Everything you need to know about the New Member Coordinator position

The official logo for the New Member Coordinator position.

Joining a new Scout unit can be a little overwhelming at first. You’re presented with a calendar full of fun upcoming activities, but all the new people, places and things can seem like a lot to digest.

Fortunately there’s help. It comes in the form of a volunteer whose job is all about making new members feel right at home.

It’s called the New Member Coordinator, and it’s a position invented by volunteers in 2017 to help welcome new Scouting families to our life-changing, adventure-packed program.

In the Scouting spirit of friendliness and helpfulness, we kindly recommend that every Scout unit identify one or more volunteers to serve in this vital role.

At what levels can New Member Coordinators serve?

There are New Member Coordinators at the unit level and — new in 2019 and beyond — at the district and council level, too.

What does a unit-level New Member Coordinator do?

The unit-level New Member Coordinator forms a connection with new members and their families. They are appointed by and report to the Unit Committee Chair.

Each unit should have one — or, ideally, more than one — New Member Coordinator.

In general, all unit-level New Member Coordinators:

  • Serve as welcoming ambassadors for the unit.
  • Work with the unit committee in developing and implementing the Unit Membership Plan.
  • Participate in New Member Coordinator training and collaborate with the district membership team.

“New Member Coordinators can be a game-changer for membership retention as well as recruitment,” says Linda Baker, chairwoman of the New Member Coordinator Task Force. “Having one or more NMCs in a unit can make everything easier and more fun.”

What does a New Member Coordinator wear?

In most cases, New Member Coordinators do not wear the Scout field uniform (unofficially known as the “Class A”). In an effort to make new Scouting families feel as comfortable as possible, New Member Coordinators dress like new members — not like longtime Scouting veterans. It makes sense.

But that doesn’t mean the New Member Coordinator should attend meetings incognito.

The Scout Shop offers an array of New Member Coordinator gear, including neckerchiefs, pins, hats, polos and T-shirts.

How can someone register as a New Member Coordinator?

The easiest time to register someone as a New Member Coordinator is when your pack, troop or crew recharters.

The New Member Coordinator, which uses the registration code “NM,” is a member of the unit committee.

This role replaced the roles of Unit Membership Chair and Parent Coordinator, which are no longer available.

What about the district-level New Member Coordinator?

In 2019, the BSA added a district-level New Member Coordinator.

This volunteer, appointed by the District Membership Chair, serves on the District Membership Committee.

Responsibilities include:

  • Serving as advocates, promoters, ambassadors, mentors, supporters, colleagues, champions and cheerleaders for unit-level New Member Coordinators.
  • Sharing the New Member Coordinator concept, ensuring widespread awareness of the benefits of
    units’ having one or more New Member Coordinators.
  • Shaping the role of New Member Coordinators in the district so that the district and units benefit from
    NMC engagement and so that New Member Coordinators are welcomed, trained and supported.

Interested in stepping up and serving in this role? Contact your District Membership Chair or District Executive.

What about the council-level New Member Coordinator?

This position was added in 2019, as well.

The council-level New Member Coordinator is appointed by and reports to the Council Membership Vice President. They receive additional guidance and support from the Council Executive staff.

Responsibilities include:

  • Serving as advocates, promoters, ambassadors, mentors, supporters, colleagues, champions and cheerleaders for district- and unit-level New Member Coordinators.
  • Leading the council’s team effort to strengthen membership in the council through collaboration with New Member Coordinators at all levels.
  • Sharing the New Member Coordinator concept, ensuring councilwide awareness of the benefits of units’ having one or more New Member Coordinators
  • Shaping the role of New Member Coordinators in the council so that the district and units benefit from NMC engagement and so that New Member Coordinators are welcomed, trained and supported.

Think you have what it takes for this role? Contact your Council Membership Vice President or council office for more information.

What other resources are available for New Member Coordinators?

Make this site your first stop.

You’ll find training information, forms, printable brochures, videos, logos and much more.


About Bryan Wendell 3281 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.