Comments on: An explanation of the New Square Knots

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:21:52 +0000

I only JUST learned about the award in the latest edition of Scouting magazine (Jan-Feb 09 issue). That led me to the Speaker Bank website, which led me to the BSA presentation material & templates available. I had no idea that stuff even existed. And I can say I am MUCH MUCH more likely to take on some speaking commitments as the district/council need, knowing the “heavy lifting” of content development is done. And I’m good at this kind of work – having won speaking awards in college, completed the Toastmasters program, and I regularly deliver a LOT of presentations & training for my work (high-tech marketing).

I’m also an Eagle Scout, new Scouting volunteer, and a good ‘ole Owl too. If I can merge my speaking skills with my passion for Scouting… it feels like it’s a “Perfect Storm” scenario. And it never would’ve happened except for news of this award. I think it’s a good thing, and respectfully disagree with the assumption I’m a “rich old white man” (a medical and/or financial assessment would quickly concur)

And Rev. Dr. Stone, if you’re still among us to read this, I wish you the best and sincerely thank you for your lifetime of service (in MANY capacities).

By: R Sytone

R Sytone — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:08:18 +0000

Nice & honorable subject, now you should discontnue 6 knots, with double meaning. You have heard my voice before. Terminally ill and it wont be long
Cub knots have always been our of line, I was there and attence as subject matter meeting in 1986 in Lville. Ben Love thought I was a biggie because I could quailify for speakers, received rave reviews, to no avail. I was a Police Capt on secutity detail and a 45 yr Scouter at the time. 22 is as many as I have seen and an attitude to fo with it. It cheapens the rest of us. Set a limit in 1953 5 and 5 medals and knots were max.Thank you for the great job you are doing, we as still a FREE society. No answer needed.

Great SW Bless you all.

Rev Dr R Stone (Ret) Obe SW

By: BSAChaplain

BSAChaplain — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:41:23 +0000

I think the speaker’s bank and knot is a great way to promote publicizing Scouting in all of its forms in the community.

This will likely lead to increased FOS community campaigns, planned giving, new units etc. The speakers are going to be passionate volunteers who will typically be more persuasive than most of the professionals. This allows the council to utilize and promote the best speakers in their area and recognize them for it.

I am pushing for our new implementation of the program.

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:29:34 +0000

I’d disagree… The BSA Speaker Bank is actually a great marketing idea if employed right. There are a lot of passionate people out there that can deliver the BSA’s message better than a professional who is just worried about the bottom line. If Councils find those passionate people and allow them to spread the message to outside organizations it will make a difference. Rewarding them with a knot, if that is what does it, so be it.

By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:42:48 +0000

The BSA Speaker Bank Square Knot is a great way to recognized rich old white men.

By: » Cool New Shirt Decorations

» Cool New Shirt Decorations — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:26:06 +0000

[...] Also known as those knots that leaders wear above their left pocket, these knot patches recognize adults for the many ways they contribute to the Boy Scouts of America. Dan over at Scouting News lists new knots recently made available. [...]