What Is a Memorandum of Understanding and What Does It Mean for the BSA?

You might have run across language in Scouting referring to MOUs with other organizations in Scouting Newsroom or here on Scouting Wire – but what exactly is an MOU and what does it mean for the Boy Scouts of America?

Keep reading to get those answers from Lee Shaw, the BSA’s Director of National Alliances and learn about existing MOUs that are positively impacting the organization now.

What Is an MOU?

“A memorandum of understanding (MOU or MoU) is a formal agreement between two or more parties,” shares Shaw. “Our organization uses MOUs to establish official partnerships. MOUs are not legally binding but they carry a degree of seriousness and mutual respect, stronger than a gentlemen’s agreement.”

The National Alliances Team works to establish such agreements to assist local councils to begin the conversation to collaborate with local affiliates of national organizations. There are currently over 80 existing MOU’s and letters of support between the BSA and national organizations comprised of religious institutions, educational organizations and community organizations.

MOUs and information about them can be found published in the charter organization resource guide and the Marketing and Membership Hub. Examples of recent MOUs include:

• Kappa Alpha Psi
• Phi Beta Sigma
• Alpha Phi Alpha
• Community of Christ Church
• American Heart Association

To learn more about these partnerships you can review the Religious Chartered Organizations Resources, Education Relationship Resources and Civic Organization Resources on the Marketing and Membership Hub. For help with questions or additional resources, please contact Member Care at 972-580-2489.

How are your councils leveraging these partnerships in your local communities? Share your stories in the comments below!