just submit the NOLB paperwork.

Who at Council determines what is an appropriate bank account balance? I don't submit that information, because AFAIC, it will just lead to disagreements between the group and council ( what's an appropriate amount? What if we are planning for equipment purchases? Subsidies to group members for CJs?)

I don't know, the only way to find out is to ask. You could hide your Group's money in another account if you really wanted to stick it to them... This 'us against them' accomplishes nothing. We're all here for the same goal. And I nominate you as the next Commissioner for your Area - go make the changes you desire.

The biggest problem I see is that too many parents see it as 'Oh, just ask for subsidy and we don't have to pay' type of program; and of course these parents do not typically do fundraising either.

I agree but just because they ask doesnt mean you have to open the Group wallet either. They typically don't want to pay but that doesnt mean they can't.

There is no clear NOLB policy from Manitoba Council. I've been told by council one year that we are responsible for remitting full fees and that we can apply for some sort of NOLB grant payable back to the group. The next year we're told not to send anything in, just submit the NOLB paperwork.

This is all a lot of BULL; Councils do NOT set policy. Baseline sets policy and if you do not agree with what your Council is doing; then take it further.
To me, personally, just giving the money away without checking whether it is really needed is pour and simple stealing from those that really do need the help.
This was my last word on this discussion.
In my Council, them that needs, gets. NEED being the operative word. BUT I guess that in a military family environment it is easier to know who really needs.

when you ask people to prove their need, you will drive away probably half of them that are embarased to do so. if you dont ask you end up giving to those who dont want to pay. its a double edged sword. you cant win....

I would like to thank everyone for providing their input. Here is what my new understanding is:
-NOLB is provided at the discretion of the local Scouter IF funds are available;
-The onus seems to be on the local Scouter to decide whether a family meets the criteria;
-Families receiving NOLB should be asked / required to participate in fundraising such as Apple Day;
-Scout groups should have at least one event where non-family members are asked for fundraising support (e.g. Apple Day).

We are going to give NOLB a try for February when membership is less expensive. I will let you know how it goes.

Tom

This is all a lot of BULL; Councils do NOT set policy. Baseline sets policy and if you do not agree with what your Council is doing; then take it further.

That seems to be one of the inherent problems with the system. There are too many examples of Council setting differing policies than what national has or setting their own policies where national has none. Examples I can think of off the top of my head include:

Remit to Council portion of Scouttree fundraiser

Policy on receipt of charitable donations earmarked to groups and administrative cost recovery

NOLB application and process

Appropriate CRC sources

Interesting to know where the issue is? Are policies being developed at national without input from councils? Are councils developing their own policies without consulting national? Are councils developing policies where none exist from National?

I would like to thank everyone for providing their input. Here is what my new understanding is:
-NOLB is provided at the discretion of the local Scouter IF funds are available;
-The onus seems to be on the local Scouter to decide whether a family meets the criteria;
-Families receiving NOLB should be asked / required to participate in fundraising such as Apple Day;
-Scout groups should have at least one event where non-family members are asked for fundraising support (e.g. Apple Day).

We are going to give NOLB a try for February when membership is less expensive. I will let you know how it goes.

Tom

In our group, it is the Group Commissioner who interviews the family to determine if they meet the criteria for NOLB assistance.

I would like to thank everyone for providing their input. Here is what my new understanding is:
-NOLB is provided at the discretion of the local Scouter IF funds are available;
-The onus seems to be on the local Scouter to decide whether a family meets the criteria;
-Families receiving NOLB should be asked / required to participate in fundraising such as Apple Day;
-Scout groups should have at least one event where non-family members are asked for fundraising support (e.g. Apple Day).

We are going to give NOLB a try for February when membership is less expensive. I will let you know how it goes.

Tom

You forgot, what in my humble opinion is the most important:

Some youth fall short of what they need and when other sources of assistance are exhausted (family, group, council, or social service agency) then an application to the fund will be considered. The fund is not intended to replace local support systems but to extend the same to allow even more youth to become members of Scouting