Benefiting from Legacy of Honor

The recent nationwide release of Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts provides councils unique opportunities to promote the Scouting message within the Scout community and in the general public. This book, written independently of the BSA by Eagle Scout Alvin Townley and published by Thomas Dunne Books in New York, lends a valuable third-party voice to the Scouting story and our message of values and character.

Numerous councils have used the book, as well as appearances by the author, with great effectiveness. As an important first step, councils have ensured their grassroots membership is aware of the book's availability (online and in major bookstores nationwide) via newsletters, e-mails, and other announcements.

Following are methods for using Legacy of Honor to promote and strengthen Scouting within councils.

1. Recognizing donors and volunteers. Councils have given books to key donors and volunteers as appreciation gifts, on large and small scales. The book reminds these individuals why their support of Scouting is important and worthwhile. The author has addressed numerous fund-raising events with success.
    
2. Congratulating new Eagle Scouts. Several councils have already purchased (or had donated) copies of Legacy of Honor for each new Eagle Scout. The book rewards the young men for their accomplishment, showing them the tradition they have joined. It also inspires and challenges them to continue following the lifelong Scouting trail. The author has frequently personalized copies for these new Eagles after speaking at Eagle Scout Recognition Dinners.
    
3. Engaging the media. By leveraging local media contacts, councils have garnered positive press coverage related to the book and appearances by the author. Since the book tells the Scouting story, coverage for the book yields positive publicity for local councils. One concept is dovetailing a story about the book with stories of local Eagle Scouts of note. The marketing team at Thomas Dunne Books (contact joseph.rinaldi@stmartins.com) or the BSA national office (contact SMedlico@netbsa.org) can provide support, and resources are available at www.legacyofhonor.com.
    
4. Encouraging leaders and Scout parents. Since Legacy of Honor validates the program and inspires those involved, the book becomes a valuable tool for rewarding and encouraging leaders and parents. By making all Scout leaders and parents aware of the book's availability, the message will reach as many leaders, parents, and ultimately Scouts as possible.
    
5. Reengaging Eagle Scouts and Scouting alumni. Councils have organized and publicly advertised "Gatherings of Eagles" and other events centered on the book and/or author to identify and/or reengage local Eagle Scouts and Scouting alumni who have potential to support Scouting.
    
6. Telling the Scouting story to the public. The book tells the Scouting story in a way that appeals to those people not involved or unfamiliar with our program. By focusing on the values and deeds of publicly known and widely interesting Eagle Scouts, the book communicates the purpose, reality, and success of our program. Councils can promote the book and encourage volunteers and leaders to share the book with those outside the Scouting community (Rotary, local civic leaders, etc.).
    
7. Activating National Eagle Scout Association chapters. The book and its profiled Eagles offer unique material for NESA events. Notifying Eagle Scouts and NESA membership of the book serves to reengage their interest in Scouting.
    

Additional information is available at www.legacyofhonor.com. Books are available online and at major bookstores nationwide.

The Merits of Marketing (marketing.scouting.org) is a resource for local councils, developed by the Marketing & Communications Division of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America.