The Los Angeles Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, has made a series of important decisions which will help us Be Prepared to meet the needs of youth in a changing environment.

Over the past several years, the council has enjoyed a number of successes.  At the same time, we have experienced a shortfall in our operating fund which has required us to evaluate how we operate, and to take actions to preserve our core programs in support of our mission. The council’s Fiscal Oversight and Budget Committees, the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, and staff leadership team have joined forces to make major changes in the council’s operation.

Seventy percent of the council’s operating budget is made up of personnel-related costs, which is the norm in not-for-profit organizations.  Most of what we do consists of helping volunteers succeed in serving youth, and we do this through people. It thus became necessary to reduce the council staff to meet our financial targets, as well as reducing a number of other expenses.

The objective is that we will restore a stable financial platform, from which the council will be able to provide core programs to as many youth as possible.  Our intent is to grow again in membership and quality of program, while remaining fiscally responsible.  Scouting volunteers will be empowered to provide the unique leadership they bring to all aspects of district and council operations.  Staff will be expected to work diligently and intelligently to leverage available funds.

The council will continue its commitment to serving youth from across the entire community, but will use several new or renewed strategies.  Among these are developing partnerships with the strongest organizations in our most challenged areas, including historic church and civic group partnerships.  The Learning for Life program will continue, refocusing on Exploring and forming relationships with business and other partners as well as in-school and after-school programs.

2010 will be a year of great accomplishment for the Los Angeles Area Council, one in which we will proudly say “On My Honor, I’ll Do My Best.”