Voice of the Scout: Headed Your Way With Two Big Changes

It’s time to start promoting the fall Voice of the Scout survey in your Scouting network. The survey is set for Tuesday, October 6.

As this time rolls around once again, there are some updates you should be aware of. Read on to learn what’s new and review how this important tool affects you.

What Has Changed

• District information is now included in all dashboard excel downloads. The VOS dashboard has been enhanced, with downloadable excel files that identify the respondents’ district affiliation. Downloads from the comments page on the VOS dashboard will now include the comment from the NPS question.
• The Experience Recovery Request is being removed. Existing reports can be downloaded from MyBSA until October 31.

What’s Staying the Same

Actions to improve the membership experience remain the same. The action items we rely on you for are consistent too: 

• When the VOS dashboard goes live, review the results and encourage your district executives to do the same.
• Review the feedback of Scouts, Parents, Volunteers and CORs to identify the strengths and weaknesses in each district.
• Develop two or three action-based goals based on the feedback.  Be transparent with your goals including targets, deadlines and owners responsible.
• Communicate changes the council has made based upon the VOS results.

The survey process and timeline is also familiar to those who have participated in the past:

• Surveys are emailed on the first Tuesday of the cycle month.
• Surveys are sent to people who have been part of Scouting for at least 90 days.
• Surveys stay open for two full weeks.
• Results are posted on the VOS dashboard approximately 3-4 weeks after surveys close.
• An infographic and executive summary are produced each cycle and posted on scouting.org/jte approximately 6-10 weeks after the survey closes.

Need a Refresher or Want to Train New Staff?  

VOS has an archive of introductory materials on scouting.org/jte under the Voice of the Scout section. If you need additional assistance or have any questions about getting ready for VOS, email vos.scout@scouting.org.