1. Can we give the award to a new member?

2. Who can wear the award?

3. How many can I wear?

4. Is the award earned for the calendar year?

1. Q: We are having our annual uniform inspection this month and a insignia question has come up, that I can't find the answer to.  Our unit was awarded the Quality Unit award for 2001 (In Dec., most recent), so should a cub that just joined our Pack wear this patch? I think yes, since it's awarded to the unit not the cub, others say no.

A: There is nothing in writing that says whether the Quality Unit Award can or cannot be given to a new member.  If it is not in writing, then like many things, it is open to interpretation by the local council.

There are two ways to go.  I prescribe to the general business practice that you must have been a member of the team to earn the award.  I would not expect to transfer to a new work group or sales team and think that I would be given an award because the team I had not been a part of exceeded quota last year.  I feel that every registered member of the unit during the chartered year was a part of the unit's achieving its goals and therefore deserves to wear the award.  Hopefully, new members will work to help the unit achieve the award so that they too can wear it next year.

Many others believe that the quality unit award is like a military award.  When a person joins a military unit, and that unit has been recognized, all members of that unit wear the unit citation.

Giving out the award to a new member is a decision of the council and the unit.  Either way, there should be a purpose to giving the award to a new member.  Without meaning behind it, it is simply another colorful piece of cloth.  The award is a tool to achieve a purpose.  That purpose being to offer a better quality program to the youth.  If you've used the award in a manner that achieves the purpose, then you implemented it correctly.

2. Q: I'm the Pack's commissioner.  Shouldn't I be able to wear the Quality Unit Award?

A: The youth and leaders that are registered with the unit can wear the award.  The unit's commissioner can not wear the award since he/she is registered with the council.

3. Q: I've seen Scouters with rows of these things on their arms.  Just how many Quality Unit Awards can I wear?

A: Sorry, but the official rule is that you can only wear the most recently earned award, if the unit elects.

4. Q: Help!  I'm a new Cubmaster who's confused.  Isn't the award earned for the calendar year?

A: Earning the National Quality Unit Award is based upon the past charter year achievements.  It is earned by the unit during the month following charter renewal.  For example, a unit that rechartered in December, 2002 (Dec. 31) earns the award in January, 2003 (Jan. 1).  They would wear the 2003 emblem.  On the form, the unit's leaders make a commitment for the new charter year.  This is meant to be used as a planning and goal setting tool for the unit. 

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